German Post China

Lot 2002 German Post China

Michel7II Scott16

Description

Germany, Offices in China, 1900, 5pf on 10pf Carmine, Foochow Surcharge, 56 Degree Overprint (16; Michel 7II). Vertical pair, tied by two strikes of "Futschau, Deutsche Post 3/8 00" circular datestamp on picture postcard of the Public Garden in Shanghai, addressed to Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg arrival datestamp, card with minor edgewear VERY FINE USE OF THE 1900 5-PFENNINGS FOOCHOW PROVISIONAL SURCHARGE WITH 56 DEGREE OVERPRINT ON POSTCARD. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY THREE COMMERICIALLY USED PIECES OF POSTAL HISTORY PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 1900. THIS IS ALSO THE ONLY KNOWN POSTCARD (OTHERS ARE WRAPPERS) AND ONLY RECORDED USE OF THE 56 DEGREE OVERPRINT (OTHERS ARE 45 DEGREE OVERPRINT). We are only aware of four commercially used covers during this early period prior to Nov. 1900. This includes two which have the 45 degree overprint. Remarkably, the Magnolia collection contains the three known covers in private hands. Immediately after issuance, stocks were quickly bought and used up for philatelic uses. Therefore, a second printing of 2,500 on the 45 Degree overprint was done and released after November. We record the following covers: 1) 45 degree overprint (16a; Michel 7IA) on a Fairhurst Tea Report wrapper dated Jul. 7, 1900 (first day) (ex Magnolia, Siegel Sale 1318, Lot 3)2) 45 degree overprint (16a; Michel 7IA) on a Fairhurst Tea Report wrapper dated Jul. 21, 1900 (see Lot 2001)3) 56 degree overprint (16; Michel 7II) vertical pair on picture postcard dated Aug. 3, 1900, the cover offered here4) 56 degree overprint (16; Michel 7II) on a Market Report wrapper dated Aug. 19, 1900 (currently resides in the Museumsstiftung Post und Telekommunikation) With 2012 Jaschke-Lantelme certificate.