Sale 1384 — 2026 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Tuesday, 23 June, 2026
Category — United States and China Mails
10c Green, Type III (15). Horizontal pair, large to huge margins, used with 1c Blue, Type IV (9), large margins except touched at bottom, few faint gum toned spots, tied by "Trenton N.J. Mar. 4" (1856) circular datestamps on cover to Lieutenant Earl English, Hong Kong, China, addressed to the "U.S. Sloop Levant, Care of the American Consul", sender's directive "Via Southampton England", red "New-York Am. Pkt. Mar. 8" circular datestamp—carried on the New York & Havre Line Arago, departing New York Mar. 8, 1856, and arriving Southampton Mar. 22—manuscript "6" pence debit, red London (Mar. 22) and "Hong-Kong 23 MY 1856" receiving backstamps, bold red "Forwarded by De Silver & Co. Hong Kong" oval backstamp, with original multi-page letter from Lieut. English's wife Elizabeth
Very Fine. a scarce use of 1851-55 Issue stamps on an American Packet cover to Hong Kong, with a rare forwarder's marking.
De Silver, the forwarder, was likely Robert P. De Silver. He came from Philadelphia and was the first U.S. Consul in Macao. In 1854 he moved to Hong Kong and started the business of De Silver & Co. We have only been able to locate two examples of this forwarder's marking.
Ex Bilden.
2c Black (73). Two, used with 5c Red Brown (75) and three 12c Black (69), stamps arranged in overlapping pattern, cancelled and tied together by four strikes of unusual wing-shaped cork, "Norwalk Con. Dec. 15, 1863" double-circle datestamp on cover to Theodore A. Ives, Shanghai, China, sender's directive "Via Southampton" and correctly prepaid for the 45c British Mail rate by that route, faint strike of red New York Br. Pkt. datestamp on back and manuscript "48" credit corresponds to 53c rate via expedited Marseilles route, red London Paid datestamp (Dec. 25), red "1d" British Colonial credit handstamp, blue Hong Kong (Feb. 25, 1864) and Shanghai (Mar. 3) backstamps, lightly cleaned to remove some toning evident in the certificate photo, one 12c tiny perf tears
VERY FINE. AN ARTFULLY ARRANGED AND RARE COMBINATION OF STAMPS, INCLUDING THE 2-CENT BLACK JACK AND 5-CENT RED BROWN, ON COVER TO SHANGHAI, CHINA.
This cover was carried on the Cunarder Scotia, which departed New York on December 16, 1863, and arrived in Queentown on December 24. The New York foreign-mail office apparently treated it as fully prepaid for the Marseilles route (53c rate), despite the fact that only 45c postage was affixed and the sender wrote "Via Southampton" (45c rate). The arrangement of stamps and tying cancels eliminate the possibility that any other stamps were affixed. The 61-day transit time between London and Hong Kong, indicated by the December 25 and February 25 datestamps, is normal for the Southampton route, not Marseilles (typically 40 or less days), so the British post office ignored the 48c credit and followed the sender's route directive.
Ex Faust. With 1989 P.F. certificate.
3c Ultramarine (114). Horizontal pair with bottom part imprint selvage, which is folded over the top, used with vertical pair of 2c Black, F. Grill (93), tied by target cancels, "Bristol N.H. Jun. 30" (1869) circular datestamp on cover to J. C. A. Wingate, U.S. Consul, Swatow, China, manuscript "By Pacific Mail" sender's directive, framed "PAID ONLY/TO HONG KONG" handstamp crossed out with pen, magenta "San Francisco Paid All Aug. 4" datestamp—carried by PMSS Oregonian, departing San Francisco August 4, 1869, arriving Hong Kong September 5—Hong Kong (Sep. 5) and Swatow receiving (Sep. 9) backstamps
VERY FINE. A SPECTACULAR AND RARE 2-CENT BLACK JACK PLUS 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL MIXED-ISSUE COVER TO SWATOW, CHINA, FROM THE WINGATE CORRESPONDENCE.
