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China Pre-philately

Lot 1757

1,500.00 HKD

Live

1836 (16 Jul) Water Witch, off Cumsingmoon to Canton An internal Canton River mail. Letter written on 10 July 1836 on board the opium

1836 (16 Jul) Water Witch, off Cumsingmoon to Canton An internal Canton River mail. Letter written on 10 July 1836 on board the opium clipper Water Witch at Cumsingmoon, addressed to Canton. Mentions the dispatch of correspondence via the Herbert Taylor to England through Singapore, ongoing opium trade conditions, rising opium prices, and active smuggling by foreign vessels. Notes on American and Bombay ship arrivals and trade logistics, including outbound sailing of the Mermaid to Calcutta. Provides firsthand insight into the operations of opium traders off the Chinese coast in the pre-Opium War period. 1836年7月10日於「Water Witch」鴉片快船上、錨泊於「金星門」Cumsingmoon – 廣東河出口面向香港島 - 所書信函，寄往廣州。信中提及透過「Herbert Taylor」號船經新加坡轉寄英國之郵件安排，並記錄當時鴉片貿易活動情況，包括鴉片價格上升、走私船活躍，以及美國與印度（如Bombay）來船之抵達情形。信中亦提及「Mermaid」號即將啟程返回加爾各答，透露此信件所處時間點正值廣東沿海鴉片貿易繁盛階段，具體反映中英開戰前夕外籍走私船活動頻繁之實況。

Lot 1758

2,200.00 HKD

Sold

(1) Opium License Plaque – Tongzhi 11 (1872), Huizhou Prefecture, Jiangnan This is an official opium license plaque issued in 1872 (11th

(1) Opium License Plaque – Tongzhi 11 (1872), Huizhou Prefecture, Jiangnan This is an official opium license plaque issued in 1872 (11th year of Emperor Tongzhi) by the local authorities of Huizhou Prefecture, Jiangnan. It authorized the named household to legally operate an opium business at a registered address. The text references typical Qing-era regulatory terms such as “registered household members,” “licensed opium traders,” and “penalties for violations,” indicating its function within the Qing government’s opium control system. The red square official seal confirms its legitimacy as a formal government-issued document. This license is a rare and valuable artifact reflecting the legal framework and administrative practices surrounding opium regulation in late Qing China. (2) 14th November 1870, the lot also attached a Melchers & Co’s market report. The Report states a series of opium price in 1870, including the quotes to Patna, Benares, Malwa opium chest., together with providing the inventory at Shanghae of opium at the time – stock of opium as of today: 800 chest Patna; 380 chests Benares; 500 chest Malwa. Both license and market reports have again verified the opium trade was part of the regular trade imported to China, and also opium was an authorised regular service at the society in 19th century, particularly after the Opium War periods. (1) 清同治十一年（1872年）烟戶門牌江南徽州府官署核發之合法煙牌文件本件為清朝同治十一年（1872年）江南徽州府所頒發之「煙戶門牌」，明確顯示持牌戶已依規登記並被授權於特定門址內經營鴉片業務。內容載有「男女丁口逐一填寫」、「分烟戶民數冊」、「應憑烟牌」、「違例查禁」等關鍵字句，體現清代鴉片管控制度下之官方行政語彙。該牌應懸掛於門首，供巡查官吏稽查辨識，並附紅色方形官印，顯示為由府署或縣署所核發之正式文件。此類烟牌為清代合法經營鴉片的官方許可證，除反映地方政府對煙戶登記制度的執行外，亦為研究清末禁烟與管制政策的重要實物史料。 (2) 1870年11月14日梅爾策洋行（Melchers & Co.）市場報告附件本報告記錄當時鴉片價格行情，包括 Patna、Benares、Malwa 等類型鴉片之報價，並列出上海現存庫存：Patna 800箱、Benares 380箱、Malwa 500箱。此市場報告與煙牌同為重要史證，反映19世紀中葉鴉片貿易已成中國社會之合法常規商業活動，尤以鴉片戰爭後尤為明顯。

Lot 1759

3,600.00 HKD

Sold

1840 (9 Nov) Macao to Somerset, England An important First Opium War letter dated 9 November 1840 from Macao to Somerset, England, written

