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FORERUNNERS
QQThe German postal agency was established in Shanghai on 16th August 1886 when a supply of Reich Post stamps were delivered by the steamer 'Oder'. The first post was carried on her return journey, which commenced on 29th August. The earliest know postmark is dated the day before this.
A branch office was opened in Tientsin in 1st April 1893. Only postmarks from these two cities appear on mail sent before the introduction of the overprinted stamps in 1898.
Germany was the last foreign country to establish a post office in China, following Great Britain (1842), Russia (1858), France (1862), U.S.A. (1865) and Japan (1876). China was not a member of the U.P.U., mail to overseas countries had to be sent through one of these foreign post offices. It is interesting to note that most of the mail went through the French Post Office because (contrary to U.P.U. regulations) they gave a discount to the Chinese postal authority of 30 of the face value of the issued stamps
Shanghai Type 1 c.d.s. (28th August 1886 - June 1894)
on piece 1880 20pf. bright blue tied on piece by the type 1 c.d.s. dated "28/8 86", the first day of issue, a couple of indistinct tone spots, otherwise fresh and very fine. Bothe guarantee on reverse. Mi. 42c
Details
on piece 1880 20pf. bright blue tied on piece by the type 1 c.d.s. dated "28/8 86", the first day of issue, a couple of indistinct tone spots, otherwise fresh and very fine. Bothe guarantee on reverse. Mi. 42c