1894 Japan Military Postal Card Meiji 27 Sino-Japanese War Hiroshima Fieldpost. For Sale

Up for sale is a historically significant, authentic Meiji Era Japanese Koban 1-sen (壱銭) postal stationery card dated explicitly to the opening months of the First Sino-Japanese War (1894). Sent by a member of a heavy artillery unit, this piece represents an exceptional example of late 19th-century Japanese military postal history.
Postal Markings & Cancellations

• Origin/Stamp: Features the classic pre-printed blue 1-sen Koban design with the Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest.
• Killer Cancel: Obliterated with a distinct black Bota (ぼた) style grid/cork cancel directly over the stamp.
• Transit Postmark: Features a remarkably clear, highly legible brown Maru-dai (丸大) style circular datestamp.
• Deciphered Date & Location: The grid inside the Maru-dai cancel explicitly reads from right to left: 「松山」 (Matsuyama), 「廿七年」 (Meiji Year 27 / 1894), 「十月」 (October), 「廿七日」 (27th Day). This provides an exact processing date of October 27, 1894.

Historical SignificanceOctober 1894 was the height of mobilization for the First Sino-Japanese War. The transit city, Matsuyama (Ehime Prefecture), served as a vital strategic military hub and garrison center for the Imperial Japanese Army during this conflict. The address side features hand-written military references designating the sender's involvement with the 重砲兵 (Heavy Artillery) auxiliary forces.Correspondence Text (Reverse Side)The reverse side features a complete message written in traditional Meiji-era running-hand cursive (Sōsho). It opens with a formal, polite greeting acknowledging a long period of silence ("Go-busata itashi ori sourou tokoro..."), followed by updates on the soldier's health, safe arrival, and active deployment status to their family/associates.Condition

• Genuine, untouched condition with natural aging.
• Shows minor foxing, light edge wear, and corner softening consistent with a 140+ year-old historical paper document.
• No major tears or missing pieces. Cancellations remain bold and highly legible.
• Please review the high-resolution photos carefully to judge the exact cosmetic condition for yourself.