Japanese Offices in China, 1880 (June) envelope to New Hampshire, U.S.A. showing very fine complete "Imperial Japanese Postal Agency/China/Foochow" double-ring origin h.s. in violet, bearing Japan Koban 5s. cancelled by "crossroads" h.s. with matching "I.J. Postal Agency/Shanghai" double-ring d.s. and Yokohama transit c.d.s. (9.7) alongside, and "San Francisco/Paid All" c.d.s. (26.7) in magenta on reverse, reduced a little at left on opening (not affecting the Foochow h.s. or any other marks), an attractive example of this extremely rare and important mark.
Estimate HK$ 20,000 - 25,000
At this time, the only Japanese Agency - besides Shanghai - that had its own canceller was Foochow. Mail from China in this period handled solely through the Japanese Post Office (other than originating in Shanghai) is likewise extremely rare.
