The 2023 Summer Auction - Sale 340
24 – 28 June 2023
- (-) Remove Hong Kong filter Hong Kong
bearing "POSTAGE FREE/ PRISONER OF WAR MAIL/ c/o Japanese Red Cross/ TOKYO." cachet on front, along with small Japanese censor mark. Sealed with censored tape at right in Canada. This the earliest date incoming civilian internee mail recorded by Tett, an important P.O.W. cover. Illustrated in Tett. P.100. An exhibition item.
f.w. Canada KGVI 1c x 3, endorsed "POSTAGE FREE/ PRISONER OF WAR MAIL/ c/o Japanese Red Cross/ TOKYO.", nevertheless franked. Sealed at left Canadian censor tape, on front with Hong Kong Japanese censor mark. A red "S" in crayon for Sham Shui Po POW camp. Although dated May 1942 this cover was held until July 1942 by which time Japan had agreed to mail delivers through international Red Cross. This cover is endorsed in pencil on the back "RECEIVED/APRIL 29/1943".
all bearing "Hong Kong PO / Postage Paid" handstamps in blue or black colours. Rare.