[et_pb_section fb_built=\u00a0\u00bb1″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb3px|||||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb||0px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||-2px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n
Collecting Chinese stamps can be a daunting prospect, with a myriad of overprints for province issues and inflation surcharges from the 1920s to 40s, different printings, the dreaded reprints and as with every country, difficult forgeries, (even with relatively modern stamps). But for the philatelist, these challenges only serve to whet the appetite, and in this article we look back on the foundation of the People’s Republic 75 years ago, and give some historical context to the 31 pages in the Stanley Gibbons specialised catalogue of China devoted to the Communist period from 1937 until 1949, which certainly include all the above difficulties to keep one entertained!<\/p>\n
Our November 18th-24th auction series features over 70 lots from this Communist period<\/a> (as well as over 170 lots of China<\/a>), and below we highlight some of the lots in the auction in order to help illustrate the diversity of issues during this period.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb19px||0px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Background<\/strong><\/p>\n Following the collapse of the Qing dynasty and the 1911 Revolution, Sun Yat-sen assumed the presidency of the newly formed Republic of China, and was shortly thereafter succeeded by Yuan Shikai. Yuan was frustrated in a short-lived attempt to restore monarchy in China, and China fell into power struggle after his death in 1916.<\/p>\n The Kuomintang (KMT), led by Sun Yat-sen, created a new government in Guangzhou to rival the warlords who ruled over large swathes of China and prevented the formation of a solid central government. After Sun’s efforts to obtain aid from Western countries were ignored, he turned to the Soviet Union. In 1923, the Soviets pledged their assistance to China’s unification in the Sun\u2013Joffe Manifesto, a declaration of cooperation among the Comintern, KMT, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb2_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n However, after Sun died in 1925, the KMT split into left- and right-wing movements. KMT members worried that the Soviets were trying to destroy the KMT from inside using the CCP. The Soviet Union was supporting the CCP with money and spies at this time. In early 1927, the KMT\u2013CCP rivalry led to a split in the revolutionary ranks. The CCP and the left wing of the KMT decided to move the seat of the KMT government from Guangzhou to Wuhan, where communist influence was strong. Chiang Kai-shek and Li Zongren’s armies moved eastward toward Jiangxi.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Dr-Sun-issues-on-airmail-cover-to-Switzerland-scaled.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbDr Sun issues on airmail cover to Switzerland\u00a0\u00bb url=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/dfsa-auctions\/winter-2024-auction-series\/europe-and-overseas\/81565\/chinese-republic-1941-censored-air-transit-6-cover-to-switerland\/\u00a0\u00bb url_new_window=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||3px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Lot 81565<\/a>, 1941 airmail cover to Switzerland with issues depicting Sun Yat-sen<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb2px||4px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n On 7 April 1927, Chiang and several other KMT leaders held a meeting, during which they proposed that Communist activities were socially and economically disruptive and had to be undone for the Nationalist revolution to proceed. On 12 April, many communists within the KMT were purged in Shanghai through hundreds of arrests and executions in what is known as the Shanghai Massacre. The left wing of the KMT also expelled CCP members from the Wuhan Government, which in turn was toppled by Chiang Kai-shek. The KMT resumed its campaign against warlords and captured Beijing in June 1928. Soon, most of eastern China was under the control of the Nanjing central government, which received prompt international recognition as the sole legitimate government of China.<\/span><\/p>\n Communist insurgency<\/strong><\/p>\n On 1 August 1927, the CCP launched an uprising in Nanchang against the Nationalist government in Wuhan. This conflict led to the creation of the Red Army. A CCP meeting on 7 August confirmed the objective of the party was to seize the political power by force. On 14 August, Chiang Kai-shek announced his temporary retirement, as the Wuhan faction and Nanjing faction of the Kuomintang were allied once again with common goal of suppressing the CCP after the earlier split. This marked the beginning of a ten-year armed struggle, known in mainland China as the \u00ab\u00a0Ten-Year Civil War\u00a0\u00bb.<\/span><\/p>\n Attempts were later made by the CCP to take the cities of Changsha, Shantou and Guangzhou, but KMT forces continued to attempt to suppress the rebellions.\u00a0<\/span>During the action a large-scale action fought in the South of Kiangsi province several Communist leaders, including Mao Tse-tung, were captured and their forces routed. Mao escaped without difficulty and retreated to the remote mountainous area in South Kiangsi, known as Ching Kan Shan. Here some of his defeated army rallied to him, and in 1928 he was joined by another force under the Communist General Chu Teh. Thus there came into being an expanding area under Communist control which was known as the Hunan – Kiangsi Soviet Base. Some twelve other bases were similarly established. They were relatively close together and to keep them in touch with each other a courier system was evolved. So in mid-1928 the first Chinese Communist postal service came into being. For the first few months, hand-struck markings only were used, but late in 1928 and early in 1929, six of the bases issued adhesive stamps. Produced under difficult conditions, with primitive equipment, the stamps are crudely printed on ungummed, native paper. They all have the inscription in Chinese \u00ab\u00a0RED POSTAL SERVICE\u00a0\u00bb or \u00ab\u00a0RED POSTAGE STAMP\u00a0\u00bb, plus, in most cases, the name of the base of origin.