U.S. Consulate General P.O.D. Shanghai 16 Jan. 68. Partly clear strike of blue double-circle datestamp with matching blue segmented circular cork cancel tying 10c Dark Green (68a), small piece torn off at left when separated, on cover to Samuel Sloan at 26 Exchange Place, New York City, sender's directive "Via San Francisco", no other markings

VERY FINE. THIS COVER IS THE FINEST OF ONLY THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE UNITED STATES CONSULATE DOUBLE-CIRCLE DATESTAMP WITH THE "P.O.D." DESIGNATION, REFLECTING THE CONSULATE'S NEW STATUS AS AN OFFICIAL UNITED STATES POSTAL AGENCY. THIS MARKING WAS REPLACED BY THE LONG-LIVED SINGLE-CIRCLE DATESTAMP.

This was carried from Shanghai to Yokohama on the PMSS branch-line steamer Costa Rica, departing January 17, 1868, and arriving January 24. From Yokohama it was carried on the PMSS Great Republic, departing January 26 and arriving San Francisco February 16. No other markings were applied before it was sent by overland mail to New York.

There are only three recorded covers with the "U.S. Consulate General Shanghai" double-circle datestamp with the additional "P.O.D." designation for Post Office Department. The others are much less distinct strikes, both dated January 16, 1868--one on a wrapper with a 2c Black Jack and the other on a cover with two 10c 1861 stamps and the "China and Japan Steam Service" oval. The single-circle datestamp that superseded this marking also has the "P.O.D." initials. Blue ink was replaced with black ink when the new device was implemented.

Samuel Sloan, the addressee, became a director of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad in 1864 and served as its president from 1867 to 1899.

Illustrated in Frajola-Perlman-Scamp book (p. 92).

Ex Drucker.

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