Italian Post China Stamps
Italian Post China refers to the postal services operated by the Kingdom of Italy within the concessions it held in China, primarily in Tianjin and Shanghai, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This operation was a manifestation of European imperial influence in East Asia, distinct from the broader Italian colonial efforts in Africa.
- Issued stamps
- 1917–1918
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- ITL
- Languages
- Italian, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Italy
About Italian Post China stamps
Stamps issued for these offices typically featured Italian denominations and were bilingual, often showing Italian and Chinese characters. The postal administration ceased following the Treaty of Versailles and subsequent international agreements that dissolved the Italian concessions after World War I.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- PECHINO
- TIENTSIN
How to identify Italian Post China stamps
- Look for Italian stamps with overprints 'PECHINO' or 'TIENTSIN' (or 'TIENTSIN' with 'Pechino' crossed out) and new values in Chinese currency.
- Examine the base stamp design, which will typically be Italian definitive issues from the early 20th century.
- Check for bilingual inscriptions, often with Italian and Chinese characters for the value.
Popular series
-
Overprinted Italian Stamps
1917-1918
Italian stamps (primarily from the 'Lion of St. Mark' and 'Garibaldi' series) overprinted with 'PECHINO' or 'TIENTSIN' and new values in Chinese currency (cents and dollars).
-
Provisional Issues
1917
Emergency issues created by surcharging existing Italian stamps with new values, often due to currency fluctuations or shortages.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €200–€5,000+
Values vary significantly based on the base stamp, overprint, condition, and specific office (Pechino/Beijing or Tientsin/Tianjin). Errors and rare surcharges command higher prices.
Catalogs. Italian Post China stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Italian Post China stamps
Italian Post China stamps were issued by the Kingdom of Italy for use in its postal offices within the Italian concessions in China, primarily in Tianjin and Shanghai (though stamps are generally marked Pechino/Beijing or Tientsin/Tianjin). These stamps were Italian issues overprinted with local currency denominations and place names, reflecting Italy's imperial presence in East Asia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The value of Italian Post China stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare overprints, provisional issues, or stamps with errors can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Factors like condition, specific overprint, and the base stamp series significantly influence their market value.
To identify Italian Post China stamps, look for Italian definitive stamps (such as the 'Lion of St. Mark' or 'Garibaldi' series) that bear overprints like 'PECHINO' or 'TIENTSIN' along with new values in Chinese currency (e.g., 'C. 10' for 10 Cents). Many also feature bilingual text. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Italian Post China stamps are listed in all major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated market values, essential for collectors of these fascinating colonial issues.
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