【Special Features: Customs Mail – State Mourning of Emperor Tongzhi】
Incoming oval bilingual “CUSTOMS HOUSE * SHANGHAI” in blue, 1875 (13 Jan) Belfast to Shanghai. Printed envelope via “French Mail packet” bearing GB 1873-80 3d rose and 2x 6d grey tied by Belfast duplex.The reverse with Cliftonville despatch cds, a fine strike of the very rare “HONG KONG TO SHANGHAI” marine sorter type 6 dated 1875 (28/4 Feb). Most mail sorted at sea from the United Kingdom received the Singapore to Hong Kong marine soter. This cover, conveyed by French Mail, was not sorted until it reached Hong Kong. On arrival, it received a faint but clear strike of oval bilingual “CUSTOMS HOUSE * SHANGHAI” in blue during the state mourning period of the late emperor, being the only recorded example. The cover is exceptionally fresh and fine, showing an extraordinary combination of postmarks. Original letter within. BPA Cert.
Realized: HK$480,000
【拍品介紹：海關郵政】
英國寄上海，經法國郵船，蓋罕見的“香港至上海海上分揀”日戳；因同治皇帝大行，國殤期間上海関到達戳記改用藍，以示悼念，蓋中英文的僅此一件。海關内部轉北京。
成交價: HK$480,000
