Lot 2005

1848 (Nov 29) Hong Kong to France – Joint British/French Packet ServiceA remarkable entire letter endorsed “via Suez et Marseille” and dispatched from Hong Kong on 29 November 1848, bearing a superb strike of the “PAID AT HONG-KONG” crowned circle in red (Webb type 8; Proud PD4, 1847–52 first period), with matching Hong Kong double-arc datestamp on reverse for the same day. Carried by the British packet P&O “Bentinck” to Suez (arr. 4 January 1849), thence by French packet “Osiris” to Marseille (arr. 19 January). On arrival in France, the cover shows the “2 Indes Or. / Marseille” entry marking (19 Jan 1849), together with an extraordinary array of early French railroad cancellations in black ink, including: •“Ligne-de-Tours” (20.1.49) – rare, recorded only Dec 1848–Jan 1849. •“F19” framed – French railroad postal agent marking, not previously recorded on mail from China. •“13/F” circular – another rare railroad agent cancel, likewise not previously seen on China-origin mail. The combination of multiple French railroad cancels (F19 and 13/F) on a cover from China is believed to be the earliest recorded usage, and unique in exhibiting such postal-agent markings on Hong Kong–origin mail.This cover represents an exceptionally early and rare intersection of British colonial postal markings with French inland rail distribution. Joint British/French packet service mail from China is seldom encountered.