China Philatelic Society of London
peeking china hall

Our objectives

  1. To further the study of the postal history and stamps and matters related to China
  2. To help members form collections on postal history and stamps

The society embraces all aspects of Chinese Philately from the Municipal Posts of Treaty Ports of the last century, through to the present day issues of the People's Republic and Taiwan.

Four times a year the Society aims to publish a magazine called The Journal of Chinese Philately, the cost of which is included in the annual subscription. The Journal is a medium through which members can publish articles on any facet of Chinese philately or write in with their queries or items of interest.

The society maintains a library and research facilities to assist members in furthering their philatelic studies.

Members are also able to buy and sell stamps and covers etc. through the Exchange Packet (circulated to UK residents only), and through the Postal Auctions which are held twice a year. A service is also available to members for new issues from the Peoples Republic, Taiwan and Macao.

News

Countess Caroline Cover to be offered by Siegel Auctions in Boston 2026

Posted: 11-May-2026 by Sam Chiu

"The Crown Jewel of Chinese Philately"

On May 28, Siegel Auction Galleries will conduct a World Rarities auction held at the Boston 2026 World Expo. One of the featured items will be the Crown Jewel of Chinese philately – the famous “Countess Caroline” cover.

Without question, the Countess Caroline cover is one of the most significant and highly regarded pieces of early Chinese postal history. The block of nine of the 1882 5-Canadrins from the Wide Setting is the largest recorded multiple used on cover and is a sensational showpiece. It has previously graced the collections of Warren Kauder, Giulio Mochi, Anna-Lisa and Sven-Eric Beckeman and will be offered on behalf of the Magnolia Collection.

The pre-sale estimate is $400,000-500,000. A link directly to the lot can be found here:

Sale No. 1380 - Lots 6 to 6 - BidBaller

For any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Andrew Titley at andrew@siegelauctions.com for assistance.

See also: Countess Caroline Cover

Congratulations to editor Sam Chiu

Posted: 29-Mar-2026 by Professor Paul N Davey CChem, FRSC, FRPSL

Editor Sam Chiu won the Grand award at the Canadian show in Edmonton with "The IPO Tieprints of 1899: Chinese Imperial Post Office’s Measures to Counteract Pilfering of Foreign Stamps on Outgoing Mail". How does he find the time?!

See also: Canadian Stamp news

Crawford Medal

Posted: 16-Mar-2026 by Professor Paul N Davey CChem, FRSC, FRPSL

Congratulations to our VP (Europe) Roman Scheibert for making the shortlist for the 2026 Crawford medal. It won gold in Dubai, It was published in Nov 2024, ISBN 978-3000804724

"Northeast China Local Overprints by Communists 1945 - 1949: on Manchukuo or Japanese Stamps"

Contact us

Should you need information on this website, have any queries or would like your philatelic website mentioned, you may e-mail us using the Contact Us form.

Membership Subsriptions:

Membership type GBP USD EUR
Journal cost per issue (excluding postage)£5.50$6.50€5.50
Digital membership£10.00$13.00€11.00
UK and European membership£15.00$19.50€16.50
Worldwide membership£20.00$26.50€22.00

If you would like to join, please fill in the online application form.

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