Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries
Date
11 January 1865
Description
"Mapuca Livre" Handstamp. Bold strike of two-line handstamp on back of 1865 official folded cover to Portugal, properly marked "S.N.R." on front, dated Jan. 11, 1865, and signed by sender, no other postal markings as usual for official mail, minor ink erosion at bottom and opening tear affecting signature VERY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST STRIKES OF THE RARE "MAPUCA LIVRE" OFFICIAL HANDSTAMP. The word "Livre" indicates that the letter was exempt from postal charges within Portuguese territories. Official letters were identified by writing "S.N.R." (stands for "Servico Nacional e Real"), the date and signature of the sender.
Auction
1286, Lot 292, (May 2023)
Provenance
"Magnolia"
About this record
This 11 January 1865 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Mapuca FP 4 handstamp of the Goa (Portuguese India), a mark graded “Rare” in this census — one of 2 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, 1286, lot 292, (May 2023).