China 1896, block of four used stamps from the Amoy Treaty Port issue, featuring the distinctive black surcharge “Half/Cent” with thin “f” applied to the Herons design, cancelled with a sharp red circular date stamp reading “Amoy, May 15 1896.” Printed in reddish-brown by Carl Schleicher & Schüll in cooperation with the Xiamen Fujian Printing Bureau, this lithographed issue belongs to a limited run of provisional local surcharges reflecting changing postal rates within semi-autonomous treaty ports. The design, depicting herons in a stylized landscape, represents the local fauna and aligns with the theme of birds used widely across regional Chinese postal iconography during this period. Perforated 11½ and measuring standard definitive format, the stamp reflects the adaptation of existing issues to fractional denominations in response to economic and administrative needs. Cataloged as Scott AM 9, Michel CN-AMO 16, and Stanley Gibbons CN-AMO 27. Condition Very fine used with even margins, complete perfs, strong surcharge impressions, and an exceptionally clear Amoy cancel that enhances both aesthetic and historical value. Estimate "$240 – 280"