GERMAN POST OFFICES ABROAD
CHINA
STAMPS
1898
The first German postal agency in China was opened in Shanghai on 16th Aug 1886 following the arrival of the Reichspost Steamship 'Oder' on the same day. Postal connections from Germany to China were performed once every 4 weeks from Bremerhaven to Shanghai via Antwerp, Port Said, Suez, Aden, Columbo, Singapore and Hong Kong using the East Asia Main Line ('Ostasiatische Hauptlinie'). From 1893 Genoa and Naples were added to the route and its frequency was increased to once every two weeks in 1899. The East Asia Main Line was further expanded in 1899 with the inclusion of Hong Kong, Hiogo and Nagasaki when the East Asia Branch Line ('Ostasiatische Zweiglinie') service was terminated. Yokohama was also added at this time.
MICHEL M45 to M50
VALID for POSTAGE
REPLACED by NEW ISSUE
Issued June 1898. The German Post Offices in China used regular German Empire issues. Crown or Eagle with cancel date from June 1898.
MICHEL 1I to 6I
"China" OVERPRINT at 45 degrees
Issued Marh/June 1898. The German Post Offices in China used regular German Empire issues. Crown or Eagle, so-called "crown/eagle" with black diagonal "China" overprint (45 degrees).
MICHEL 1II to Michel 6II
"China" OVERPRINT at 56 degrees
Issued Dec 1898. the same as Michel 1II to Michel 6II but with steeper with black diagonal "China" overprint (56 degrees). Printed Typography, perf comb 13¾. Valid for postage until 31st March 1902.
