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Auction: 18008 - Sinkiang Postal History, The 'Manhattan' Collection
Lot: 2019

Sinkiang
Russian Post Office
Urumchi
The Only Known Cover from the Russian Post Office at Urumchi

1909 (5 July) envelope registered to Switzerland bearing Kitai 1k., 2k. (2), 3k., 5k. and 7k. tied by superb strikes of the type U1 c.d.s. and with a further strike and "R" in circle handstamp type UR1 alongside. Sent via Chuguchak where it was re-registered with Arms 1k., 2k., 3k., 4k., 5k. and 7k. applied on the reverse tied by type C1-2 c.d.s., the registration label type CR2 is on the address side, there is the despatch c.d.s of Urumchi, transit c.d.s. of Sergiopol (16.6) and Moudon arrival c.d.s. (15.8) and a superb sender's red wax seal. A stunning and remarkable cover. Photo



Urumchi was a major hub on the Silk Road during China's Tang dynasty, and developed its reputation as a leading cultural and commercial centre during Qing dynasty in 19th Century.

provenance:

Kurt Adler, August 1974
Raymond Casey, April 2012

literature:

Stamps of the Russian Empire Used Abroad, Tchilinghirian and Stephen; page 286 (illustrated)

The Postal History of Xinjiang, Wong and Xie; page 49 (illustrated)


The postmark translates as Urumtsi (China) Post of the Imperial Consulate of Russia

Sold for
HK$550,000