1840 (9 Nov) Macao to Somerset, England An important First Opium War letter dated 9 November 1840 from Macao to Somerset, England, written during the British occupation of Chusan . The letter reveals strategic insights into British expectations for a swift resolution of the conflict, though tempered by skepticism from China experts. Notably, it mentions the movement of a Chinese hostage and British logistical plans to transfer invalid soldiers from Chusan to Manila, offering rare documentation of the medical and diplomatic dimensions of early war operations. A valuable historical artifact shedding light on British military disposition, wartime morale, and Sino-British interactions during the initial stages of hostilities The letter has the following message: “... the Chinese are causing xxx about the English, and the officers of the Expedition entertain great hopes that matters in dispute will be speedily adjusted — those who know more of the Chinese however are very far from feeling any such confidence. the xxx from Chusan came down the other day and it is believed has gone over to Manila to arrange for the accommodation there of some xxx that are to be sent down from Chusan — “ 1840年11月9日於第一次鴉片戰爭初期英軍佔領舟山後的軍事與醫療部署紀錄此信件撰於第一次鴉片戰爭初期、英軍攻佔舟山（1840年7月首次佔領）後數月，由澳門寄往英國薩默塞特。內容揭示英方對於迅速解決中英爭端所抱持的樂觀態度，但書信作者亦指出熟悉中國情勢者多不持相同看法，反映當時英軍內部對戰局發展的不同預期。信中提及一名來自舟山的軍醫官（surgeon）抵達澳門，據信即將前往馬尼拉安排接收從舟山送往後方的傷病官兵。此段內容對於理解當時英軍如何處理遠征軍之醫療與後勤支援系統，具高度史料價值。原文節錄如下：「……中國人對英人顯得更加不安，而遠征軍官員們對於爭端能迅速解決抱有極大希望——但那些更瞭解中國人性格的人卻完全沒有此種信心。舟山來的一名軍醫日前來到，據信他已前往馬尼拉安排那裡的接收設施，以安置一些即將自舟山送往後方的病弱官兵。」此信充分體現了戰爭初期英軍的軍事部署、醫療安排與外交觀察，為研究鴉片戰爭中英軍行動提供寶貴的第一手資料。

Lot 1760

3,000.00 HKD

Sold

1868 (24 Jan to 31 Jul) five letter sheets in total stating the opium trade situation in Shanghae, China 5 sheets issued in 1868 from

1868 (24 Jan to 31 Jul) five letter sheets in total stating the opium trade situation in Shanghae, China 5 sheets issued in 1868 from Jardine Matheson Esq. dated 24 Jan., 31 Jan., 5 Feb., 17 July, 31 July. These letter sheets or market report mentioned about the active opium trades for the types of Malwa, Patua, Bengal. All these reflected the opium trade has affirmed the opium trade was a regular cross border businesses between China and England via India after the Second Opium War. Some merchants previously not so much involved in opium trade have included opium as part of their coverage import goods as well. Good to understand the historic opium trade development at the time. 1868年1月24日至7月31日：五封關於中國上海鴉片貿易情況的信函報告此為由怡和洋行（Jardine Matheson Esq.）於1868年所發出的五封書信報告，分別日期為1月24日、1月31日、2月5日、7月17日及7月31日，均記錄了當時上海地區的鴉片貿易情況。信中提及數種印度出口至中國的鴉片品類，包括馬爾瓦（Malwa）、帕圖亞（Patua）及孟加拉（Bengal）鴉片。從信件內容可見，鴉片交易在1868年依然極為活躍，並顯示自第二次鴉片戰爭（1856–1860）後，中印英三地之間的跨境鴉片貿易已然常態化，成為上海市場的重要經濟活動之一，一些原本並未積極參與鴉片貿易的商人，亦開始將鴉片納入其進口商品的範疇中，反映出鴉片不僅仍具高度經濟價值，亦已深入滲透至更廣泛的商業網絡之中。歷史補充說明：至1868年，中國的鴉片問題已延續數十年，自1830年代東印度公司壟斷印度鴉片產出並走私至中國以來，經歷了兩次鴉片戰爭，最終導致清政府被迫簽訂一系列不平等條約，當中包括《天津條約》及《北京條約》，正式承認英國在華的通商權益，實際上亦變相承認了鴉片進口的合法性。在戰後十年間，隨著通商口岸數量增加及海關制度西化，鴉片貿易不但持續擴展，且逐漸進入「半合法化」階段，尤其在上海、廣州等地，鴉片成為常見進口品之一。怡和洋行作為當時英資最大商行之一，對華鴉片貿易的推動可謂舉足輕重，亦在信函中持續反映對市場動態、價格變化與競爭情勢的密切觀察。這五封信函可作為了解戰後十年內鴉片貿易運作的一手資料，也反映出鴉片在中英印三地貿易關係中的核心地位。