<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb4px||15px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n In November 1931 the first Chinese Soviet Congress was held at Juichin in the South of Kiangsi province. Here it was decided to produce unified issues of postage and postage due stamps for use in all the Southern Bases SOVIET POSTAL SERVICE’. The stamps of both the Red and Soviet posts were valid only to destinations within Communist controlled territory. Mail to other parts of China had to be posted at the nearest Government Post Office. These stamps remained in use for some two and a half years, and during the whole of this period Chiang Kai-shek was using his forces to isolate the Communist Bases from the rest of China.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb2_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/China-Soviet-Republic-1932-Red-Flag-issue-3c-green-unused.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbChina Soviet Republic 1932 Red Flag issue 3c green, unused\u00a0\u00bb url=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/dfsa-auctions\/winter-2024-auction-series\/europe-and-overseas\/81584\/1930-36-red-posts-soviet-republic-1932-red-flag-issue-3c-green-unused-no-gum-as-issued\/\u00a0\u00bb url_new_window=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||4px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Lot 81584<\/a>, Soviet Republic 1932 Red Flag issue 3c green, unused<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb4px|||||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||-16px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Finally, after a year of almost total blockade, the decision was taken to abandon the Southern Bases, and on 15th October, 1934, the Red Army broke through the blockade and set off on the \u00ab\u00a0Long March\u00a0\u00bb to the Base in Shensi province. After just over a year, having covered well over 6,000 miles, the much-depleted Red Army arrived at the Northern Base, and shortly after a headquarters was set up at Yenan.<\/p>\n Second Sino-Japanese War (1937\u20131945)<\/strong><\/p>\n In July 1937 the Japanese, who had already seized Manchuria and the province of Jehol, launched an invasion of the rest of China. Chiang Kai-shek had seen the CCP as the greater threat and refused to ally with the CCP, preferring to unite China by eliminating the warlord and CCP forces first. He ignored the Chinese people’s discontent and anger at the KMT policy of compromise with the Japanese, instead ordering KMT generals to suppress the CCP. However, their provincial forces suffered significant casualties in battles against the Red Army.<\/p>\n On 12 December 1936, the disgruntled Generals conspired to kidnap Chiang and force him into a truce with the CCP. The incident became known as the Xi’an Incident. Both parties now suspended fighting to form a Second United Front to focus their energies and fight the Japanese. The level of actual cooperation and coordination between the CCP and KMT during World War II was minimal. As clashes between the CCP and KMT intensified, countries such as the United States and the Soviet Union intervened, warning that civil war would make the situation easier for the Japanese military.<\/p>\n From 1937 until the defeat of Japan in 1945, the Communists fought the Japanese chiefly in guerrilla warfare from areas under their control. Many of these areas were known as Border Areas, as they were situated on the borders of several provinces. In December 1937 the Communists won a victory over the Japanese at Wu Tan Shan, and the Northern Base known as the Shansi-Chahar-Hopei Border Area was set up. In this base several stamps were issued, including the set of three illustrated below, strangely with their designs featuring the Sun emblem used by the Nationalists. In October 1938 the Nationalists took over all the postal services and Communist stamps were withdrawn.<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb12px|||||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Shanxi-Hebei-Chahar-SG-NC4b-6b-a-fine-set-unused.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbShanxi-Hebei-Chahar SG NC4b-6b, a fine set, unused\u00a0\u00bb url=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/dfsa-auctions\/winter-2024-auction-series\/europe-and-overseas\/81617\/north-china-1938-chin-cha-ki-border-area-shanxi-hebei-chahar-sg-nc4b-6b-000000001\/\u00a0\u00bb url_new_window=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb align=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||2px|||\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb|130px||130px||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Lot 81617<\/a>, Shansi-Chahar-Hopei Border Area 1938 set of three, strangely with the sun motif of the Nationalist government<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb0px||5px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n The Red Army had now been re-organised, and trained civilian administrators were integrated whose job was to take over the normal functions of local government, and to restore the public services, including the postal service, and secondly to take all the necessary steps to ensure that once the war was over there would be no question of the captured territory returning to the control of the Nationalists. And so we have from the end of 1940 onwards, a number of quite separate postal administrations coming into being and, after a lapse of two years, the re-appearance of Communist stamps.<\/p>\n By 1940, Mao Tse-tung was no longer just one of several top Communists, but had emerged as the undisputed overall leader, and so it is not surprising that his portrait appears on many of the issues of the period. The only other portrait we find is that of Chu Teh, now Commander of the Eighth Route Army. His headquarters was located in Shantung province and his portrait occurs mainly on stamps of the Eastern Region in which Shantung is situated.