HK038-Main Catalogue

Imperial China Postal History

345

345 1879 ( 6 Oct.) An incoming Large Dragon cover from Tamsuy, Taiwan to Shanghai, addressed to William Hancock at the Inspectorate of Customs in Shanghai, with 'CUSTOMS/TAMSUY/6.10.79' cds in red, with Large Dragon thin paper 3 cands brown red, tied by 'CUSTOMS/CHANGHAI/11.10.79' cds, unfortunately, the stamp itself was taken off with an empty space remaining, the original Large Dragon stamp placed individually with the cover, on reverse with 'CUSTOMS/AMOY/8.10.79' transit cancel in red. Photo ​ Mr. William Hancock began his more than thirty year service with the Imperial Maritime Customs on 1 July 1874 as 4th Clerk B of the Chefoo Customs, and his last posting was as Acting Commissioner in Yochow in 1905. He was granted leave later that same year, until his resignation in early 1908. From 1 April 1881 to 31 March 1882, he was posted in Tamsuy, where he rose to be an assistant in charge. He held the same position in Amoy from 1 April 1882 and then was granted leave on 1 August. Therefore; there are letters known from overseas addressed to Hancock at Tamsuy, Formosa, care of the Commissioner or Inspector of Customs in Amoy between 16 June 1881 and 16 March 1882. ​ There are less than five recorded Tamsuy covers. The earliest date of Customs Tamsuy is on 15th August 1879. ​ HK$ 250,000 - 300,000

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