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.
 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.