<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb6px|||||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Post-World War II and Hyperinflation<\/strong><\/p>\n By the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the power of the Chinese Communist Party had grown considerably. Their \u00ab\u00a0Liberated Zone\u00a0\u00bb in 1945 contained 19 base areas, including one-quarter of the country’s territory and one-third of its population; this included many important towns and cities. Moreover, the Soviet Union turned over all of its captured Japanese weapons and a substantial amount of their own supplies to the Communists, who received North-Eastern China from the Soviets as well. The issues made for Manchuria had to use local resources to produce stamps in the smaller towns under their control, with issues printed for Ximan, Port Arthur and Darien, Liaoning and Harbin, and the North East China People’s Post. Stamps of Manchukuo were also handstamped or overprinted by the Communists and Nationalists, usually with characters for \u00ab\u00a0Chinese Republic\u00a0\u00bb, or \u00ab\u00a0Chinese Postal Service\u00a0\u00bb and \u00ab\u00a0Temporary Use\u00a0\u00bb. Stanley Gibbons state that over 3’300 different handstamped Manchukuo stamps exist although they don’t list them. And care should be taken as there are many forgeries and bogus examples. Note: this paragraph has been edited according to the comment at the foot of this post<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb2_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Port-Arthur-and-Darien-1948-10-on-2f-yellow-green.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbPort Arthur and Darien 1948 $10 on 2f yellow-green\u00a0\u00bb url=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/dfsa-auctions\/winter-2024-auction-series\/europe-and-overseas\/81644\/north-east-china-1947-port-arthur-dairen-overprint-on-2f-yellow-green-000000001\/\u00a0\u00bb url_new_window=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||0px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Lot 81644<\/a>, 1947 Port Arthur & Dairen, red overprint on 2f yellow-green<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb2px||3px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n The Nationalists who had taken to conscription and hoarding supplies, also had strong support from the US, with soldier’s given to guard important areas, training, equipment and loans. As post-war negotiations between the Nationalist government and the CCP failed, the civil war between these two parties resumed in 1946. Between June 1946 and May 1949 China’s inflation spiralled into hyperinflation and the Nationalist governments inability to control its currency undermined support as it destroyed the savings of the middle class and drove the working class into severe poverty. As a means of tackling inflation, the Gold Yuan was introduced in August 1948 to replace the Chinese National Currency (CNC). In September stamps in the old currency were still in use, and values up to CNC$5’00’000 were issued. The success of the Communist forces exacerbated the problem and the Gold Yean collapsed. In an attempt to deal with this, the Silver Yuan was introduced.<\/span><\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb|0px||||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/226017.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bb226017″ url=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/dfsa-auctions\/winter-2024-auction-series\/europe-and-overseas\/81570\/1940-43-provincial-surcharges-1943-east-szechwan-surcharge-50c-on-16c-olive-brown\/\u00a0\u00bb url_new_window=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||10px|||\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb|60px||60px||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Example of a surcharged overprint to adjust for inflation by the Nationalist government, lot 81570, a 1943 East Szechwan 50c surcharge on 16c olive-brown unused left marginal strip of three, with first and second stamp showing variety IMPERFORATE BETWEEN, very rare with less than ten pairs recorded.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_padding=\u00a0\u00bb||4px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb2_3″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n From the Communist side the postal history of the Civil War differs little from that of the Sino-Japanese War. As territory was won from the Nationalists, the civilian administrators re-started the postal services and issued new stamps just as they had done when territory was won from the Japanese. The fighting continued, and after their decisive victory in the battle of Hwai-Hei in January 1949, the Communists over-ran China. Liberation areas of Central and South China, East China, North China, North-West China and South-West China were established as regional administrative units, each consisting of a group of provinces and using the People’s Currency.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb1_3″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/1948-Central-China-Yu-Si-West-Honan-Liberated-Area.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bb1948 Central China, Yu-Si (West Honan Liberated Area)\u00a0\u00bb url=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/dfsa-auctions\/winter-2024-auction-series\/europe-and-overseas\/81585\/central-and-south-china-1948-central-china-yu-si-west-honan-liberated-area-yang-cc41-46-cc41a\/\u00a0\u00bb url_new_window=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||1px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Example from lot 81585<\/a>, Central China, Yu-Si, West Honan Liberated Area, depicting Mao Tse-tung<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb2_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n Southern China did not fall to the Communists until October 1949, and few stamps were issued in the region, issues of the Nationalist regime being used alongside stamps of the same series with overprints applied by the Communists. The South West Region was the last to be taken over. A number of short lived provisionals appeared, soon to be superceeded by a definitive issue showing Red Army troops on the march.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_5″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/South-West-China-Sichuan-Kwang-Yuan-local-overprint.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbSouth West China (Sichuan), Kwang-Yuan local overprint\u00a0\u00bb url=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.davidfeldman.com\/dfsa-auctions\/winter-2024-auction-series\/europe-and-overseas\/81656\/south-west-china-south-west-china-sichuan-kwang-yuan-local-overprint-000000001\/\u00a0\u00bb url_new_window=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||5px|||\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.2″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]<\/p>\n