Auction #23

China, 1912 (Mar 22), 1¢, 3¢, 16¢ & $1-$5 "Republic of China Provisional Neutrality" issues for use in Nanking, etc., Nanking City, a magnificent, flawless condition "W.T. Gracey", American Consul, Nanking cover, bearing 6 values, including all dollar values of the rare Provisionals for Use in Nanking, Hankow and Changsha issue, all cancelled by "Nanking City March 22" CDSs, a pristine and exceedingly rare and important cover, Extremely Fine and choice, signed Bloch, with a 1954 R.P.S.L. certificate.
Estimate HK$ 220,000 - 260,000

Although "Gracey" covers are well-known in the annals of Chinese philately, this cover is believed to be the only example bearing the 16¢, $1, $2 and $5 values, and has lain dormant in the family's correspondence for decades. The 16¢, $1, $2 and $5 issues are all rarities, printed in quantities of 200 (75 issued at Nanking), 156 (96 issued at Nanking), 93 (61 issued at Nanking) and 52 (32 issued at Nanking) respectively.