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-4364 posted?

COV-4364 is dated 31 January 1838, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 4 (1836–1846).

COV-4364

31 January 1838 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 4 · 16 covers recorded

← COV-4360 COV-4368 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 31 January 1838, Penang FP 4 handstruck folded letter (COV-4364)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

31 January 1838

Description

Penang 1838 (31 Jan.) entire letter to Edinburgh, rated "2/6" and showing, on reverse, fine boxed "pinang/post office" d.s. in black just crossed at one corner by framed "india letter/plymouth" and arrival datestamp (11.6); some wear and discolouration along folds. Rare, nine examples of this datestamp recorded. Photo

Auction

Spink

14026, Lot 772, (2014)

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-4364 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 31 January 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 14026 lot 772 (2014).

1 image of COV-4364 is recorded; the Penang FP 4 mark itself is recorded in use 1836–1846.

Questions about COV-4364

What is COV-4364?: COV-4364 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 31 January 1838, bearing the Penang FP 4 handstamp in red. Penang 1838 (31 Jan.) entire letter to Edinburgh, rated "2/6" and showing, on reverse, fine boxed "pinang/post office" d.s. in black just crossed at one corner by framed "india letter/plymouth" and arrival datestamp (11.6); some wear and discolouration along folds. Rare, nine examples of this datestamp recorded. Photo
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-4364?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 14026 lot 772 (2014).
When was COV-4364 posted?: COV-4364 is dated 31 January 1838, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 4 (1836–1846).

About this record

This 31 January 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 16 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, 14026, lot 772, (2014).