CHINA - Dutch Indies. 1897, Hong Kong 1c postal card datelined Peking, with Chinese bilingual "PAID" chop and Peking 6 AUG 97 Dollar c.d.s. to Poerworedjo in Java, Dutch Indies. Sent via British PO in Shanghai and transited through Hong Kong, Batavia, Maos. The circled "T" (ax) applied by British PO indicates that no postage for overseas from Shanghai to Java is paid other than 1c Hong Kong postage on card, as the Chinese postage paid in Peking is not valid for overseas. An unusual taxed usage prior to the 1st Chinese postal card issued Oct,1,1897. Some light natural usual climate toning and vertical fold does not diminish the importance of this FORERUNNER of Chinese postal stationery card. Exhibition item with all cancels on the front. (Photo). Est. 2 500 - 3 000 CHF.