Lot 20513 – 1902ca. The only item known with franking tied by “R. Truppe Italiane Nello Estremo Oriente/Comando”

1902ca. Undated Japanese postcard sent locally in Peking, franked by Italy 5c tied by blue “R. Truppe Italiane Nello Estremo Oriente/Comando” circle handstamp with Savoyard coat of arms; some tone spots not detracting. Less than five items recorded exhibiting this handstamp used in China, this being unique by cancelling a franking.

Note: This handstamp was usually applied on front of the mail alongside the franking, which remained uncancelled until entering the Chinese or the corresponding foreign post office which would have forwarded the mail of the Italian troops. In this case, we presume that this correspondence was transmitted locally by the Command of the “Regie Truppe Italiane nello Estremo Oriente”, and indeed the franking paid corresponded to the Italian fee applied for a local district destination. This lot includes an additional postcard (defective at right) bearing this handstamp used in Italy alongside the franking (usages in the metropolitan territory are known from Naples, Rome and Reggio Emilia).