364 / März 2017

1868: Rouletted 1 gr. rose, 2 gr. blue and 5 gr. olive-brown, all used on 1868 cover from Berlin to Hong Kong endorsed 'via Triest per Überland Post', tied by Berlin datestamps (July 2) in blue. Manuscript '7 Wfr.' (weiter franco 7 groschen) at base and reverse with oval 'Triest' transit cds (July 4) and extremely rare circular 'HONG KONG & SINGAPORE / MARINE SORTER / B' handstamp in black (acc. to Webb 7 covers recorded). The envelope with some scuffing and slight repairs with manuscript docketing of receipt on reverse (Aug 20). Cert. Mehlmann (2016).

1870: Cover from Elberfeld Station to Shanghai, China endorsed 'via Marseilles & Suez' franked by 1868 1 gr. rose, 2 gr. blue and 5 gr. ochre-brown (partly slightly oxidized), tied by neat 'ELBERFELD Bhf.' datestamps in black (Aug 18) and by framed 'P.D.' in red. Erquelines French entry marking alongside (Aug 20) and reverse with fine 'SHANG-HAI / BAU. FRANCAIS' cds (Oct 4) in black; a most attractive and scarce franking. Cert. Mehlmann (2016).

1871: 1 gr. rose postal stationery envelope, up-rated with 1869 2 gr. blue and 5 gr. ochre-brown tied by KÖTZSCHENBRODA datestamps (Jan 26), endorsed 'via Triest' addressed to Lieutenant Commander Hegerman of 'USS Colorado' in Yokohama, Japan . Manuscript 'Wf 7' at left and reverse with HONG-KONG cds (March 10) in black and British P.O. in YOKOHAMA cds in blue (March 18). The cover was re-addressed to Hongkong, docketed 'April 6, Shanghae' in manuscript. A few minor imperfections but an attractive and scarce cover. Cert. Mehlmann (2016). Note: 'USS Colorado' was the Flagship of the Asiatic Squadron, on station from April 1870 to March 1873. She carried the US Minister to China & Korea on a diplomatic mission in 1871. In June 1871 an unprovoked attack was made on the Colorado by shore batteries from two Korean forts. A punitive expedition known as the 'Sinmiyangyo' was mounted and this destroyed both forts with heavy casualties.

1868: Entire letter from Leipzig to Soerabaja, Netherlands Indies (Steudemann correspondence) franked on front and back with 1868 1/4 gr. red-lilac (2), 1/2 gr. orange, 1 gr. rose-carmine (6, two singles and two horizontal pairs) and 5 gr. ochre-brown pair all tied by LEIPZIG-DRESDEN Travelling P.O. datestamps in black (Nov 14). Red 'PD' on front and manuscript '2' at top left (single weight within Germany = 3 sgr., double through France  and sea postage = 14 sgr.). Reverse with Marseille cds (Nov 17) in black and Soerabaja arrival cds (Dec 30) in red. A marvellous four colour franking and most appealing cover. Cert. Mehlmann (2016). Albert Steudemann (1842-unknown) was a German pharmacist. On his second trip to the Far East he settled down in Soerabaja, soon got a wealthy person. When he was older he returned back to Germany and was dedicated in many charity actions. Furthermore Steudemann was a passionate 'Skat' card player and donated a fountain in Altenburg 1897, called 'Skatbrunnen'.

1869: 1/4 gr. pale violet, 1/2 gr. orange, 1 gr. rose and 5 gr. olive brown (2) all used on 1871 cover (Steudemann correspondence) endorsed 'via Niederlande' to Soerabaya, Netherlands East Indies tied by neat ALTENBURG datestamps (Jan 12) in black. ´Soerabaja´ arrival cds (Aug 12) well struck in red on reverse. Slight repaired flap tear of no significance, an exceptional rate and a most attractive four colour franking. Cert. Mehlmann (2016). Albert Steudemann (1842-unknown) was a German pharmacist. On his second trip to the Far East he settled down in Soerabaja, soon got a wealthy person. When he was older he returned back to Germany and was dedicated in many charity actions. Furthermore Steudemann was a passionate 'Skat' card player and donated a fountain in Altenburg 1897, called 'Skatbrunnen'.

1869: 5 gr. olive-brown, two examples used on 1870 single rate cover (Steudemann correspondence) endorsed 'via Marseilles' to Soerabaja, Java, each tied by neat ALTENBURG datestamp (April 9) in black. Red 'PD' at left and 'Forbach' French entry mark below, reverse with Paris (April 11), Marseille transits and 'Soerabaja' arrival cds (May 25) in red. A fresh and fine cover to an unusual destination. Cert. Mehlmann (2016). Albert Steudemann (1842-unknown) was a German pharmacist. On his second trip to the Far East he settled down in Soerabaja, soon got a wealthy person. When he was older he returned back to Germany and was dedicated in many charity actions. Furthermore Steudemann was a passionate 'Skat' card player and donated a fountain in Altenburg 1897, called 'Skatbrunnen'.