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Auction: 24019 - Stamps and Covers of Great Britain
Lot: 1028

(x) Great Britain
Merchant Mail
Oversees Destinations
1628 (9 October) entire letter from Philippo Burlamachi in London to Lorenzo Segni and Francisco Medici in Florence, endorsed "franca p manta", possibly by Matthew de Quester himself, instructing that the letter be carried via Mantua. Minor peripheral imperfections in no way detracting from this very fine, extremely rare and attractive letter

Notes: The manuscript endorsement was applied at Matthew de Quester's "Forraine Post Office" in London - he and his son had been granted the rights to collect and forward letters within London to destinations in Europe. Interestingly, the sender Burlamachi, was himself later awarded the contract for handling Inland and Foreign Posts by Charles I in 1640.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£380

Starting price
£180