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Auction: 5011 - Stamps & Covers of the World
Lot: 1049

Maltese Cross - Coloured black: 1840 1d. plate IV, EH, small to large margins, on entire letter from George Cowell at the Albion Brewery in the East End to his brother Josiah at Wells & Perry´s Brewery in Chelmsford, fine central strike of the black Maltese Cross, beautifully addressed and inscribed ´London August 31st 1840´ to left of the adhesive, just tied in three places, the reverse with corresponding datestamps (Inland Office and Twopenny Post types) and ink manuscript ´Trip to Dovor in anticipation/3 Nice bulls eye sketches´ - this refers to the beautiful and amusing pen-and-ink illustrations which almost cover two complete pages of the letter inside; the adhesive with tear at left (probably occasioned prior to being affixed) though in no way detracting from this extremely rare example of the First Day Usage of the experimental black Maltese Cross. A spectacular exhibition item of great importance. Photo Estimate £ 3,500-4,500

Sold for
£4,000