China - Manchukuo 1932-1945

1934 Mar 1 Enthronement of Emperor Kang Teh - Sc 32-35 perf 12.5
Issued in sheets of 100 with special 20 stamp commemorative very scarce
Designs by Mr Tameji Oona. The stamps are 23.5mm x 26.5mm
On granite watermarked paper













There were also two official picture postcards in a special folder for sale at all postal counters 

This first set was issued 1st January 1935 for post between Manchukuo and China. A limited imprinted postcard was also available at the same time. Imperforate sets were issued to the press for publicity purposes and are very rare







This second set is similar to the first series and was issued 1st March 1935 on new paper with a different watermark made up of six Chinese characters reading "Manchu State Postal Administration" and only a part of it appears on any one stamp.







It was common that mail sent to China had the date obliterated by Chinese postal employees as it did not correspond to the Chinese dating system. Image from online site



This 3rd set was redrawn and engraved with many variations on watermarked granite paper. The old plates wore out and had to be replaced producing these varieties.







The 3 issues can be very confusing to collectors so this FILE will be helpful in determining the type.
A 4th printing was made but the colors are all different.

This issue (Sc 71-74) of the 2nd April 1935 commemorates the first visit by the Emperor Kang-teh to Japan.
The Japanese Government sent the cruiser "Hiei" to provide the Emperor with transport. The stamps have symbolisms of both countries
The stamps were recess printed on watermarked granite paper in sheets of 100 by the Central Bank of Manchukuo Printing Department. Designs by Mr Hirozo Oya.
Several commemorative cancels were produced by different postal agencies.
The stamp have a normal Perf 11 but the the 3 & 10 fen have compound perforations with one side 12.25 to 12.5 in a few sheets.
In Japan a set of four stamps to celebrate the visit was issued with a special cancel













There was also 2 presentation booklets and a set of postcards that were readily available at postal outlets.



EMPEROR KANG-DE WITH EMPEROR SHOWA

Issued 5th December 1936 (Sc. 83-100) The stamps were recess printed on watermarked granite paper in sheets of 100 by the Manchukuo Government Supplies Division
They depict;
New State Council Building, Hsinking
Farmers Carting Soya Beans
Qing Dynasty Peiling Mausoleum at Mukden
Summer Palace at Chengteh
Stamps found with one imperf edge are from booklet panes.
They were re-printed in 1940 using a thinner paper and with minor differences in shading and gum.

Samples

New postal rates introduced on 1st April 1937 allowed the post office to use old stock of China Mail stamps with the new pricing.
They overprinted the new April price increase value on the unsold stamps.
It consisted of four or six characters, the vertical spacing of the first series issued 1st April 1937 was 6.5mm but on the 12th April 1937 this was changed to a 4.5mm spacing. This was primarily to make sure all characters appeared on each stamp as there were problems with the first printing.
Many varieties, faults, inverts, offsets and others exist.

Sample

Issued on 16th September 1937 (Sc 116-119) to commemorate the completion of the first 5 year plan aimed at re-building and expansion of the Hsinking capital.
This resulted in the population doubling during the 5 year plan with great strides in the improvement of communications, infrastructure, water and electricity













A commemorative cancel was produced along with a special set of three picture postcards for sale though Post Offices.