Sale 1357 — 2025 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Wednesday, 25 June, 2025
Category — Worldwide: Great Britain thru Japan
Great Britain, 1840, 1p Grayish Black (1b; SG 3). Plate 2, lettered I-A to J-B, block of four with "(towar)ds the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the Letter." imprint in the wide left margin, unused (no gum), large margins at top and right, including portion of adjoining stamp's framelines, close and just touching at bottom, tiny tear at top well outside the frameline, top pair with light crease
FINE and VERY RARE AND IMPRESSIVE IMPRINT BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 1840 ONE-PENNY BLACK.
Blocks of the Penny Black with any part of the imprint in the margin are exceedingly rare. This position is especially desirable, since it captures nearly the entire imprint.
Ex Dr. Pichai Buranasombati and Lord Steinberg. Catalogue values as a normal block, without any premium for the imprint: Scott $115,000; SG £100,000.
Great Britain, 1840, 1p Black (1; SG 2; SG Specialised AS23). Plate 4, lettered G-I to IK, block of nine, original gum, a few minor hinge marks, large to full margins all around, deep intense shade and impression, center stamp with small natural inclusion at top, light toning along left edge
VERY FINE. A SUPERLATIVE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF NINE OF THE 1840 ONE-PENNY BLACK, COMBINING RARITY, BEAUTY AND GREAT PROVENANCE.
Few blocks of the Penny Black still exist of this size, and only a handful exist in blocks larger than nine. Most blocks of nine or larger are cut in on at least one side and/or have severe faults. The block offered here, with its balanced margins all around, superbly detailed impression, full original gum, and only a minor imperfection (faint toning at left), surely ranks among the finest quality blocks of nine (or larger) extant.
Ex H.C.V. Adams, "Daisy", Dr. Pichai Buranasombati and Lord Steinberg.
Great Britain, 1840, 1p Black (1; SG 2). Plate 6, lettered I-F, ample margins to slightly in at top, tied by red Maltese Cross, used as forwarding postage, red "Forwarded by Harnden & Co. Express from Boston" circular handstamp on Jun. 25, 1840 folded letter from Boston to Baring & Brothers in London, England, forwarded to Liverpool, sender's directive "By the Great Western", "BRISTOL/SHIP-LETTER" two-line handstamp, manuscript "8" ship letter rate crossed out upon forwarding with 1p stamp paying the rate from London to Liverpool, Jul. 16 and 18 backstamps, a bit worn along folds
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE USE OF GREAT BRITAIN'S PENNY BLACK ON A LETTER FORWARDED BY HARNDEN FROM BOSTON TO NEW YORK CITY FOR THE TRANSATLANTIC SAILING OF THE GREAT WESTERN.
From the Roland H. Cipolla II collection. Ex Kuphal.
Grenada, 1950, 2½p Ultramarine, Perf 12½ x 13½ (136a; SG 157a). Mint N.H., well-centered, lovely bold color on fresh paper
VERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 1950 21/2-PENCE KING GEORGE VI WITH PERF 12.5 BY 13.5. ONE OF THE RAREST KING GEORGE VI STAMPS OF THE ENTIRE BRITISH EMPIRE. LESS THAN A DOZEN EXAMPLES ARE THOUGHT TO EXIST.
This stamp was an unannounced printing and all known examples were sent to Grenada. By the time it was known to the collecting community, stamps had mostly been used up, leaving very few unused examples in existence. This explains the huge difference in catalogue value between unused and used examples in both Scott and Stanley Gibbons.
With 2023 B.P.A. certificate. Scott $7,500. SG £11,000.
India, Used in Straits Settlements—Singapore, 1854, 4a Red & Blue, 2nd Printing, Head Die II, Frame Die I (6D; SG 19). Horizontal pair showing wide setting and separating line, mostly large margins to just touching outer frameline at right, cancelled by diamond of dots cancel on folded letter datelined Singapore Mar. 18, 1855 and addressed to "Capt. John Murray, Grenadier Guards, British Expedition, Crimea", sender's directive "via Alexandria", blue Alexandria transit datestamp on back, left stamp in pair with small tear at top, overall aging and outer sheet of cover extensively reinforced
FINE. A RARE AND REMARKABLE USE OF A 4-ANNAS LITHOGRAPH WIDE-SETTING PAIR ON A LETTER FROM SINGAPORE TO AN OFFICER SERVING IN THE CRIMEA. ONLY FIVE 1854 ISSUE COVERS TO THE CRIMEA ARE RECORDED, THREE OF WHICH HAVE 4-ANNAS STAMPS.
