1917 Kodbo cover discovery to auction for $154,000

A recently discovered cover sent from Kodbo, Mongolia to Peking in 1917 provides the extraordinary highlight of Zurich Asia's March 15-16 auction in Hong Kong.

Kodbo Mongolia Peking cover philatelic
The discovery of this cover takes the total from the Kodbo post office to 5



It was previously thought only four covers bearing the Kodbo cancellation existed, due to the post office's short lived tenure (1913-1924). However, this new discovery brings the total to five, warranting the $128,205-153,846 estimate.

The cover bears a deep blue 1909 Russian Arms 10k in single and vertical pair format, each of them tied by a very fine example of the Kodbo circular date stamp. Also featuring is a Mongolia censor sealed label and Russian censor chop in violet box.


The stamp is one of only two known with the Seal of DG of Posts overprint



The second highlight of the sale is a 1942 Shandong Wartime Post first print 10 cents yellow stamp with the "Seal of DG of Posts" overprint in red. One of only two examples in existence, the stamp is a magnificent showpiece, expected to sell for $96,923-102,564.


Surcharges were applied after the change from Customs Post to Imperial Post Service, which saw the Chinese postal system change from candarins to cents and dollars



Also featuring is a spectacular block of 12 1897 Dowager small figures surcharged 2 cents on 2 candarins stamps, which are vertical imperforates and show selvedge on three sides.

The largest recorded multiple of a popular issue with Chinese collectors, the block has deep colours and full original gum, never hinged, earning it a $76,923-89,743 estimate.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has one of the undoubted treasures of Hong Kong philately for sale - the unique 96c Olive-Bistre block of four.


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