8 September 1855 Tongnoo FP 1 Cover

8 September 1855

Siegel - Used in Burma, 1854, 2a Green (5; SG 31). Horizontal strip of five, mostly large to ample margins, just barely touched at top, intensely rich color and impression, cancelled by diamond of dots on folded cover to London, Englaand, manuscript "via Calcutta, Paid 10a", clearly struck red "Tongnoo Post Office, 1855 SEP 8" double-circle datestamp, strip tied by manuscript "Tongnoo Sept. 8th", red "INDIA PAID" handstamp, Calcutta transit and London arrival datestamp, the latter also tying the strip to cover, some sensible strengthening along internal folds VERY FINE. A RARE AND DESIRABLE STRIP OF FIVE OF THE 2-ANNAS TYPOGRAPH USED FROM TONGNOO, BURMA, TO ENGLAND. The rate paid was for a ½ to 1 tola cover -- 2a for ship letter to Calcutta plus 8a for packet rate via Southampton. Inland postage was still required from non-contract ports in Burma. Ex Davis and Dr. Kornan. Spink - †BURMA Diamond of Dots Cancellation combined with Post Office Datestamps 1855 (6 Sept.) from Tongnoo "Via Calcutta Paid 10as." to London, bearing 2a. deep green strip of five each neatly cancelled and additionally dated in manuscript, showing superb "tongnoo/post office" c.d.s., framed "india/paid" and London Paid c.d.s. (additionally tying the strip) all struck in red, Calcutta c.d.s. on reverse; worn and strengthened at folds, and a few faults on reverse, nevertheless a very rare and most attractive 1854 franking. Photo Estimate £ 2,500-3,000

"Magnolia" Gerald Davis Dr. Kornan