CHINA TAIWAN 1888 ‘Horse and Dragon’ 20 cash carmine surcharged 'Shui Chuan Chiao to Taipeh Foreign 10 cents', SGC13.
A very scarce and visually striking example of the 1888 Formosa (Taiwan) 20 cash carmine stamp featuring the distinctive “Horse and Dragon” design, with bold black surcharge reading “Shui Chuan Chiao to Taipeh Foreign 10 cents”. This complex handstamp was applied locally to facilitate foreign mail from Formosa to Taipei.
A well-preserved mint example showing clear surcharge and strong carmine colour on crisp paper and large part original gum. A "condition rarity" for this issue.
Includes the typical manuscript notations on reverse.
A seldom seen provisional usage from Taiwan under Qing rule, and a key stamp for any advanced China or Formosa collection.
The surcharge indicates the rate for carriage of the railway line which stretched from Taipeh to Keelung. Some of these stamps are said to have been used as railway tickets on this line for about a month after they were withdrawn from postal use.
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