This stamp originates from the German Offices in China during the early 20th century. It is part of the Germania issue of the German Empire (Deutsches Reich), later overprinted for use in the German post offices in China. The design features the allegorical figure of Germania, wearing a crown adorned with the Imperial Orb and Oak leaves, a symbol of strength and unity.

The overprint shows “40 Cents 40 / China” in bold black Gothic lettering, applied to the original 80 Pfennig red-violet stamp. These overprints were necessary to adapt German currency to local usage in China, where foreign post offices operated under the system of the Capitulations.

Stamps like this were used in German-controlled treaty ports such as Peking, Shanghai, Tientsin, and Canton. They represent an important era of colonial postal history, reflecting both Germany’s imperial ambitions and the unique postal arrangements in China at the time.