The addressee, Joseph C. A. Wingate, was U.S. Consul in Swatow, China, from 1863 to 1873. This cover and another similar were the subject of an article in Hong Kong Study Circle (No. 277, copy accompanies), which notes the framed "PAID ONLY/TO HONG KONG" handstamp was likely applied in Hong Kong.
Ex Gibson, Ishikawa and Kramer.
30c Orange (71). Used with 3c Rose (65) and horizontal pair of 10c Yellow Green (68), tied by New York City grid cancels on cover to Hong Kong, China, stamps also tied by red "London Paid 20 FE 67" transit datestamp, bold red "1d" British Colonial credit handstamp and magenta "32" credit, backstamped with red "Consulate of the United States of America Hong Kong" in large three-line circle, bold "Hong Kong AP 8 67" receiving backstamp, forwarded to Shanghai where blue "U.S. Consulate General/Shanghai" two-line handstamp and pencil "4/23/67" date were applied on back, forwarded again to Yokohama, Japan, manuscript June 7, 1867 receipt docketing on back, opened for display, bottom perfs of 10c pair trimmed off, one 10c stamp also barely affected from placement near edge of cover, 3c and 30c tiny flaws
VERY FINE. A UNIQUE DOUBLE-FORWARDED USE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO THE AMERICAN CONSULATES IN HONG KONG, SHANGHAI AND YOKOHAMA. THE HONG KONG CONSULAR SEAL HANDSTAMP IS EXTREMELY RARE, AND THE SHANGHAI CONSULATE TWO-LINE HANDSTAMP IS ALSO EXTREMELY RARE.
This cover made an amazing journey from New York City to Capt. John Goldsborough, commander of the U.S.S. Shenandoah. Wikipedia details the exact voyage of the Shenandoah: "On 28 April 1866, she departed Rio de Janeiro to join the Asiatic Squadron. After rounding the Cape of Good Hope, she visited Bombay and Calcutta; then touched at Penang before arriving at Singapore on 31 December 1866. She next proceeded to Bangkok where she received a friendly greeting from the King of Siam and his ministers before sailing via Saigon for Japan. She arrived at Yokohama on 5 April 1867. There, on the 27th, Shenandoah embarked General Robert B. Van Valkenburgh, U.S. Minister to Japan, for transport to Osaka where he landed on 1 May for an interview with the Tycoon, or Supreme Commander. There he learned that the Japanese government proposed to open additional ports to foreign trade. His mission in Osaka was completed by 20 May when he returned on board Shenandoah to return to Yokohama. The ship was then placed at General Van Valkenburgh's disposal, to assist him in examining the different ports most suitable for commercial purposes. She left Yokohama again on 25 June and reached Hakodate on the 28th. The first salute that was ever fired there in honor of a foreign minister marked the occasion."
This cover, marked received at Yokohama on June 7, 1867, must have caught up with the Shenandoah just before its trip to Hakodate.
According to the Frajola-Perlman-Scamp book, the authorization to establish the U.S. postal agency in Shanghai was approved by the postmaster general and the State Department on June 10, 1867. On October 14, 1867, the official appointment reached George F. Seward, the U.S. consul in Shanghai (and nephew of Secretary of State William Seward). The first eastbound trip after the start of the new U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai was the October 17 sailing of the PMSS Costa Rica.
This cover was handled by the U.S. consulate in Shanghai in the manner that was customary prior to the creation of the U.S. Postal Agency in 1867. U.S. Consul Seward and other consuls essentially acted as forwarders of mail to and from various vessels entering their ports.
Ex Ishikawa, Paliafito, Drucker and Bailar. Illustrated in Imperial China, History of the Posts to 1896 by Major Richard Pratt, FRPSL, and in The United States Post Offices in China and Japan 1867-1874 by Frajola, Perlman and Scamp. With 2003 P.F. certificate.
