This Customs Hankow date stamp was struck on the indicia of a German postal stationary. The German Post was not impressed and protested against such practice. The Chinese Imperial Post was caught in the dilemma to balance the loss of pilferage, and anger of the foreign posts in China whom they relied upon. The compromise: IPO tie-print which were widely used on foreign mails between 1899-1904.
AVA’s Inaugural Auction—Special Features 香港首拍 拍品介紹
