Lot no. 8052

1873: Cover from Nordhausen to Hong Kong (Peil correspondence), endorsed 'via Brindisi mit Britischer Schiffen', franked by 1872 Small Shield 1/4 gr. violet, 1/2 gr. orange-yellow, 5 gr. ochre-brown and Large Shield 1 gr. rose carmine, cancelled by boxed NORDHAUSEN datestamps (Nov 26) in black. Framed 'P.D.' in black and manuscript '64' centesemi credit in red. Reverse with 'Ala-Verona' cds and HONG KONG / MARINE SORTER / SINGAPORE TO HONG KONG datestamp (Dec 31) in black. The 1/2 gr and 5 gr. affected by ironed file folds but a remarkable four colour franking to a scarce destination. Signed Sommer. F. Peil was a German merchant in Hong Kong, employed by the German Krupp Steel company in 1866 after Krupp having failed to sell 1.000 cannons to China. F. Peil originally specialized in the import & export of wines and spirits. At the end of 1870 the Chinese Government finally purchased 191 Krupp cannons.