U.S. Consulate General P.O.D. Shanghai 16 Jan. 68. Partly clear strike of blue double-circle datestamp with matching blue segmented circular cork cancel tying two 10c Dark Green (68a), right stamp horizontal crease, left stamp corner crease at bottom right, on cover to General Jos. F. Miller, Collector of Customs at San Francisco, initialed at lower left, light strike of red "China and Japan Steam Service" oval handstamp, "San Francisco Cal. Feb. 16" datestamp
VERY FINE. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY FOUR RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE UNITED STATES CONSULATE DOUBLE-CIRCLE DATESTAMP WITH THE "P.O.D." DESIGNATION, REFLECTING THE CONSULATE'S NEW STATUS AS AN OFFICIAL UNITED STATES POSTAL AGENCY. THIS MARKING WAS REPLACED BY THE LONG-LIVED SINGLE-CIRCLE DATESTAMP.
This was carried from Shanghai to Yokohama on the PMSS branch-line steamer Costa Rica, departing January 17, 1868, and arriving January 24. From Yokohama it was carried on the PMSS Great Republic, departing January 26 and arriving San Francisco February 16.
There are only four recorded covers with the "U.S. Consulate General Shanghai" double-circle datestamp with the additional "P.O.D." designation for Post Office Department. The others are also dated January 16, 1868—one on a wrapper with a 2c Black Jack (Magnolia Part 3, Sale 1261, lot 559), one on a cover with one 10c 1861 stamp, but without the "China and Japan Steam Service" oval (Magnolia Part 1, Sale 1248, lot 2043) and one offered in the following lot. The single-circle datestamp that superseded this marking also has the "P.O.D." initials. Blue ink was replaced with black ink when the new device was implemented.
Ex Perlman.
U.S. Consulate General P.O.D. Shanghai 16 Jan. 68. Partly clear strike of blue double-circle datestamp on back of 10c Yellow Green on Buff Nesbitt entire (U41), cancelled by matching blue segmented circular cork, to Miss. H. L. Holmes in Smithfield Pa., sender's directive "Per P.M.S.S. Co. via Panama", slightly reduced at right
VERY FINE. ONE OF ONLY FOUR RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE UNITED STATES CONSULATE DOUBLE-CIRCLE DATESTAMP WITH THE "P.O.D." DESIGNATION, REFLECTING THE CONSULATE'S NEW STATUS AS AN OFFICIAL UNITED STATES POSTAL AGENCY. THIS MARKING WAS REPLACED BY THE LONG-LIVED SINGLE-CIRCLE DATESTAMP.
Based on the other three recorded covers, this was likely carried from Shanghai to Yokohama on the PMSS branch-line steamer Costa Rica, departing January 17, 1868, and arriving January 24. From Yokohama it was carried on the PMSS Great Republic, departing January 26 and arriving San Francisco February 16.
There are only three recorded covers with the "U.S. Consulate General Shanghai" double-circle datestamp with the additional "P.O.D." designation for Post Office Department. The others are also dated January 16, 1868—one on a wrapper with a 2c Black Jack (Magnolia Part 3, Sale 1261 lot 559), one with two 10c stamps (Magnolia Part 3, Sale 1261 lot 558, offered in the previous lot) and one on a cover with one 10c 1861 stamp, but also without the "China and Japan Steam Service" oval (Magnolia Part 1, Sale 1248, lot 2043). The single-circle datestamp that superseded this marking also has the "P.O.D." initials. Blue ink was replaced with black ink when the new device was implemented.
From a new discovery.
(Image Magnifier)3c Rose (65). Used as forwarding postage on cover with "W & Co." Walsh & Co. embossed seal on flap from Yokohama, Japan, to William Turner Wheaton, Warren, Rhode Island, redirected to Lafayette, Indiana, sender's directive "per 'Colorado' — carried on the second return trip of the PMSS Colorado, departing Yokohama May 26, 1867, arriving San Francisco June 13 — bold strike of "San Francisco Cal. 10 Jun. 14" 10c integral-rate datestamp with rate obliterated by target cancel and re-rated "20 cts" in blue crayon and "20" handstamp (under 3c stamp) for double 10c blanket steamship rate, mostly bold strike of "STEAM CHINA" straightline handstamp applied in San Francisco, manuscript "Paid & Forwarded" applied at Warren where 20c due was paid and 3c 1861 stamp affixed, cancelled by circle of small segments, "Warren R.I. Jul. 9, 1867" double-circle datestamp, cleaned and expertly repaired faults (no major paper additions and not noted on certificate)
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN OUTSTANDING AND EXTREMELY RARE USE OF THE 1861 ISSUE WITH THE "STEAM CHINA" HANDSTAMP.