The Crimean War was fought from October 1853 to February 1856 between Russia and the alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, United Kingdom, and Sardinia. The geopolitical and religious nature of the war, coupled with it being one of the first conflicts using modern-day technology, such as photographs, created an unpopular opinion in the West. Battlefield conditions led to diseases that caused more casualties than the battles themselves. The letters in the Captain Murray correspondence convey the horrific conditions during the Crimean War.
Ex Dr. Wood, Taylor and "Magnolia". With 2012 B.P.A. certificate.
India, Feudatory States, Bundi, 1894, ½a Slate (1; SG 1). Without gum as issued, large margins showing full framelines on all sides, which is one of the defining characteristics of this rarity
VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A PHENOMENALLY RARE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 HALF-ANNA SLATE FIRST ISSUE OF BUNDI. ONE THE GREAT RARITIES OF INDIAN FEUDATORY STATES COLLECTING.
On Bundi No. 1, the dagger at center touches the outer line at right. There are also separate framelines around the design of each stamp. On the second issue the dagger is much smaller, does not touch the outer line, and the stamps share framelines.
With 2005 R.P.S. certificate. Scott $40,000. SG ₤40,000.
Italian States, Roman States, 1867, 3c Green, Unissued (Sassone 21). Without gum as produced, framelines around except for a small portion at lower right, strong paper color, expertly repaired crease
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF ONLY SEVEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE UNISSUED 3-CENTIMISI GREEN.
The original issue of the 1867 Series was to be made up of six values—3c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 40c, and 80c. The 3c was printed on green paper, and the others in their issued colors. Because of a rate change, it was necessary to produce a 2c stamp. It was decided the 2c stamp should be issued in green, necessitating a change of color for the 3c, which was ultimately issued in gray. The 3c Green sheets that were already printed were ordered destroyed. However, a few escaped destruction. According to the Sassone Catalogue, only seven copies have been recorded. Of those seven, three are sound and four are defective to some degree.
The Sassone Catalogue takes the unusual step of pricing this unissued value in two states, sound and defective. The price for a sound stamp is €600,000, while the price for a defective stamp is €240,000. This stamp falls into the latter category.
With 1978 Oliva, 1992 E. Diena, and 2023 Ceremuga certificates. Sassone €240,000.
Italy, 1933, 5.25l + 19.75l and 5.25l + 44.75l Balbo Triptych (C48-C49; Sassone A51O-A52K). Complete sheets of 20 containing each of the pilot's names, 19.75l contains the "ciuffo" variety on the "I-BORG" stamp (Sassone 51Da), 19,75l sheet Mint N.H. except four stamps affected by staining that shows through, a few small selvage faults, 44.75l sheet Mint N.H., with a few small toned spots on gum, one of which shows through, small selvage tear at left, overall Fine-Very Fine set of sheets of this popular Air Post issue, Sassone prices a Mint N.H. set of sheets at €18,875, and the "ciuffo" variety separately at €3,600
Italy, 1933, 5.25l + 19.75l and 5.25l + 44.75l Balbo Triptych, "Volo di Ritorno/New York-Roma Double Overprint (C48-C49 footnote; Sassone PA53a). "I-ROVI", the two overprints almost coincident (as is the other example we are aware of), original gum, lightly hinged on the right stamp only, bright colors, a couple reinforced perfs at top between middle and right stamps
VERY FINE. AN EXTRAORDINARILY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE NEW YORK-ROMA FLIGHT DOUBLE OVERPRINT. BELIEVED TO BE ONE OF ONLY TWO WITH THE DOUBLE OVERPRINT.
We know of only one other double overprint — "I-ARAM". That triptych is also hinged and has certificates from Raybaudi and Colla (2002) describing it as unique. A must for the serious collector of Italy or Air Post stamps.
With 2018 Colla certificate. Scott does not price the double overprint, but in a footnote after No. C49 they price the normal overprint at $36,000. Sassone €80,000.
