German Colonies Kiautschou

Lot 2125 German Colonies Kiautschou

Michel1Ie Scott1avar

Description

Kiauchau, 1900, 5pfg on 10pf Carmine, Ty. "a", 45 Degree Overprint, Short Blue Crayon Under Surcharge (1a var; Michel 1Ie). Michel Ty. 1, used with German Offices in China, 1898, 5pf Green, 56 Degree Overprint (2; Michel V2II), each tied by "Tsingtau, Kiautschou 21/5 00" circular datestamp on cover to Volklingen, Germany, Volklingen (Jun. 25) arrival backstamp, cover opened on three sides with slightly rough opening at bottom left VERY FINE. A PARTICULARLY RARE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1900 5-PFENNIGS SURCHARGE WITH THE SHORT BLUE CRAYON UNDER SURCHARGE ON COVER. UNLIKELY MANY COVERS STILL EXIST. Stamps without the blue crayon were only sold on May 9, 1900. After the initial day of release, according to official records, all stamps sold were to have the blue crayon line added to clearly indicate the reduction in value of the stamp from 10pf to 5pf. Most sheets were given long and uniform blue or violet lines. We presume those that received these short blue strokes were done very early on and could have originated from previously broken up panes which made it hard for the long blue lines to be added. Regardless, only a very small number of examples exist. Signed Richter and Bothe BPP. With 2016 Jaschke-Lantelme certificate. Unpriced in Michel on cover but priced at €10,000 as used off-cover.