Lot# 9197

bearing "Marine et Colonies, Service a la Mer" seal and French paquebot transit (Sep 4) on front. On reverse with Besancon (Oct 8) arrival. It is the earliest mail packet recorded after the Sino-French War. It supposed to be originated from Foochow and sent to Hong Kong for further delivery after Battle of Foochow. According to "De Paquebot des Messergeries Maritime“ by La Salles, Admiral Courbet’s squadron bombarded the Foochow Arsenal in Pagoda Anchorage. The big liners stopped at Hong Kong and the first voygage from Hong Kong was 4 Sep 1884.