Lot 3110

1875 (Aug 28) Perfect strike of circular datestamp with matching "DUE" in circle handstamp and manuscript "6" cents interconsular rate on cover originating in Foochow, addressed to James Bassel, care of U.S. Consulate in Shanghai, with original letter on "United States Consulate, Foochow" stationery with manuscript June 4, 1875 dateline, interesting letter from M. M. DeLaw regarding "Col Lay's system of Torpedo Coast defence", forwarded to Yokohama, red manuscript line through "Shanghai" and "Try Yokohama" written in Shanghai, "Yokohama Japan Sep. 5 6 A.M." receiving backstamp, Extremely Fine, addressed to one of 50 or so American military officers who went to Egypt in the 1870s to train and direct the army of the Khedive Ismail, Lieutenant-Colonel James Bassel served in Egypt for about one year before leaving for the Far East, this was marked 6c due for the interconsular rate between Shanghai and Yokohama, an extremely rare marking, Provenance: ex Brett Collection