The 2025 December Auction - Sale 346 (December 13 - December 16, 2025)
Sale 346
- (-) Remove Historical Postcards and Real Photos filter Historical Postcards and Real Photos
c.1909 portrait postcard titled “His Excellency, Lew (and daughter), Chinese Consul of the Transvaal.” Published by Hallis & Co., Port Elizabeth; postally used from Johannesburg, 15 March 1909, to Chichester, England. Scarce early South African–Chinese consular image.
including issues from the French Le Petit Journal Illustré, Le Petit Parisien, and the British The Graphic. The illustrations depict major late Qing and early Republican events such as wars with Japan and Western powers, Shanghai’s modernization, and the Dalai Lama’s flight to India, printed in color lithography and wood engraving with text on reverse.
issued between 1891 and 1901, depicting dramatic China-related scenes such as Western troops entering cities, uprisings, and missionary conflicts. Printed in Paris, each retains its full-page format with text on the reverse.
It provides detailed accounts of politicians, thinkers, writers, scientists, and other influential personalities, showcasing the rich heritage and accomplishments of Chinese culture.
monochrome printed portrait captioned “孫君逸仙 / SUN YATSEN”, depicting the founding father of the Republic of China in suit and tie. “Union Postale Universelle / Carte Postale” on reverse with Japanese inscriptions. Some surface wear and toning, scarce.
sepia-tone printed photographic postcard depicting Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孫中山), founding father of the Republic of China, in formal attire within an oval frame. Minor toning and surface wear, fine and scarce early Japanese-issued portrait postcard of the national leader.
no postcard format on reverse, showing a formal bust portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孫文) in Western suit. Scarce.
early printed photographic portrait postcard depicting Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孫逸仙), the founding father of the Republic of China, shown in suit and tie. Captioned “Sun Yat Sen.” and “孫逸仙” beneath the portrait. Fine and scarce example of early Japanese-made commemorative postcard.
depicting a formal studio portrait of Sun Yat-sen in half-length profile, dressed in a traditional Chinese gown, printed in monochrome tone. Reverse blank without any postcard inscription. An uncommon early photographic postcard of the founding father of modern China.
depicting the revolutionary leader standing beside his wife seated on an ornate carved chair, both in formal traditional attire. A later photographic reproduction of the famous couple’s portrait, printed as a picture postcard with divided back. Unused, clean and well-preserved with only light surface toning. A historically significant image capturing China’s founding father and his wife, revered as a symbol of national unity and modern reform.
showing Soong Ching-ling (宋慶齡), Sun Fo (孫科), and General Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) walking solemnly in the funeral cortege, accompanied by military officers and mourners. Taken during the grand state funeral held in 1929 for the reinterment of Dr. Sun’s remains at the Nanking Mausoleum. Printed on AZO photographic postcard stock. Unused, with minor surface wear and light corner crease. A rare and historically important photograph recording leading Republican figures in the 送葬 (funeral procession) of China’s founding father.
scenes include the elaborate flower-adorned coffin, military and civic procession through the streets, decorated ceremonial arches, and the arrival platform prepared for the repatriation of Sun’s remains aboard HMS Kent. All unused. Scarce documentary record of one of the most significant national events of modern China.
