Lot# 9062

produced by the experimental “Chu (I)” franking machine, comprising 1 fen and 2 fen denominations, each struck with double-ring bilingual “貴陽 KWEIYANG” trial datestamps. These labels were printed by the early British-made “Chu 1” franking machine using specially supplied security paper from the General Directorate of Posts, representing testing materials from the initial establishment period of the postage meter system. This example, showing low denominations (1 fen and 2 fen), reflects the early implementation and experimental phase of the Silver Yuan postal system, with the “中華郵政” underprint paper being particularly characteristic of the earliest stage. Such trial proofs are scarce, offering significant postal history and exhibition value for the study of the origins of China’s postage meter system, equipment distribution, and operational practices across different postal districts.