DESCRIPTION

5¢ Blue (179), three, tied by three strikes of “U.S. Postal Agency Shanghai, Registered, Jun. 18, 187-” circular datestamp (circa 1877, last digit of year is omitted), a fourth bold strike at left on cover to Mrs. Edgar Ellis, 20th Street, above Guerrero Street in San Francisco, sender’s name (Edgar Ellis) written on back as required for registered mail, manuscript “68” registry number and red crayon of unknown meaning, no other markings; there is an E. W. Ellis listed in the 1875 directory as a clerk with the Shanghai Steam Navigation Co. at the “Kin-foong-tung wharf ” in Shanghai

PROVENANCE

* Drucker Family (bought from Siegel Sale 789, lot 971), Siegel Auction Galleries, 2/25/2003, Sale 855, lot 28, to William H. Gross

CONDITION NOTES

* Very Fine; slightly reduced at left, slight vertical bend clear of stamps

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