China, 1897 Revenue with Small Figures Surcharge $1 on 3c. red, a magnificent example, exquisitely bright colour on fresh white paper, outstanding centring, unused with much original gum, barely discernable traces of tropicalisation on a few perfs. at upper left, very fine and a most impressive example of this legendary world rarity. Chan 86.
Estimate HK$ 2,500,000 - 3,000,000
Provenance: John A. Agnew
Frank Golden
Henry Renouf
Saul Newbury, Robert A. Siegel, 6.2.62, lot 417
"Iselham", Christie's Robson Lowe, 6.11.86, lot 3023,
References: Huang Kuang-Sheng, A Treatise on the Extant Copies of the Small One Dollar with Illustrations (Philippines, 1975). This is listed as example number 9 of the 32 extant Small One Dollar.
The Revenue Surcharges China 1897, Vol. I (Taipei: Directorate General of Posts of Taiwan, 1987), proof. 39. It is listed as type III, number 12.
ONLY 32 EXAMPLES HAVE BEEN RECORDED OF THIS ICONIC STAMP, WHICH IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS THE RAREST REGULARLY ISSUED STAMP OF CHINA, AND RANKS AMONG THE GREAT WORLD RARITIES.
This is type A with the "1 Dollar" of the surcharge partly covering the word "Revenue". The type A and B ("1 dollar" completely covering the word "Revenue") stamps all come from the right surcharge plate. The type C ("1 dollar" above the word "Revenue") comes from the other surcharge plate. 作者: 中大小张 时间: 2011-5-7 09:36