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Auction: 15027 - Stamps and Covers of South East Asia Sale during the International Exhibition
Lot: 2637

Thailand Royal Mail
King Mongkut (Rama IV)
1852 letter to Thomas Church, Singapore
1852 (1 Aug.) lace paper holograph letter to Thomas Church, the Resident Councillor of Singapore, the original red silk pouch with the address label bearing two different small, square Royal seals. The letter sent to Singapore via Hong Kong, having just missed the direct boat. Marked "Via Chinaman" and the address panel with "paid/at/hong hong" crowned circle in red, type 7 double-arc despatch c.d.s. (30.8) and rated "2" in ink. The letter bears two different strikes of the large Royal seals and there is some splitting along the lace embossing.

A second, small envelope, with enclosure, which was enclosed with the mail letter bears a black printed floral surround around the address panel, printed name card and yellow, gold-flecked paper bearing examples of the Royal seals. The envelope with wax seal, "Sovereign/of/Siam &c"

The letter reads, "This from Siamese Majesty the Sovereign of Siam & all adjacent tributary territories Laos Gonas &c
To Honourable Thomas Church Esquire the resident Councillor of Singapore Dated Royal residence named Rajmandism house grand palace Bangkok
1st August 1852
O Alas very Dear Sir, It was my fault indeed for losing of my remembrance to put two parcils of my cards and seals which I have had concerned in my foregoing letter per the Chinese Junk sailed from hence to Singapore.
I would not recolect these two parcels which were prepared & put in my writing desk before I ... the foregoing letter and sent it hurringly.
Please receive these which are forwarded you via China when I have not them again in my writing desk and please do according to my request transmitted to you in my foregoing letter
Your letter of the 4th inst sent me per the Herlene was reached my hand there is nothing to be answered.
I beg to remain yours faithfully SPPM Mongkut, King of Siam"

An important and valuable letter, believed to be the only such correspondence which is postmarked from Hong Kong.

This letter was discovered inside a beautiful embroidered pouch, apparently adorned with beetle wings, purchased in a London antique market. Also included in this pouch (and with htis lot) is an 1850 letter to Major General Sir Henry Pottinger, Fort George (Madras) with a fabulous, gold-bordered letter signed by Martanda Purmah Rajah at Palace Trivandrum (Travancore). The letters were not discovered until some time after the purchase of this pouch.

A highly desirable new discovery. Photo

Sold for
SG$5,500