3c Dull Red, Type II (11A). Horizontal block of twelve (Positions 1-6/11-16L5L) and strip of three (Positions 7-9L5L), affixed to back of cover and cancelled with manuscript lines, manuscript "Elizabethton Tenn May the 3d" (1856) postmark on cover to Lieutenant Samuel P. Carter, U.S.S. San Jacinto, in care of R. P. De Silva, U.S. Naval Storekeeper, Hong Kong, China, sender's directive "via England", red "RETURNED FOR/POSTAGE" two-line handstamp applied in New York, presumably sent back to originating post office--it is unclear if stamps were applied upon return or were originally affixed but not noticed in New York--either way, it was marked "paid by stamp 45", red "New-York Br. Pkt. Dec. 2" (1856) circular datestamp applied on back tying block, magenta manuscript "28" credit for 33c rate via Southampton (prepaid for the old 45c rate)--carried on the Cunarder Niagara, departing Boston Dec. 3, 1856, arriving Liverpool Dec. 15--red "Paid 1856 15DE15" London receiving datestamp, "Hong-Kong 25 FE 1857" receiving backstamp, opened up for display, faults including corner torn off block at bottom left and reattached, small pieces missing from edges of cover--nonetheless an impressive and exhibitable cover

ONE OF TWO BLOCKS OF TWELVE OF THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE KNOWN ON COVER--THIS IS THE ONLY BLOCK ON A COVER TO CHINA. A MAGNIFICENT POSTAL HISTORY ARTIFACT.

The other 3c 1851 block of twelve on cover was offered in our sale of the Gordon Eubanks collection (Sale 1242, lot 265). It is addressed to Denmark and has no additional stamps. This cover to China was virtually unknown to specialists and becomes the second "largest recorded multiple" of the 3c 1851 on cover.

The U.S.S. San Jacinto was one of the United States naval ships to participate in the Second Opium War, during which American forces launched attacks against Chinese forts without a formal declaration of war.

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