Sale 75 Asian Stamps & Postal History

China, 1897 (22 Oct.) Chungking Local Post 2ca ("2 Candarins" crossed out) stationery card to London (9.12) bearing Red Revenue large figures surcharge 1c. on 3c. horizontal pair [16-17], the first stamp the large box of central character, cancelled by "Chungking" dollar dater, and France "Chine" 5c. cancelled by "Shang-hai/Chine" c.d.s. (4.11), with unframed red "T" and "T" in triangle h.s., and handstruck "4D/F.B." adjacent, the 1c. on 1ca. pair has faults at top left and the card has small corner crease at top right, very fine. A charming and delightful postcard. Chan 87.
Estimate HK$ 150,000 - 200,000

Provenance: "China Red Revenue Covers", Sotheby's (Hong Kong), 7.11.1996, lot 912.

References: Benjamin Y.K. Hwa, Vol. I, p. 306.

ONE OF ONLY TWO SUCH USAGES RECORDED. BOTH WERE MAILED FROM THE SAME PERSON ON THE SAME DAY, ONE TO LONDON AND THE OTHER TO EDINBURGH.

Apparently sent at the printed matter rate (Christmas greeting) of 2 cents, the card has been taxed for the postcard rate (written message at back) of 4 cents (10 centimes).