Lot 385, Canada 1888 registered cover with 5c RLS + 10c rose lilac SQ to Manking China, $12,075

Lot 385Lot 385 Canada 1888 15c non-UPU registered letter rate to China, franked with 10c rose lilac plus 5c green RLS, paying the 10c non-UPU letter rate plus 5c registration fee. Mailed from Niagara Falls South (APR.10.1888) to Manking, Chinese Empire, Asia (US Consulate May 21 receiver) via Hamilton, Windsor, San Francisco. Sent back to Canada through Dead Letter Office. Few minor edge tears, still a very rare and desirable cover. (Unitrade 40, F2)

An outstanding registered cover to China with a unique franking. We are aware of only three registered Small Queen covers to China, only two of which have a 5c RLS.

Provenance: Dr. Clare Jephcott (private sale), Bill Simpson (1996), S.J. Menich (2000).

Illustrated in: Canada’s Small Queen Era 1870-1897 by George Arfken, p.386; Canada and the Universal Postal Union by George Arfken, p.74; CAPEX 1996 Gems of Canadian Philately, p.65.

Estimate $5,000, sold for $10,500 plus buyer’s premium.