Italy, Offices in China—Peking, 1919-20, $2.00 on 5l Blue & Rose, Type II (30a; Sassone 30). Mint N.H., well-centered for this issue, fresh colors
VERY FINE AND EXCEPTIONAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-DOLLAR ON 5-LIRE PEKING SURCHARGE TYPE II. A MAJOR WORLDWIDE RARITY OF TREMENDOUS APPEAL WITH ONLY FIFTEEN RECORDED. RARELY ENCOUNTERED -- PARTICULARLY IN THIS CONDITION.
There are three types of the $2.00 surcharge with this type the most distinctive. The other types show "dollari" in lower case and are differentiated by the spacing of "Pechino". Unlike nearly all other surcharge and overprint varieties which emanate from different positions of a plate and were produced at the same time, this was a totally different surcharge plate.
From the Magnolia collection. Signed A. Brun. With 1947 A. Diena and 1998 E. Diena certificates. Scott $185,000. Sassone €300,000.
Italy, Offices in China—Peking, 1919-20, $2.00 on 5l Blue & Rose, Type III (30b; Sassone 29). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright and fresh
FINE. a rare ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-DOLLAR ON 5-LIRE PEKING SURCHARGE TYPE III.
There are three types of the $2.00 surcharge including one type with "DOLLARI" capitalized. The other two "dollari" in lower case are differentiated by the spacing of "Pechino". This example, measuring 11.5mm instead of 13mm, is far more valuable.
From the Magnolia collection. With two 1963 A. Diena certificates. Scott $20,000. Sassone €35,000.
Italy, Offices in China—Peking, 1918, 4c on 10c Buff & Magenta, Postage Due (J5; Sassone S5). Original gum, h.r., fresh colors, typical centering
FINE and impressive rarity. there are only seven recorded original-gum examples of the 1918 4-CENTS ON 10-CENTESIMI PEKING POSTAGE DUE SURCHARGED ISSUE. THIS IS one of the most important postage due rarities, not only OF the italian post offices abroad but OF the entire world.
There are very few regularly issued postage due stamps which reach anywhere near the rarity and catalogue value of the 4c Peking surcharge. With only seven recorded, this item is missing in nearly all collections of either the Italian Post Offices in Peking or postage dues of the world. All of the examples we are aware of are similarly centered to the left, indicating they likely originated from the same pane (or part pane as these were hand-surcharged).
From the Magnolia collection. With 1958 A. Diena and 2016 Bottacchi certificates. Scott $125,000. Sassone €240,000.
Italy, Offices in China—Tientsin, 1917, 6c on 15c Slate, Surcharge Partially Omitted (4 var; Sassone 3ha). Mint N.H., strong color and crisp impression
FINE. A SELDOM ENCOUNTERED MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENTS TIENTSIN SURCHARGE PARTIALLY OMITTED.
From the Magnolia collection. Signed Fiecchi and Chiavarello. With 2025 Avi certificate. Sassone €13,000 as hinged.
Italy, Offices in China—Tientsin, 1921, $2.00 on 5l Blue & Rose, Type III (23b; Sassone 25). Original gum, minor h.r., deep rich colors, typical centering
FINE. a Rare original-gum example of the 1921 2-DOLLAR ON 5-LIRE TIENTSIN TYPE III SURCHARGE. only 300 surcharged.
Similar to the $2.00 surcharged issues of Peking, there are three types of overprints. Two are similar in nature with "Dollari" overprints and the third with the "dollari" overprint. The differentiating factor is the size of the "Tientsin", which measures 10mm wide versus the more common example (23; Sassone 23) that measures 13mm. The Sassone catalogue specifically notes that the Type III "quasi sempre mal centrato" (almost always badly centered).
From the Magnolia collection. With 1961 A. Diena certificate. Scott $17,500. Sassone €30,000.
Italy, Offices in China—Tientsin, 1918, 4c on 10c Buff & Magenta, Postage Due (J5; Sassone S5). Original gum, lightly hinged, bold colors
FINE AND RARE original-gum EXAMPLE OF THE 1918 4-CENTS ON 10-CENTESIMI POSTAGE DUE OF TIENTSIN. ONE OF THE RAREST POSTAGE DUE STAMPS OF THE ITALIAN OFFICES ABROAD.
From the Magnolia collection. Signed Oliva. With 1975 A. Diena certificate. Scott $9,500. Sassone €18,000.
