Lot no. 6096

1895, 3c red Coat of Arms, postmarked with St. Thomas c.d.s. (25 Nov), to a Lieutenant on board the S.M.S. Prinzess Wilhelm “Chefoo, Japan”, crossed-out in blue crayon and readdressed to Amoy, with “c/o German Consulate…” at top, Singapore (7 Jan) and Shanghai (25 Jan) transit markings, light edge wear of no importance given the rarity of this unusual destination.

The S.M.S. Prinzess Wilhelm was in Irene-class cruiser, which was sent to reinforce the East Asia Squadron in January, 1895.  She often served as flagship of the East Asia Cruiser Division, and participated in the seizure of Kiautschou in 1898.