Lot 20526 – 1900 (Sept 3) « Umberto » 10c stationery, less than five items known exhibiting the postmark of the « Calabria » used in China,

1900 (Sept 3) « Umberto » 10c stationery postcard from China to Lugo (Italy), cleanly cancelled by « R. Nave Calabria » cds, additionally struck at left and adjacent to the arrival ds. The sender has strangely added later « Singapore » as the origin of the card; contents reading: « I learn now that from today we can send letters to Italy and I take the opportunity » (this makes believe that the ships which were carrying mail to Italy temporally interrupted the stage in China and, as a matter of fact, the troops complained then about the bad organization of the postal service), « 30 August: at 13:00 the Colonel suddenly orders to land (…) I had for two days the command of the ‘Comando di Tappa’ in Taku », relating also other military events which are difficult to read. Less than five items known exhibiting the postmark of the « Calabria » used in China, and very rare usage of the Italian postal stationery in China.