Issued in 1893 for use in the Shanghai Local Post, this mint never hinged block of four features the 10 cent denomination from the postage due series, printed typographically in green by Barkley and Fira, London. The stamps bear the “Ministry of Industry” watermark (upright) and are perforated 13½ x 14. This issue, catalogued as Scott SH J18, Michel CN-SH P16, Yvert et Tellier CN-SH T18, and Stanley Gibbons CN-SH D173, was part of the numerals-themed series specifically created to indicate unpaid postage dues. These local postage dues played a critical role in the pre-Imperial postal infrastructure of treaty ports such as Shanghai. The block is in exceptional mint never hinged condition with full original gum and excellent centering, offering high philatelic value as a multiple. Estimate "$240 – 300"
4o