Issued in 1893 for the Shanghai Local Post, this mint never hinged block of four features the ½ cent orange “Coat of Arms” design, printed typographically with black overprint on watermarked paper bearing the upright Chinese characters for “Ministry of Industry.” Measuring 23 x 29 mm and perforated 13½ x 14, the stamps were part of Shanghai’s official daily postal issues and reflect the treaty port’s independent administrative functions prior to national postal unification. The motif represents the city seal and civic authority under foreign administration. Catalogued as Scott SH153a, Michel CN-SH 117II, Yvert et Tellier CN-SH 101, and Stanley Gibbons CN-SH 165, this multiple is in mint never hinged condition with full gum and strong color impression. Estimate "$240 – 280"