How scarce is the Penang FP 12 mark on this cover?

The census grades Penang FP 12 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1838–1847.

When was COV-4318 posted?

COV-4318 is dated 18 December 1838, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 12 (1838–1847).

COV-4318

18 December 1838 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 12 · 16 covers recorded

← COV-4314 COV-4327 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 18 December 1838, Penang FP 12 handstruck folded letter (COV-4318)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

18 December 1838

Description

Penang 1838 (18 Dec.) entire letter to Biggleswade, marked "Via Calcutta", rated "8", showing framed "india letter/portsmouth" in red and, on reverse, a fine trike of framed "penang/ship letter/Bearing" d.s. in red, Calcutta G.P.O. and Ship Letter datestamps and London arrival d.s. (9.6). Photo

Auction

Spink

21014, Lot 105, (2021)

Spink

21126, Lot 1756, (2021)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Penang

11 marks

11 other pre-1854 postal markings of Penang are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.

+5 more at this office.View all Penang marks and postal history →

About this Penang pre stamp cover

COV-4318 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 18 December 1838 bearing the Penang FP 12 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Penang postal history, Straits Settlements. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 21014 lot 105 (2021); and Spink 21126 lot 1756 (2021).

1 image of COV-4318 is recorded; the Penang FP 12 mark itself is recorded in use 1838–1847.

Questions about COV-4318

What is COV-4318?: COV-4318 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 18 December 1838, bearing the Penang FP 12 handstamp in black. Penang 1838 (18 Dec.) entire letter to Biggleswade, marked "Via Calcutta", rated "8", showing framed "india letter/portsmouth" in red and, on reverse, a fine trike of framed "penang/ship letter/Bearing" d.s. in red, Calcutta G.P.O. and Ship Letter datestamps and London arrival d.s. (9.6). Photo
How scarce is the Penang FP 12 mark on this cover?: The census grades Penang FP 12 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1838–1847.
What is the provenance of COV-4318?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 21014 lot 105 (2021); and Spink 21126 lot 1756 (2021).
When was COV-4318 posted?: COV-4318 is dated 18 December 1838, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 12 (1838–1847).

About this record

This 18 December 1838 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Penang FP 12 handstamp of the Straits Settlements, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 16 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, 21014, lot 105, (2021); Spink, 21126, lot 1756, (2021).