China 1900, mint never hinged block of 14 stamps issued for use by the British China Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.) during the Boxer Rebellion. This issue features the blue green ½ Indian anna Queen Victoria definitive with the bold black "C.E.F." military overprint. Printed by De La Rue & Co. Ltd. in typography, the stamp is watermarked with the Star of India (up) and perforated 14. Originally part of the Indian postal system, these stamps were repurposed and overprinted for use by British forces operating in China from 1900 onward.
This block is from the first Queen Victoria issue of the C.E.F. series and is catalogued as Scott M2, Michel IN FC2, Yvert GB-CN 2, and Stanley Gibbons IN C2. The block is in post office fresh MNH condition, with full original gum, excellent centering, and strong overprints. An uncommon multiple from a historic military issue. Estimate "$240 – 290".