How scarce is the Penang FP 4 mark on this cover?

The census grades Penang FP 4 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1836–1846.

When was COV-4354 posted?

COV-4354 is dated 1 September 1838, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 4 (1836–1846).

COV-4354

1 September 1838 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 4 · 17 covers recorded

← COV-4353 COV-4359 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1 September 1838, Penang FP 4 handstruck folded letter (COV-4354) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Penang FP 4, scan 2 (COV-4354)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

1 September 1838

Description

STRAITS SETTLEMENTS Early Letters and Handstamps Penang 1838 (1 Sept.) entire to London, marked "Via Singapore", rated "2/4", showing framed "india letter/portsmouth" with, on reverse, fine strike of framed "pinang/post office" d.s. in black (Type PS5; latest recorded date) and red arrival c.d.s. (9.2.1839). A fine example of this short-lived marking, used from August 1837 to September 1838. Photo Estimate S$ 4,000-5,000

Auction

Spink

5008, Lot 24, (2 July 2005)

Spink

26014, Lot 5254, (17 June 2026)

Provenance

Dr. Chua Eu Tiong

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-4354 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 1 September 1838 bearing the Penang FP 4 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Penang postal history, Straits Settlements. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 5008 lot 24 (2 July 2005); and Spink 26014 lot 5254 (17 June 2026).

2 images of COV-4354 are recorded (front); the Penang FP 4 mark itself is recorded in use 1836–1846.

Questions about COV-4354

What is COV-4354?: COV-4354 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 1 September 1838, bearing the Penang FP 4 handstamp in red. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS Early Letters and Handstamps Penang 1838 (1 Sept.) entire to London, marked "Via Singapore", rated "2/4", showing framed "india letter/portsmouth" with, on reverse, fine strike of framed "pinang/post office" d.s. in black (Type PS5; latest recorded date) and red arrival c.d.s. (9.2.1839). A fine example of this short-lived marking, used from August 1837 to September 1838. Photo Estimate S$ 4,000-5,000
How scarce is the Penang FP 4 mark on this cover?: The census grades Penang FP 4 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1836–1846.
What is the provenance of COV-4354?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 5008 lot 24 (2 July 2005); and Spink 26014 lot 5254 (17 June 2026).
When was COV-4354 posted?: COV-4354 is dated 1 September 1838, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 4 (1836–1846).

About this record

This 1 September 1838 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Penang FP 4 handstamp of the Straits Settlements, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 17 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, 5008, lot 24, (2 July 2005); Spink, 26014, lot 5254, (17 June 2026).