Ten different Indian stamps were overprinted C.E.F. on August 16, 1900. A total of 13,717 stamps were overprinted according to the Stamp Selector Scarce Quantities web site. Scott prices a used set off cover for $179.05. If one assumed that an equal number of all values were overprinted then a total of only 1,317 complete sets were issued, although the total is undoubtedly less because larger quantities of lower value stamps for the basic postage rate would have been produced. It would be likely that the quantity of message reply postal cards produced was likely 1,317. Illustrating this lot is a photograph of the 16th Regiment of Bengal Lancers on the steps of the Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China, 1900. Rare and uncommon postal history. The 16th Bengal Lancers joined the Allied Forces in China tasked with relieving the International Legation in Beijing (Peking), at that time besieged by nationalist revolutionaries, the 'Boxers United in Righteousness'. The 16th Lancers were the first to reach the American Legation and as a token of esteem were presented with the flag which had flown over the building during the siege.
The Boxer Rebellion [the Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists] was primarily directed against Chinese Christians and their European and American supporters in China. It was indirectly supported by major factions [but not all] of the Chinese Empire's Manchu government. An international military force from eight nations defeated the Boxers. Additional information can be found on the internet and a useful brief summary of events can be viewed at the History channel. A careful reading of multiple sources, free of editorial comment and preconceptions, is always best.