Issued in 1893 by the Shanghai Municipal Post during the treaty port period, this block of four mint never hinged postage due stamps bears a red lattice background with ornate borders and black surcharges indicating a denomination of ½ Chinese cent. The stamps read “Local Post – Postage Due – Shanghai Municipality” and include vertical Chinese characters referencing the Ministry of Industry. Typography-printed by Barkley & Fira in London, the stamps are perforated 13½ x 14 and printed on watermarked paper with Chinese characters. The design was part of a short-lived but historically rich local issue system meant to handle underpaid internal and international mail in the semi-autonomous international settlement. The block features full selvedge on two sides, fresh color, and intact perforations, and is in pristine MNH condition with no gum disturbance or toning. A highly collectible example of Shanghai’s postal independence during the late Qing Dynasty. Scott SH J14. Estimate "$220 – 260"