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Auction: 24019 - Stamps and Covers of Great Britain
Lot: 1104

(x) Great Britain
1840 Mulready
Two Pence Letter Sheet
The Earliest Known Overseas Destination Usage in Combination with Adhesives
a96, from London to Constantinople via Calais, dated 8 May, 1840, uprated with Plate 1a QK-RK and QL-RL vertical pairs on the lower reverse flap, and PL single, applied over the upper and lower reverse flaps, seemingly as a seal; all of which cancelled by pen 'zig-zag' cancellations; the address panel handstamped with London "paid/8 may 8/1840" circular d.s., "a.t.f." and 10.05 Calais transit markings, all in red with various rate markings.
Contents include "This is written on one of the new Postage Covers ... this fantastic trick will cost the patron a Million Sterling".
Some toning and various paper faults, rastel punch holes evidencing disinfection, none of which of any significance when compared with the great importance of this Mulready rarity. Photo

provenance:
Louis Grunin, Spink, 2nd April, 1998, lot 256
Yates, 1949
Roberts, 1989

literature:
Illustrated on page 31, Stanley Gibbons Specialised Catalogue, Volume 1, Part 1, 1st Edition - November 2020

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

Sold for
£42,000

Starting price
£11000