By: John Bull Stamp Auctions
lot # 5086 - China China: Collections and Accumulations
1900 Imperial Government cover from Shensi Snyuen to Suite Chihli Chou Office, bearing "Delivered Immediately" and "Pre-sealed and Leave Blank" mark, written with "limited for 300 Miles per day". F-VF. P.S, addressee was Kung Fan Po, the host of the Confucian Society during Peiyang government period. The "Pre-sealed and Leave Blank" system: In Ming and Qing dynasty,government officials enjoyed year-end holiday. In order to maintain operation during holiday, the "Pre-sealed and Leave Blank" system was promulgated since Qianlong Year 5 (1740). As covers bearing "Pre-sealed and leave Blank" mark were produced only during December and January in Lunar caldenar, their quantity was smaller than ordinary government covers.The General Sale