Hankow Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Hankow (Foreign Post Offices) Stamps
Hankow, situated in central China along the Yangtze River, functioned primarily as a major treaty port and international concession area during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican periods. Its postal history is complex, marked by the operation of foreign powers, including Great Britain, France, Germany, and Russia, each maintaining their own postal agencies issuing stamps overprinted for use within the concession. Consequently, stamps from Hankow often feature inscriptions in English, French, or German alongside Chinese characters, reflecting the city's unique international administrative status before its integration into the unified Chinese postal system. This period of separate postal administration ended definitively following the post-WWI settlements and subsequent Chinese administrative takeovers.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1893 – 1897
- Languages:
- English, French, German, Russian, Chinese
- Currency:
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- issuer:hankow.overview.parentIssuer:
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Stamp Catalogs
Hankow (Foreign Post Offices) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Hankow (Foreign Post Offices) Stamp Series
British Post Office Overprints (1893-1897)
Stamps of Great Britain overprinted 'CHINA' for use in British Post Offices in China, including Hankow.
French Post Office Overprints (1894-1897)
Stamps of France overprinted for use in French Post Offices in China, including Hankow.
German Post Office Overprints (1893-1897)
Stamps of Germany overprinted for use in German Post Offices in China, including Hankow.
Hankow (Foreign Post Offices) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the originating country's stamp, the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the issue. Early issues and those with scarce overprints or cancellations can be highly valuable. Forgeries are common, especially of the more valuable issues.
How to Identify Hankow (Foreign Post Offices) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Hankow (Foreign Post Offices) stamps:
- 1 Look for stamps of Great Britain, France, Germany, or Russia with overprints indicating use in China or specific treaty ports like Hankow.
- 2 Examine the overprint carefully for authenticity; many forgeries exist. Compare with known examples from philatelic catalogs.
- 3 Note the original country of issue and the specific design of the base stamp.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hankow stamps?
Hankow stamps refer to postage stamps used in the foreign post offices established in Hankow, China, during the late 19th century. These were typically stamps of Great Britain, France, Germany, or Russia, overprinted for use in their respective postal agencies within the Hankow concession area.
Are Hankow stamps valuable?
Yes, many Hankow stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprints, specific printings, or stamps in fine condition. Their value depends heavily on the originating country's stamp, the specific overprint, and its rarity. Common examples might be worth a few dollars, while rare varieties can fetch thousands.
How can I identify Hankow stamps?
To identify Hankow stamps, look for stamps of the foreign powers (Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia) that bear overprints indicating their use in China or specific treaty ports. Pay close attention to the details of the overprint and compare them with catalog references. Using a stamp identifier app can also help in recognizing the base stamp and potential overprints.
Which catalogs list Hankow stamps?
Hankow stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually under the sections for the respective foreign powers (e.g., Great Britain - China, France - China) or specific sections for Chinese treaty ports/foreign post offices.
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