Lot 40148 – 1892 (Nov 8) Envelope to Great Britain bearing a very rare and highly desirable double-rate combination cover incl China Small dragons and Type Sage 5c.

1892 (Nov 8) Envelope from Tientsin to Cornwall (Great Britain), franked on dispatch on reverse with China 1888 Small Dragons 3ca (torn on opening) and 5ca pair and single, tied by blue chop (one short perf), with matching « CUSTOMS/TIENTSIN » cds tying the 3ca, BLUE « CUSTOMS/SHANGHAI » and arrival ds also tying part of the franking, and « LIGNE N/PAQ. FR. N°1 » octagonal ds alongside, on obverse Type Sage 5c pair, strip of three and strip of five, tied by « SHANG-HAÏ/CHINE » cds’s, some imperfections affecting the French franking and slight soiling, not detracting from this very rare and highly desirable double-rate combination cover.