Illustrated in Frajola-Perlman-Scamp book (p. 128). Ex Dr. Spicer. With 1988 P.F. certificate.
Hong Kong, 1863, 4c Slate (10), 6c Lilac (12). Tied by "B62" oval grid cancel, two strikes of "Hong-Kong C FE 16 67" circular backstamp on cover to Amos Webster in Woodstown N.J., clear strike of "Thos. Hunt & Co. Hong Kong" oval backstamp, senders directive "Per "Colorado" and "Via San Francisco California" at left — carried on the PMSS Colorado, departing Hong Kong February 17, 1867, arriving San Francisco March 20 — "San Francisco Cal. Mar 21" double-circle datestamp, bold strike of red "STEAM CHINA" straightline handstamp tying two stamps, red manuscript "8" for double rate, manuscript "Due 20c" and blue crayon "20" double U.S. rates, some edgewear, right stamp few creases, small part of right backflap with sensible repair
VERY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED DOUBLE-RATE COVER WITH THE "STEAM CHINA" MARKING. THIS WAS CARRIED UNDER THE NEW PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY CONTRACT ON THE FIRST EASTBOUND (RETURN) TRIP OF THE COLORADO.
In August 1865 the Pacific Mail Steamship Company (PMSS) received a contract to provide monthly mail service between the West Coast and China and Japan. The sailings were timed at one end to coincide with arrivals in San Francisco of vessels carrying mail from Panama, and with British and French steamships departing Hong Kong. The PMSS Colorado left San Francisco on January 1, 1867, and arrived at Yokohama on January 24. She then departed Yokohama for Hong Kong, arriving on January 31. For the return trip, the Colorado left Hong Kong on February 17, arriving at Yokohama on February 25. She departed Yokohama on February 27, arriving in San Francisco on March 20. Mail from Hong Kong addressed to San Francisco was processed the day of arrival, and other mail was postmarked the following day.
Illustrated in Chronicle 162, May 1994, p. 135.
Hong Kong, 1865, 8c Orange Buff (13). Tied by "B62" oval grid cancel, "Hong-Kong C FE 16 67" backstamp on cover to Stephen Higginson, Boston, sender's directive "Per "Colorado via San Francisco" — carried on the PMSS Colorado, departing Hong Kong February 17, 1867, and arriving San Francisco March 20 — "San Francisco Cal. 10 Mar 21" 10c due datestamp, bold strike of red "STEAM CHINA" straightline handstamp, red manuscript "4" to left of stamp, stamp has pulled perf at bottom, cover with small stain at top right
VERY FINE. A RARE COVER WITH THE "STEAM CHINA" MARKING, CARRIED UNDER THE NEW PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY CONTRACT ON THE FIRST EASTBOUND (RETURN) TRIP OF THE COLORADO.
In August 1865 the Pacific Mail Steamship Company (PMSS) received a contract to provide monthly mail service between the West Coast and China and Japan. The sailings were timed at one end to coincide with arrivals in San Francisco of vessels carrying mail from Panama, and with British and French steamships departing Hong Kong. The PMSS Colorado left San Francisco on January 1, 1867, and arrived at Yokohama on January 24. She then departed Yokohama for Hong Kong, arriving on January 31. For the return trip, the Colorado left Hong Kong on February 17, arriving at Yokohama on February 25. She departed Yokohama on February 27, arriving in San Francisco on March 20. Mail from Hong Kong addressed to San Francisco was processed the day of arrival, and other mail was postmarked the following day.
Ex Kramer and Walske. Illustrated in Chronicle 162, May 1994, p. 136. Illustrated in Frajola-Perlman-Scamp book on p. 57. With 2003 P.F. certificate.