Italy, Offices in China—Tientsin, 1918, 4c on 10c Buff & Magenta, Postage Due, Surcharge Applied by Hand (J5 var; Sassone S5a). Deep rich colors, neat Tientsin Jan. 1922 double-circle datestamp
VERY FINE. an exceptionally rare EXAMPLE OF THE 1918 4-CENTS ON 10-CENTESIMI POSTAGE DUE OF TIENTSIN WITH THE SURCHARGE VALUE APPLIED BY HAND. with ONLY THREE RECORDED, this is an important item for any italian offices or postage due collection.
This rare variety is priced only as used in Sassone, with the note that very few examples are known. The accompanying certificate from a respected authority notes only two others are known to them.
From the Magnolia collection. With 1958 A. Diena and 1979 Raybaudi certificates. Unlisted in Scott (the listing is for the other font applied by hand). Sassone €110,000.
Japan, ¼ Boo Black on Yellow, Sutherland & Co. Local Post (JSCA 2L1). Position 8, natural straight edges at right and bottom, neat manuscript "X" cancel, small thin spots not noted on accompanying certificate
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE SUTHERLAND & COMPANY LOCAL POST ISSUE, THE FIRST STAMPS USED IN JAPAN AND ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS PHILATELIC RARITIES. ONE OF ONLY SEVEN EXAMPLES OF THE YELLOW PAPER AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS—ONLY TEN SUTHERLAND & COMPANY STAMPS ON EITHER COLOR PAPER ARE KNOWN OUTSIDE MUSEUMS.
Information on the discovery of the example offered here, along with a history of the post and census of known examples, was the subject of an article by Dr. Kazuyuki Inoue in Fakes Forgeries Experts No. 9, May 2006. It was also the subject of an article by Thomas Lera in the Collectors Club Philatelist (March-April 2009).
Sutherland & Co. was the name of a stagecoach service that ran between Yokohama and Tokyo in 1871, just before the first stamps were issued in Japan and before the inauguration of the Japanese Governmental Postal System. The post was established by James Wilson Sutherland, an Englishman, and John Farmer, an American. Both came to Japan in 1867 as agents for Cobb & Co. of Australia. They established their independent stagecoach company in 1871, with service between Yokohama and Tokyo. In addition to passengers, they also carried mail prior to the establishment of the Japanese Post Office. In 1872 a fire destroyed their office, and the firm merged with Cobb & Co.; Sutherland became its main representative in Yokohama.
The Sutherland & Co. stamps are known in two denominations of the local currency: the ¼ Boo on yellow paper and the One Boo on rose paper. Each denomination was printed in sheets of 8, arranged 2 across and 4 down with straight edges on all four sides—therefore, all known examples have one or two straight edges. The label and denomination at top and bottom were printed from regular metal type, and the central portion of the design depicting the post rider was printed from a woodblock engraving. The ¼ Boo rate was for letters, while the One Boo rate was for parcels. All but one of the 7 known examples of the One Boo on rose paper have been altered in manuscript to read 1/4 Boo, indicating that there was little need for the parcel denomination.
The yellow and rose Sutherland & Co. stamps have always been ranked among the world's greatest philatelic rarities. The issue was included in Encyclopedia of Rare and Famous Stamps by L. and N. Williams. According to Dr. Inoue's census of 15 stamps in total, 8 of the ¼ Boo on yellow paper are recorded, including 2 unused and 6 used (3 with pen "X" cancel, 3 with "City of Yedo" handstamp). Of the 7 One Boo stamps on rose paper, there is only one without the denomination changed in manuscript to 1/4 Boo (used with "City of Yedo" handstamp); the remaining 6 on rose paper have the "1/4" manuscript rate change (5 unused, 1 used with "City of Yedo" cancel).
To determine how many Sutherland & Co. stamps are available to collectors, we must deduct 5 stamps that reside in museums. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum owns one 1/4 Boo on yellow ("City of Yedo" cancel) and one "1/4" on One Boo on rose (unused). Three additional stamps on rose paper are in other museums. That leaves only 7 of the yellow stamps and 3 of the rose stamps available to collectors.
The Sutherland & Co. stamps are regarded as national treasures by Japanese collectors and rarely trade hands outside Japan. The example offered here was discovered in a collection in England in 2003 and offered at auction in that year, when it was acquired by the current owner.
With 2003 Philatelic Museum Foundation of Japan certificate. The Dr. Inoue article accompanies.
