Lot 30355 – 1897 Red Revenue 3c crimson-red, surcharge omitted, perf.

1897 Red Revenue 3c crimson-red, surcharge omitted, perf. 14:14 1/2, in a rich shade and particularly well centred, mounted mint. This stamp possesses an outstanding freshness which few others achieve, one of the great rarities of China and an Asian showpiece of the highest calibre.

Note: In 1896 approval was granted to introduce revenue stamps. This met severe objection by the public however and revenues stocks already received from the printers were put into storage. Around the same time, the new Imperial Post office decided to introduce the services of parcels and postal remittances which required high-value stamps. The unreleased and high-quality Red Revenues were well suited for taking high value surcharges.

Correction to printed catalogue: Note that the estimate has been reduced