HK041-Main

Imperial China Postal History 302

1875 (5 Feb.) A cover from Shanghai to England, bearing Ceres 40c orange yellowish strip of 3 x 2, one stamp bottom right corner defects, tied by ‘5104’ numeral French P,O cancel, type 1, this type cancel had been used until 1870’s very late usage. Hand stamped ‘PD’ in red cachet. ‘SHANG-HAI/5.2.75’ Fr. P.O cds. On reverse with ‘NORWICH/22.4.75’ transit and ‘AYLSHAM22.3.75’ arrival cds. Photo HK$ 4,000 - 5,000 302A 1880 (27 May) A mixed franking Large Dragon cover from Lurgan, Ireland, addressed to William Hancock, I.M. Customs. Peking. Hancock joined the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs Service in 1874, and was appointed clerk at Chefoo on arriving in China in July. He was transferred to the Inspectorate-General at Peking in 1875. On front bearing Great Britain QV 1p red brown (SG53, Sc79) in pair and strip of 3, both tied by ‘LURGAN’ single bottom arch cancel and ‘316’ duplex cancel in black, at bottom right, bearing Large Dragon 3 cands red brown (missing 2 top perforations) tied by ‘CUSTOMS/SHANGHAI’11.7.80’ cds. On reverse with single ring ‘HONG KONG/8.7.80’ arrival cds. A small tear at the top not affecting any stamp and cancellation. Minor toning. Rare. Photo HK$ 150,000 - 200,000

302

302A

53