Lot 1761

2,200.00 HKD

Sold

1836 (1 Sep) Canton to Cumsingmoon, Edward Crooke Esq. to E.F. Veneables on board opium clipper Water Witch, river boat mail from Canton to

1836 (1 Sep) Canton to Cumsingmoon, Edward Crooke Esq. to E.F. Veneables on board opium clipper Water Witch, river boat mail from Canton to Cumsingmoon. The letter content is about the difficult opium trade condition, in which the letter mentioned the following: “… I am afraid I shall not be able to do so the smugglers promise to buy it next voyage as they say. But they never have the money with them, so if you can sell it do so and I will not trouble you again. I don’t know how to get the moneydown here but perhaps you can do that for me…..” On the front side, Edward Crooke further reminded EF Veneables :”…to sell his chest opium and send the money down; target to sell his chest opium but could not – price minimal 700 ref ; Patna 780-85 @ 800 Malwa 750 or so Turkey 700 –– If I sell will advise ship immediately –– So note 5 Sept (for Bombay), sold his chest opium at 680 to Tenchong cash in a week or 10 days –– 1836年9月1日，廣州致金星門之信： Edward Crooke 致 E.F. Veneables，信中談及鴉片市場低迷，買家雖口頭承諾下次購買，實則無現金交易。他請對方代為售出其一箱鴉片，並設法將款項送達。金星門的角色：作為鴉片走私轉運港，Cumsingmoon此時成為英國船隊與中國買家間的重要交接點，提供鴉片交易的避風港。信中提及當時不同產地鴉片的行情參考價格： Patna：780–800 銀元 Malwa：約 750 銀元 Turkey：約 700 銀元期望售價至少為 700 銀元。信末補述：他已於9月5日售出該箱鴉片予「Tenchong」，價格為每箱680銀元，預計一週至十天內收妥款項。信件反映1830年代後期鴉片市場波動加劇，供需失衡導致價格回落，連700銀元的目標價也難以實現，折射出貿易環境惡化。買家如Tenchong多以賒帳交易，延遲付款一週以上，反映鴉片貿易日漸依賴私人信用與地方管道，增添風險。鴉片戰爭前夕的商業壓力現象：英商對市場失控的焦慮、資金回籠困難，逐步累積為後來英方對清政府壓力的藉口與導火線之一。

Lot 1762

7,500.00 HKD

Sold

Lintin, 9 October 1829, a possibly earliest international mail from Lintin Island to the USA. On the front side, stamped with red handstamp

