Issued in 1893 by the Shanghai Municipal Post, this mint never hinged block of four stamps features a brown and black typographic design with red lattice background and clear "POSTAGE DUE" inscription. The surcharge indicates a 1 Chinese cent due amount, printed with black overprint characters. The stamps were printed by Barkley and Fira in London for the Shanghai Local Post system and include a bilingual inscription referencing the Ministry of Industry. Perforated 13½ x 14 and printed on watermarked paper bearing Chinese characters, the stamps were part of the treaty port postal infrastructure designed to handle underpaid mail within the international settlement. Measuring standard format, this block includes full right-hand margin with red registration marks and shows sharp color, excellent centering, and fresh gum. A rare and desirable positional piece from the earliest organized municipal Chinese postal operations. Scott SH J15. Estimate "$250 – 290"