Lot# 9093

bearing fifteen stamps, tied by Meishan cds and arriving Chungking on Aug 15, 1949. The franking pays the correct rate of Silver Yuan 50 fen, comprising 5 fen domestic letter rate plus 45 fen value declaration fee (calculated at 5% of the declared value of $9), in accordance with the Meishan rate period from Aug 1 to Dec 17, 1949. The cover shows appropriate value-declared markings and handling cachets, with a clear transit. Of particular significance is the use of locally overprinted provisional stamps bearing the name “Meishan,” issued for limited local use under conditions of currency disruption and stamp shortage. Their application on a value-declared cover is very rare; according to records, this is the only recorded example. The cover provides a complete illustration of local postal adaptations in the immediate post-war period and is of considerable postal history and exhibition importance for the study of southwestern China postal operations, local provisional issues, and value-declared mail practices.