GERMAN POST OFFICES ABROAD
CHINA
STAMPS
1905
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 28 to 37
REGULAR ISSUE GERMANIA
(Rosette and Overprint)
Issued 1st Oct 1905. German Empire Germania and representative illustrations. Inscribed "DEUTSCHES REICH" with horizontal black, vertical black or horizontal carmine overprint, old denomnations with rosette overprint and unwatermarked. Michel 28 to 33 typography Perf K 14:14¼. Michel 34 to 37 recess printing, Type 'A' perf 26:17, Type 'B' perf 25:16 holes. Valid until 16 Mar 1917.
