China, 1896 (11 Dec.) envelope to Peking (7.2.97) via the French Post Office in Shanghai (16.1.97) bearing France Peace and Commerce 25c., cancelled by "Fourmies/Nord" c.d.s., and small figures surcharge on Dowager 1st printing 4c. on 4ca. applied on arrival in China and cancelled by "Customs/Shanghai" double-ring d.s. (18.1.97), extremely fine and exceptionally rare and alluring pre-issue usage of the surcharged stamps. Chan 40.
Estimate HK$ 150,000 - 200,000
成交:70萬港元
China, 1897 Revenue with Large Figures Surcharge $5 on 3c. red, position 7, fresh colour, centred to lower left, fine unused with large part original gum, a rare example with original gum since most of these stamps were soaked off remittance certificates. Chan 91.
Estimate HK$ 150,000 - 200,000
成交:70萬港元
China, 1898 (4 Aug.) "Remittance Certificate No. 305" bearing I.C.P. 20c. from the left of the sheet, cancelled by "Foochow" dollar chop, representing the 2% commission charged for the remittance, with Red Revenues large figures surcharge $5 on 3c. singles (2), position 2 and position 21 with sheet margin at foot, uncancelled as per instructions, to be sent to the post office in Amoy and redeemed at face value there, fresh bright colours, both stamps miscentred to upper left, light vertical bend of no consequence through sheet margin example, overall in a very fine and remarkable state of preservation for such a rare and noteworthy surviving document. Chan 91.
Estimate HK$ 500,000 - 600,000
China, 1897 Revenue with Small Figures Surcharge 2c. on 3c. red, variety surcharge inverted, positions 1-2/11-12/1-2, position 12 is a coincidental (non-consistent) comma after "cents" variety, deep bright colour on radiant white paper, centred just to right, very fine and fresh unused with part to large part original gum, minor paper adherence on reverse, lower right stamp has two minute punctures, lightly folded along horizontal rows of perfs., and a few split and reinforced perfs. An immensely rare and extraordinary multiple. A spectacular item of the highest exhibition calibre. Chan 84i.
Estimate HK$ 1,000,000 - 1,200,000
China, 1895 (17 Oct.) Greece Large Hermes Head 20 lep. postal stationery envelope to the Belgian Minister in Peking (13.12) bearing Small Hermes Head Athens printing perf. 11½ 10 lep., cancelled by Athens c.d.s., and Dowager 3ca. applied on arrival in China and cancelled by Tientsin seal, "Customs/Tientsin" double-ring d.s. (11.12) in red adjacent, with "Singapore/To Hong Kong" marine sorter c.d.s. (24.11), and "Customs/Tientsin" double-ring d.s. (12.12) and "I.G. of Customs/Peking" double-ring arrival d.s. both in blue on reverse, the 3ca. has small marginal tear at foot, very fine and an extraordinary usage from an exotic origin. Chan 24.
Estimate HK$ 250,000 - 300,000