Auction 321 - 332 Europe & Overseas Great Britain & British Commonwealth - Day 3

1858: 6 d. blue, rouletted, a single example used on 1860 cover from Melbourne to Canton, China paying the ½ ounce ship rate, endorsed "Per "Columbian" Str, via Aden" tied by circular "1" numeral obliterator in black. Reverse with MELBOURNE despatch cds (Jan 17) alongside HONG KONG circular datestamp (Feb 24) in black. The adhesive with file fold but an attractive cover to an exceptional destination at this date: unrecorded by Ben Palmer in the "Pre-UPU Dstination Mail" census - now just 9 covers recorded to China, just one other with a 6 d. Queen on Throne adhesive, this being the earlier.