Hong Kong used China 1875 QV 24c Used on Cover 62B Postmark Hankow Backstamp

Queen Victoria watermark Crown CC 24c green used on cover to Guernsey. With blue 62B postmark, Webb type B with low loop on 6, reverse with blue 3rd August 1875 Hankow postmark, 11th August Hong Kong code A transit and 5th October Guernsey arrival mark.

A very rare and significant Treaty Port cover, as far as I'm aware there are only two other 62B / Hankow covers and a fragment with both cancels. One cover illustrated in Webb dated 11th Dec 1875 addressed to Lady Ebury, UK with 30c pair (this cover with serious tear beside the stamps). A second wrapper sold in 2019 at Spink Hong Kong in the Fortune Wang auction dated 18th March 1876 to Hong Kong with an 8c. The fragment mentioned in Webb is an 8c with 30th Aug 75 Hankow + 62B. Then this cover which is earliest of the known items.

With some condition issues, noted here in detail. First obviously there is a section of backflap missing. The edges have some repairs - on right edge this seems to be series of internal blobs of glue strengthening / re-closing that edge - these are clear against a bright light and these are showing as white patches at base and reverse top. The top corner is not glued to the reverse internally - the front section with stamp is not stuck to reverse - I've tried to photo this, but its tricky. There is a small tear to the cover just top left of the stamp. The top edge is mostly separated, but the small overlapping section has been glued closed. What initially looks like a large tear at reverse of left-hand side is a small tear then pencil from "St Marys" note on reverse. There are two small tears at front left edge which are pretty clear in scan. Left edge has been very neatly rejoined without any evidence but this must be reduced and resealed unless a very wonky envelope.

Year : 1875

Reign : Queen Victoria

Catalogue No : SG 14

Condition : Used

Price : highest bid