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Auction: 12005 - Fine Stamps and Covers of China and Hong Kong
Lot: 1046

China Customs Mail Matter Customs House Shanghai 1875 (13 Jan.) printed envelope from Belfast to Peking Via "French packet letter" bearing G.B. 1873-80 3d. rose and 6d. grey (2) tied by Belfast duplex; the reverse with Cliftonville despatch c.d.s., a fine strike of the very rare "hong kong to/shanghai" marine sorter type 6 dated 1875 (28/4 Feb.) plus a faint but clear strike of oval bilingual "customs house/shanghai" in blue. The cover is exceptionally fresh and fine, showing an extraordinary combination of postmarks. Only a handful of covers bearing the Shanghai Customs House oval exist. This mark was applied on incoming mail from either United Kingdom or U.S.A. It is not known why this was stuck in blue and is the only such example, all other strikes are in red. B.P.A. Certificate (2011). Photo Estimate HK$ 150,000-200,000 Note: Most mail sorted at sea from the United Kingdom received the Singapore to Hong Kong marine sorter. This cover was conveyed by French Mail so was not sorted until it reached Hong Kong. Although a few covers have turned up in recent years, only a handful of this Hong Kong to Shanghai mark are known

Sold for
HK$270,000