Lot# 8029

The 2025 December Auction - Sale 346 (December 13 - December 16, 2025)   December 13 - December 16 2025, Hong Kong

Lot# 8029
Starting Price: 1,400 HK$
Hammer Price: 9,500 HK$
1895 (October) Formosan Republic second issue “Tiger” stamps, a study group of eight examples,

comprising a complete unused set of three (30c, 50c, and 100c), one used 30c, one used 50c (value type Die III), one horizontal pair of 100c (value type Die I), and two partly imperforate examples of 30c and 100c respectively. Printed from hand-engraved silver dies on thin wove paper with perf. 12, these stamps often show irregular or incomplete perforations at the edges. Produced in October 1895, when the Tainan government was nearing collapse, the printing conditions were difficult and materials scarce; the impressions display uneven inking and varying line thickness, reflecting the crude craftsmanship typical of late wartime production. This second issue represents the re-engraved and revised stage of the Formosan Republic “Tiger” stamps. While retaining the original tiger design, the overall engraving and coloration appear coarser and darker, marking it as a distinctly late-period issue. The group includes unused and used examples, a multiple, and partly imperforate varieties, together forming a comprehensive representation of the second issue’s printing methods, die variations, and postal usage. An essential and rare assemblage for the study of the printing evolution of Formosan Republic postal issues. Mizuhara "Huayou Jijin II" vol. 7, p.271.