RB23 Proprietary “Battleship” Revenue Stamp, Sun Yee, Honolulu printed precancel

The Sun Yee Company was a Chinese firm operating in Honolulu, Hawaii, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily known for its involvement in the trade of medicinal goods and proprietary products. The company gained historical significance among philatelists for its distinctive handstamped cancellations on United States “Battleship” revenue stamps. These stamps were used to pay federal excise taxes on consumer goods like patent medicines, perfumes, and cosmetics following the Spanish-American War. The overprint shown on this stamp, featuring “SUN YEE” and “HONOLULU,” serves as a tax-paid mark for products sold by the company during this period of transition when Hawaii was annexed as a U.S. Territory. While information on the company’s specific founders is scarce, it operated within the vibrant Chinese merchant community of Honolulu, a hub for businesses that bridged traditional Chinese commerce with the evolving American regulatory system.