Lot 3608 V

China R.O.C. The SINO-SWEDISH EXPEDITION 1928–35. A most interesting and spectacular letter ever of Hedin's correspondence is a registered letter from Sven Hedin himself sent 1933 to Sweden franked 10+15+40 cents = 65 cents. It was onforwarded with a Swedish reg. label as the receiver, Hedin's colleague Dr Arne, had left for Persia as a member of the Swedish Archeological Mission to Shah Tepe in northern Persia but had not yet arrived to his destination Asterabad in Gorgan province when the onforwarded letter arrived. So the letter was again onforwarded and now returned to Hedin in Beijing! An cds on the back on blue states that "Le Destinateur n'est pas encore venue a Gorgan". A large number of cds and transit marks and other marks are found on both sides of the cover. Note the great discrepancies of dates due to Persia as well as China having their own calendar systems which did not correspond with the Western calendar, nor with each other! Also note at top left remnants of a label that was a Chinese label to show it was registered. It was taken away later. A most remarkable postal historic letter steeped in the Chinese scientific development. It is in a remarkably good condition considering the long journey and handling in three different countries!


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