Lot Details

1871, 200 mon vermilion, earliest printing, plate I, position 26, tied by a large "Saikyo Kensazumi" to the reverse of a cover to Gifu, accompanied by a large framed "Chinsen Kitte Zumi" marking ("prepayment for return postage paid").

On the address side, a red framed "Saikyo / year of the monkey [Meiji 5] 1st month 13th day" (21 February 1872). Red manuscript notation indicates an additional 50 mon payment.

Only eight covers are recorded bearing the large "Chinsenkittezumi" marking. Notably, its precise and documented postal function remains uncertain; extant examples suggest usage upon arrival, certifying payment to a courier for delivery beyond the standard postal agency distribution network.

A rare and intriguing auxiliary marking of considerable postal-historical interest.

Rate: 200 mon up to 50 ri distance, basic weight, second rate period.

Reference: Illustrated in Dragon Stamps Plating Book, p. 108; Dragon Covers, p. 42; listing in Dragon Stamps Plating Book, p. 104, no. 7.