China 1897 10c on 12ca brown-orange (first printing), large figure surcharge on Dowager Empress, SG55

China 1897 10c on 12ca brown-orange (first printing), large figure surcharge on Dowager Empress, SG55China 1897 (Mar) 10c on 12ca brown orange (first printing), large figure surcharge on Dowager Empress, spaced 2. 5mm, SG55. A fine used example by two strikes of the central Customs Ningpo circular date stamp in brown. A good example of the so called "Golden Dragon" despite a few shortish perforations at top and right as rarely seen so fine. Accompanied with a 2006 Experts & Consultants certificate of authenticity. Was last sold by Stanley Gibbons for

A fine used example with part circular date stamp showing year "04"

R4/1 on the sheet

The surcharges were necessary due to a shortage of high-value stamps in Taiwan at the time

she wore a series of wigs to maintain her public image without damaging her hair any further

Brilliant mint pairs with large part original gum to full original gum

with horizontal mailing folds and some age-related discolouration

but fresher than usually found and scarce unmounted

an appointment which he likely owed to the influence of his brother-in-law

A handwritten signed letter by the renowned English author Charles Dickens

Addressed to the "Earl of Beverly" - also known as George Percy

bottom right hand corner marginal "D4" (I) control strip of three printed by De La Rue

litho printing