HKU Bulletin October 2003 (Vol. 5 No. 1)

From left: Tony Ferguson, David Carthy, Peter Cunich and Mike Wilkinson look at the rare stamps issued and re-purchased by the University. 22 23 I t’s taken more than 90 years to deliver but a humble six cent stamp has finally found its way back to The University of Hong Kong after an incredible round the world journey. This forms part of a rare 1912 collection that was recently purchased by the University. The stamps were bought and franked at the University’s special post office set up by the Hong Kong Post Office during the fund-raising bazaar held from March 11–16, 1912 to mark the opening of the University. Peter Cunich, who advised on the purchase, said: “The University post office was only open for five days or so. “Some of the denominations are quite large so they are very valuable and rare. They are the only examples that we know of. These stamps are an interesting part of the University’s history and represents quite a find.” Eagle-eyed Professor Mike Wilkinson noticed that the stamps were coming up for sale from Stanley Gibbons – the world’s top stamp auction house. David Carthy, a retired member of staff who has expertise in late Victorian and early Edwardian stamps was consulted and the Registry helped to secure the collection as part of the legacy of the University. Bought as an histor ical momento, the col lect ion also represents a healthy investment. But it is the history of the stamps that draws the attention first and foremost. Many of them came attached to envelopes addressed to a man called Graca, who is believed to have been a Macanese stamp dealer. His nephew was one of the f i rst f ive graduates from the University in 19 T 1 h 4 e . y eventual ly turned up i n t he possess i on o f George C. Dyer, a Vice-Admiral known for his cont roversial books on World War II and the at tack on Pear l Harbour, in particular. The US off icer was also wel l known for his formidable collection of stamps. In 1980 they were bought by Richard Chan Cheuk Kin a Chiu Chow-born shipping magnate who made his fortune in Hong Kong’s post war boom years. Experts believe that 81-year-old Chan has one of the most complete collections of Hong Kong stamps in the world and one that stretches back to 1840. Chan said: “I decided that it was time to sell part of my collection because I am getting on a bit and I thought the money would come in handy. I was a bit sorry to lose them but they have now gone the full circle.” The Registrar, Henry Wai said: “I became interested in stamps when I saw The University of Hong Kong golden jubilee stamp of 1962 “W . hen my attention was drawn to the availability of these stamps from 1912 I realized these came from the post office set up for the opening bazaar. “I was really excited and very keen to acquire them and return them to where they came from. Now I look forward to seeing them on public display at the University library.” Although no date has been set it is hoped they will go on display later this year. Rare Stamps Find Their Way Home Stamps from the collection.