Stamp Catalogue

China Philately Vol. III

Formosa Taiwan

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Taipei to Anping

Description: 1888, large Official envelope printed in blue, sent from the Head Telegraph office, franked with 1886 First "Official" Stamp on wove paper, tied by a small red chop /
Conditon: Very fine.
Note: A major rarity of Taiwan Philately. From the collections of Sir Percival and Lady David, and Wing Commander P.I.Padget. This remarkable Official envelope was sent from the Telegraph Head office in Taipei to The Anping Telegraph office in 1888 Kuang Hsu Year 14 - 6th month - 17th day of the lunar calendar, arriving on the 23rd day. It has been cancelled some fifteen times at intermediate postal stations during the journey between the North and South of Taiwan. At each stop the arrival date has been entered in manuscript. This item was posted just four months after the opening of the Taiwan Post office in 1888 Kuang Hsu Year 14 - 2nd month - 10th day. It is apparently earlier than any Official Taiwan envelope held by the Beijing or Taiwan Postal Museums; the earliest held by either museum being dated 1889 Kuang Hsu 15th year. S.G. C1.
Auction: SOTHEBY'S and CORINPHILA in association / Hong Kong 1997
Minimum bid: HK$ 160,000.00
Hammer price: HK$ 460,000.00