Lot
2273 
1895, 8¢ violet brown, D.L. watermark, in combination with 1899, 2¢ red, two singles in shades (279B) on fresh 2¢ red registered entire addressed to Wells, Fargo & Co. Express in San Francisco, Cal., with Tientsin military return address at upper left, all tied by straight line "CHINA" handstamps, purple "Registered, Mil. Postal Sta. No. 1, China, Nov 22, 1900" cds's, San Francisco, Jan 4., 1901 receiving backstamps, Very Fine and choice, one of two known complete registered covers bearing this rare handstamp, ex-Drucker. Scott No. 272 Estimate $4,000 - 6,000.
THE EARLIEST KNOWN USAGE OF THE RARE TIENTSIN "CHINA" STRAIGHT LINE HANDSTAMP ON COVER - USED ONLY ON MILITARY MAIL DURING THE BOXER REBELLION.
This "China" handstamp was used from early November of 1900 to February of 1901. Only a couple full covers are known with partial covers and on piece items being far more common.
Realized: $5,000