Japan, 1872, 1s Blue on Native Wove Paper (10). Horizontal pair, deep shade, some clipped perfs, tied by clear strike of Tokyo double-circle datestamp on European-size cover from Captain Lebon to Mme. Genevieve Lebon, Paris, France, sender's directive "via Marseilles", boldly struck Degron-kun Type 1 handstamp ("Mr. Degron, Chief of French Mail Ship Co., Honcho 5-chome, Yokohama") on the front at lower left, used with France, 1872, 80c Rose, Large Numerals (63; Yvert 57), 1871, 15c Bister (56; Yvert 59) and 1872, 5c Yellow Green, (53; Yvert 53), tied by clear strikes of "5118" dotted diamond cancel, sharp "Yokohama Bau Francais 19 Mai 74" double-circle datestamp, red "PD" framed handstamp, Japanese and Paris (Jul. 10) backstamps, 5c has piece torn off at top (probably when separated before use)
VERY FINE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL DEGRON-KUN COVER WITH JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM AND THREE-COLOR FRENCH CERES FRANKING.
This cover was sent by Felix Frederic Georges Lebon (1845-1923), who was captain and Chief Artillery Instructor of the French Military Mission to Japan. He arrived in Tokyo on May 17, 1872, and was employed by the Japanese Ministry of Army. Captain Lebon resided in the Instructors' House at Nagatacho in Tokyo. His time in Japan spanned four years.
No later than January 1873, members of the French Military Mission began using the "Degron-kun" method to send letters by Japanese mail to Henri J. Degron, postmaster of the French post office in Yokohama, for entry into the international mail system. The handstamped address to Postmaster Degron identifies covers sent by this method. Many of the covers have Japanese and French mixed frankings (the Japanese stamps have been removed from some).
Nearly 90% of the Degron-kun covers reported by Matsumoto have the Type 1 handstamp. As Matsumoto points out (p. 151), the wording of the Type 1 handstamp is inaccurate. Degron was never "Chief of French Mail Ship Co." (Messageries Maritimes). He was the postmaster of the French post office in Yokohama, who prepared mail for French steamship packet sailings as part of his responsibilities. This was prepaid for the 100c rate by French Packet via Marseilles.
Illustrated in Matsumoto (p. 121). Ex Matsumoto and "Magnolia."
Japan, 1872, 1s Blue on Native Wove Paper (10). Vertical pair, strong color, tied by Tokyo double-circle datestamp on large part of cover (missing bottom left quadrant) to Monsieur Vieillard in Paris, France, boldly struck Degron-kun Type 1 handstamp ("Mr. Degron, Chief of French Mail Ship Co., Honcho 5-chome, Yokohama") on the front at right, used with France, 1871-72, 5c Yellow Green on Pale Blue (53; Yvert 53), 15c Bister on Yellowish (56; Yvert 55), and 1872, 30c Brown on Yellowish, Large Numeral (62; Yvert 56), 30c two singles, tied by clear strikes of "5118" dotted diamond cancel, clear "Yokohama Bau Francais 23 Mars 74" double-circle datestamp, red "PD" framed handstamp, Japanese, French entry (May 9), and Paris (May 10) datestamps
VERY FINE AND PRETTY LARGE-PART OF DEGRON-KUN COVER WITH JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM AND THREE-COLOR FRENCH CERES FRANKING.
No later than January 1873, members of the French Military Mission began using the "Degron-kun" method to send letters by Japanese mail to Henri J. Degron, postmaster of the French post office in Yokohama, for entry into the international mail system. The handstamped address to Postmaster Degron identifies covers sent by this method. Many of the covers have Japanese and French mixed frankings (the Japanese stamps have been removed from some).
Nearly 90% of the Degron-kun covers reported by Matsumoto have the Type 1 handstamp. As Matsumoto points out (p. 151), the wording of the Type 1 handstamp is inaccurate. Degron was never "Chief of French Mail Ship Co." (Messageries Maritimes). He was the postmaster of the French post office in Yokohama, who prepared mail for French steamship packet sailings as part of his responsibilities. This was prepaid for the 100c rate by French Packet via Marseilles.
With 2023 Roumet certificate.
