Lot 57

1870. Peking to Calcutta. Cover addressed to “Osc. Trefftz Esqr., care of Messrss Schoene, Kilburn & Col, Calcutta.” Original letter within in German datelined “Peking den 20th Februar 1870,” written by C. Bismarck, translator of the Prussian Legation in Peking. Customs Post were first introduced in 1866 to handle legation mail. Early mail before postal markings was introduced by Customs Post is scarce.

1870. 北京普鲁士使馆寄往印度加尔各答信件，带德文原信，在冬季水路冰封期间的2月20日寄出，使馆对外通信平时能自理，冬季邮路需依赖官府、催生了海关邮政，海关启用邮政戳记之前的使馆信件，十分珍罕。