Lot
578 
Hong Kong, 1861 Shanghai to London, England. Folded letter datelined Shanghai 5 Jan, red "Hong Kong Paid Ja 14 61" cds, with index "C" facing down, only 2 or 3 examples of this seen (Proud type PD7, value 1,000 points with normal "C"), red manuscript 1/ rate for ¼ - ½ ounce letter "Via Marseilles" with red 11 pence credit to Great Britain, red "London Paid Fe 26 61" receiving cds on front and "Hong Kong Ja 14 61" transit cds on back, Very Fine. Estimate $300 - 400.
Probably hand-carried to Hong Kong per P&O Aden: Shanghai 6 Jan - Hong Kong 9 Jan., then per Emeu: Hong Kong 16 Jan - Galle 29 Jan; Simla: Galle 31 Jan - Suez 14 Feb; Vectis: Alexandria 19 Feb - Marseilles 24 Feb. No reason was found for longer than normal layovers in Hong Kong and Egypt.
Realized: $325