Japan, Used in China, 1875, 15s Lilac (47). Syllabic 2, used with 1876, 2s Brown Olive, 5s Brown (57, 59), tied by crossroads cancel and 15s tied by "I.J. Postal Agency, Shanghai Oct. 2" (1878) double-circle datestamp on cover to Valparaiso, Chile, sender's directive "via Japan, California & Panama", violet Yokohama double-circle datestamp (Oct. 11), magenta San Francisco (Nov. 5), Panama (Nov. 22) and Valparaiso (Dec. 11) datestamps, red crayon "85" centimes credit (17c to U.S.), magenta "12 CENTS" credit handstamp applied in San Francisco (credit to British Post Office), "10" centavos Chilean due handstamp, small piece of top flap missing
VERY FINE. A PHENOMENAL FORERUNNER USE OF JAPANESE STAMPS IN SHANGHAI and sent via yokohama, san francisco, and panama to VALPARAISO, CHILE. ONE OF ONLY THREE COVERS SENT TO A NON-U.P.U. DESTINATION IN SOUTH AMERICA AND THE ONLY REPORTED COMBINATION FRANKING of THE 15-SEN WILD GOOSE STAMP. AN IMPORTANT POSTAL HISTORY ARTIFACT.
From the Magnolia collection. Ex Consul Borchers. With 2007 Eichhorn certificate.
Japan, 1876, 2c Brown Olive (57). Cancelled by circular cork, Tokyo datestamp (Aug. 6, 1878) and bold bluish-green "Tokei Japan 6 Aug." circular datestamp on back of small cover to Mons. Gerard Martin, Chauny, France, Japanese characters on back read "Futsuyubinkyoku" ("French Post Office"), sent to French post office in Yokohama, France, 1870, 40c Orange (59; Yvert 38), tied by one of two clear strikes of "Yokohama Bau Francais 6 Aout 78" double-circle datestamp, carried on the Messageries Maritimes Volga, Marseilles (Sep. 22) and Chauny (Sep. 23) backstamps, opened for display
VERY FINE. A REMARKABLE OUTBOUND MIXED-FRANKING COVER OF THE "NON-DEGRON-KUN" VARIETY—DESCRIBED BY MATSUMOTO AS "UNIQUE" AND PICTURED ON THE BACK COVER OF HIS BOOK.
The Matsumoto book illustrates and describes this cover in detail (pp. 161-162), and it is the feature item on the back cover of the 2012 edition (it was shown in the 1997 edition on color plate 7). The cover was discovered in the philatelic market by Andre Roland around 1975, and when Roland's collection was dispersed, it was acquired by Matsumoto. The importance of the cover, apart from the rare mixed franking, is the method of sending mail to the French post office without the use of a Degron-kun handstamp. This cover was purely commercial in nature and not military, and the sender directed it to the French post office using Japanese ideograms. The 2s Koban stamp paid internal postage, and the 40c Ceres stamp overpaid the 35c G.P.U. rate. Matsumoto described this usage as "unique."
Ex Roland, Matsumoto and "Magnolia".
Japan, Used in China, 1876, 5s Brown (59). Horizontal pair, tied by crossroads cancel and "I.J. Postal Agency, Shanghai May 7" (1879) double-circle datestamp on cover to Waltham, Mass., United States, sender's directive "Via San Francisco", red "FOOCHOW CHINA" origin handstamp, Yokohama (May 16) and magenta San Francisco (Jun. 2) transit datestamps, pair with slightly rough perfs at right and cover with some edgewear and rough corner at bottom right
VERY FINE AND RARE FORERUNNER COVER ORIGINATING IN FOOCHOW AND SENT VIA THE JAPANESE POSTAL AGENCY IN SHANGHAI TO THE UNITED STATES.
From the Magnolia collection.
Japan, Used in China, 1876, 5s Brown (59). Tied by crossroads cancel and "I.J. Postal Agency, Shanghai Nov. 30" (1880) double-circle datestamp on cover to Waltham, Mass., United States, sender's directive "Via San Francisco, per City of Peking", violet "Imperial Japanese Postal Agency, Foochow, China" double-circle origin handstamp, Yokohama (Dec. 8) and magenta San Francisco (Dec. 27) transit and Waltham (Jan. 6, 1881) arrival datestamps, cover with rough opening at left
VERY FINE. a RARE and desirable FORERUNNER COVER ORIGINATING IN FOOCHOW AND SENT VIA THE JAPANESE POSTAL AGENCY IN SHANGHAI TO THE UNITED STATES.
From the Magnolia collection.