Hong Kong, 1865, 8c Orange Buff (13). Tied by "B62" oval grid cancel, two strikes of "Hong-Kong C FE 16 67" backstamp on cover to Mrs. W. W. Hays in San Francisco, sender's directive "Per "Colorado" and "Navy Letter U.S. Asiatic Squadron" at left — carried on the PMSS Colorado, departing Hong Kong February 17, 1867, and arriving San Francisco March 20 — "San Francisco Cal. 10 Mar 20" 10c due datestamp also tying stamp, bold strike of "STEAM CHINA" straightline handstamp
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE USE FROM HONG KONG TO THE UNITED STATES AND CARRIED UNDER THE NEW PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY CONTRACT ON THE FIRST EASTBOUND (RETURN) TRIP OF THE COLORADO. IT IS ONE OF ONLY THREE EXAMPLES FROM THIS INAUGURAL SAILING WITH THE "STEAM CHINA" MARKING STRUCK IN BLACK. IT IS ALSO ONE OF ONLY TWO COVERS FROM THIS TRIP ADDRESSED TO SAN FRANCISCO.
In August 1865 the Pacific Mail Steamship Company (PMSS) received a contract to provide monthly mail service between the West Coast and China and Japan. The sailings were timed at one end to coincide with arrivals in San Francisco of vessels carrying mail from Panama, and with British and French steamships departing Hong Kong. The PMSS Colorado left San Francisco on January 1, 1867, and arrived at Yokohama on January 24. She then departed Yokohama for Hong Kong, arriving on January 31. For the return trip, the Colorado left Hong Kong on February 17, arriving at Yokohama on February 25. She departed Yokohama on February 27, arriving in San Francisco on March 20. Mail from Hong Kong addressed to San Francisco was processed the day of arrival, and other mail was postmarked the following day.
Ex Canman and Bilden.
10c Green (68). Deep rich color, tied by two strikes of quartered cork cancel, clear strike of "P.O.D. U.S. Con. Genl. Shanghai May 26" (1868) circular datestamp on cover to G. A. Tapley, Danvers Centre, Mass. — carried on PMSS Costa Rica, departing Shanghai May 26, 1868, arriving Yokohama June 3, then by PMSS China, departing Yokohama Jun. 5, arriving San Francisco June 26 — sender's directive "Via 'California'", extraordinarily sharp strike of magenta "China and Japan Steam Service" oval handstamp, "San Francisco Cal. June 26" circular datestamp also ties stamp, trivial edgewear at left not noted on certificate
VERY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST STRIKES OF THE CHINA AND JAPAN STEAM SERVICE OVAL HANDSTAMP ON A COVER POSTMARKED AT THE U.S. CONSUL GENERAL IN SHANGHAI.
With 2019 P.F. certificate.
Hong Kong, 1865, 8c Brownish Orange (13b). Horizontal pair cancelled by "B62" oval grid, light strike of red "Hong Kong Paid All NO 11 68" circular datestamp on cover to Bristol N.H., "Hong Kong C NO 5 68" backstamp, "Swatow NO 10 68" circular datestamp on back, red manuscript "8" double rate, sender's directive "Per Pacific Mail" — carried on the PMSS Great Republic, departing Hong Kong Nov. 16, 1868, arriving San Francisco Dec. 22 — red "San Francisco Paid All Dec 22" backstamp, matching bold strike of red "China and Japan Steam Service" oval handstamp ties stamps, with original enclosure (splitting along folds), letter concerns silk purchasing in Swatow
VERY FINE AND ATTRACTIVE DOUBLE-RATE PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP USE FROM SWATOW WITH THE "CHINA AND JAPAN STEAM SERVICE" OVAL—A RARE ORIGIN.
With 2003 B.P.A. certificate.
Hong Kong, 1865, 8c Orange Buff (13). Two, one with wing margin at right, cancelled by bold strikes of "B62" oval grid cancel on cover to Miss Jennie Noyes, Boston, "Hong-Kong C NO 5 68" backstamp, sender's directive "Via San Francisco — P.M.S.S." — carried on the PMSS Great Republic, departing Hong Kong Nov. 16, 1868, arriving San Francisco Dec. 22 — red manuscript "4" rate, red "San Francisco Paid All Dec 22" backstamp, matching bold strike of magenta "China and Japan Steam Service" oval handstamp, minor cover edge toning at top
VERY FINE AND ATTRACTIVE DOUBLE-RATE PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP USE FROM HONG KONG WITH THE "CHINA AND JAPAN STEAM SERVICE" OVAL.
