FRANCE, Offices in China, Mongtseu, 1906, 75c Deep Violet on Orange, Red Overprint, "Indo-Chine" Inverted (28a; Yvert 29a). Se-tenant horizontal pair, right stamp the error, original gum, h.r., wonderfully fresh colors, couple truly insignificant corner perf creases

FINE SE-TENANT ERROR PAIR. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE INVERTED "INDO-CHINE" TABLET WITH THE RED MONGTSEU OVERPRINT. A CELEBRATED RARITY OF THE FRENCH POST OFFICES IN CHINA AND FRENCH COLONIES AS A WHOLE.

The terms "unique" or "only recorded example" should be cautiously used when describing stamps of any country. In this case, despite the fact that the stamps were issued 117 years ago, the se-tenant pair offered here is the only example of the inverted tablet error with the red Mongtseu overprint to come to light, as far as we are aware. This is confirmed in both the Yvert catalogue and on the accompanying Calves certificate. Possession of this stamp is possible for just one individual at a time, which means there can be only one truly complete collection of French Offices in China.

Many collectors are unaware that the inverted table error occurs on the stamps of Canton, Hoi Hao, Mongtseu, Pakhoi, and Yunnan Fou. Remarkably, the Magnolia collection contains examples of each of these major French Offices rarities, including stamps that are thought to be unique.

From the Magnolia collection. With 2004 Calves certificate. Scott $67,500.00. Yvert €75,000

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