Lintin, 9 October 1829, a possibly earliest international mail from Lintin Island to the USA. On the front side, stamped with red handstamp “SHIP”, red arrival c.d.s. “BOSTON / MAR 12 (1830)”, and a rate mark “20 ½ (cents)” in magenta color. [20 ½ c = 18c ship rate + 2½c local postage delivery from Boston to Philadelphia.] This 1829 letter from Lintin Island, a strategic and notorious offshore location for trade activities with China at the mouth of the Canton River, offers rare documentation of early opium-era logistics prior to open conflict. It captures the pre-war quiet before the storm, when trade was still covert but expanding, with Lintin serving as a strategic offshore anchorage to bypass the Canton System. The letter mentioned “…. We dine with Capt. Phillips & shall soon after be under way for Whampoa which the ship lay 10 miles below Canton. You may imagine my anxiety to arrive as I must receive some letters from home…” 此信件寫於1829年10月9日，地點為中國珠江口外的伶仃島（Lintin Island）。書信內容提到作者剛抵達船隻，並將經由“Mentor”號船前往黃埔（Whampoa），其後將北上廣州。此外，作者亦提及曾與同行友人一同乘坐「中國舢舨」前往澳門登岸，途中曾觀察連堂附近地形，並與其他數艘外國軍艦共同停泊於距廣州10英里處水域。連堂島位於珠江口外，是19世紀初期外籍商船進入中國前的重要外港停泊點與轉運中繼站。在清政府實行「一口通商」政策（僅允許外商透過廣州進行貿易）之下，外籍船隻通常需在連堂等待入港許可，並辦理補給、船員登岸或貨物中轉等事宜。該島因其地理位置鄰近廣州與澳門，成為早期國際貿易與航運的樞紐之一，對了解當時中國對外貿易體制運作具有高度史料價值。此信可能係最早從伶仃島出去美國的國際郵件。

Hong Kong Pre-philately

Lot 1765

800.00 HKD

Sold

1848 Hong Kong (28 Oct) to India. Entire letter, sent "Per Steamer Braguse", applied with Webb type 8 Hong Kong Paid All circular seal,

1848 Hong Kong (28 Oct) to India. Entire letter, sent "Per Steamer Braguse", applied with Webb type 8 Hong Kong Paid All circular seal, Hong Kong double-arc cds and circled "2" h.s. 2003 (Sep) John Bull. 1848.10.28 香港寄印度。郵簡，寫有“Per Steamer Braguse”，鈐Webb 8型Hong Kong Paid All圓戳、香港雙弧日戳及“2”字圓戳。2003.9 布約翰拍賣。

Lot 1766

4,000.00 HKD

Live

1859 Hong Kong (10 Mar) to USA. Entire letter, sent “via Marseille” and rated “34” and crossed out to be “40”, appleid with

1859 Hong Kong (10 Mar) to USA. Entire letter, sent “via Marseille” and rated “34” and crossed out to be “40”, appleid with Hong Kong double arc cds on reverse. Transit London (27 Apr). Arrived USA. 1859.3.10 香港寄美國。郵簡，寫有“via Marseille”及“34”郵資，後被劃去改作“40”。背面鈐香港雙弧日戳。4.27經倫敦。抵美國。

Hong Kong Pre-philately

China Pre-philately

Lot 1767

1,500.00 HKD

Live

1869 Hong Kong (15 Sep) to Melbourne, sent “via Galle” and rated “2/-”, f.w. Hong Kong QV 48c, tied by B62 obliterator. On

1869 Hong Kong (15 Sep) to Melbourne, sent “via Galle” and rated “2/-”, f.w. Hong Kong QV 48c, tied by B62 obliterator. On reverse with Olyphant & Co. forwarding agent d.s. and Hong Kong index C cds. Arrived Melbourne (26 Oct). Double rate example. With stain and creases at edges. 1869.9.15 香港寄澳洲，寫有“via Galle”及“2/-”郵資，貼香港維多利亞女皇像48仙，銷B62殺手戳。背面蓋有Olyphant & Co.,轉運代理日戳及香港日戳。10.26抵墨爾本。雙倍郵資例子。邊緣帶污漬及磨損。

China Pre-philately

Lot 3298

7,000.00 HKD

Sold

ca 1893 a pair Qiaopi letter sheet from Timor to Tsungkow. Qiaopi from Dutch East Indies are already scarce given the high integration

ca 1893 a pair Qiaopi letter sheet from Timor to Tsungkow. Qiaopi from Dutch East Indies are already scarce given the high integration level of Chinese community. Originating from Timor in such early years is even more unusual. With photocopy of the covers which proves the origin. 約1893年（光緒年間）兩件帝汶寄梅州松口之僑批信紙。由於當地華僑歸化程度較高，故出自荷屬東印度之僑批本已少見，而出自帝汶而非其他大埠，加之甚早的年份，實在可遇不可求。附有原信封之影印本證明寄件地。