Illustrated and described in Frajola-Perlman-Scamp book on pp. 67-68.
5c Blue (179). Cancelled by circle of wedges with "U.S. Postal Ag'cy Shanghai May 15" (1877) circular datestamp on cover to Israel Oakman, North Marshfield, Massachusetts, red "Customs Kiukiang May 1 77" backstamp, slightly reduced at left
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL BOLD STRIKE OF THE "CUSTOMS KIUKIANG" DOUBLE-CIRCLE DATESTAMP. THE USE OF THE KIUKIANG CUSTOMS POST DATESTAMP DURING THIS PERIOD IS EXTREMELY RARE ON COVERS SENT VIA THE UNITED STATES POSTAL AGENCY IN SHANGHAI.
In 1877, the American presence in Kiukiang was minimal, consisting mostly of missionaries. There was no American consulate and the largest presence was the British, who had a well-established concession there after 1861.
With 2023 P.F. certificate.
Anzac Clipper to Honolulu, Dec. 7, 1941 — The Day of Infamy. Cover bearing 20c Transport, Air Post (C29) and 50c Presidential (831) paying the 70c per half-ounce rate, tied by "New York, N.Y. Sta. D. Dec. 3, 1941 1PM" duplex datestamp, second clear strike at left on cover to Peking, China, carried on the Anzac Clipper from San Francisco on December 7, the morning of the Pearl Harbor attacks, the flight was less than an hour away from Honolulu when word of the attacks was radioed and it was then diverted to Hilo, purple "RETURNED TO SENDER/SERVICE SUSPENDED" two-line handstamp, purple "Advise correspondents, or publishers of your correct address" three-line handstamp, address crossed out and with pencil "972 Anderson Ave", back of cover with "Honolulu Hawaii Jul. 10 1942 1-PM" slogan machine cancel ("Buy Defense Savings Bonds and Stamps"), some tears at top from opening
VERY FINE. A HISTORIC COVER CARRIED FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO HONOLULU ON THE ANZAC CLIPPER ON DECEMBER 7, 1941 — THE FLIGHT WAS FORTUITOUSLY DELAYED EACH OF THE PREVIOUS TWO DAYS AND FINALLY TOOK OFF ON THE MORNING OF THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK, ARRIVING LATE ENOUGH TO BE DIVERTED TO HILO AS THE BOMBS FELL. THIS COVER WAS THEN HELD IN HONOLULU, WHICH IS VERY UNUSUAL.
A series of articles by Ken Lawrence in various philatelic journals tells the story of the Anzac Clipper and the mails it carried. We quote from one of them: "The Boeing B-314A flying boat Anzac Clipper took off from San Francisco late on the afternoon of December 5 but experienced mechanical trouble 400 miles out and had to return for repairs. After being repaired, she had been rescheduled to leave at two o’clock in the afternoon on December 6, but departure had been postponed so the pilot, Captain Harry Lanier Turner, could attend his daughter’s first piano recital at Oakland. At eight o’clock the next morning Anzac Clipper was less than an hour away from Honolulu when her radio officer received a coded flash warning that Pearl Harbor was under Japanese air attack. The providentially late departure from San Francisco had delayed her approach just long enough to have kept the vulnerable aircraft out of harm’s way. Pan Am’s 'Plan A' secret instructions in the event of war rerouted Anzac Clipper to Hilo, 220 miles southeast of the combat zone."
Mail to destinations in Hawaii was delivered. Flights farther west ceased. Mail to Japanese-occupied places was returned to the senders. Mail to other places was generally rerouted for transatlantic transport to the destinations. The cover offered here was not censored and shows no signs of forwarding. The backstamp indicates this was held at the Honolulu post office for seven months. Only a very small number of covers were held in this manner.