How scarce is the Penang FP 5 mark on this cover?

The census grades Penang FP 5 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1840–1850.

When was COV-4308 posted?

COV-4308 is dated 2 February 1841, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

COV-4308

2 February 1841 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 5 · 14 covers recorded

← COV-4307 COV-4311 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 2 February 1841, Penang FP 5 handstruck folded letter (COV-4308) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Penang FP 5, scan 2 (COV-4308)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

2 February 1841

Description

STRAITS SETTLEMENTS Early Letters and Handstamps Singapore 1841 (2 Feb.) entire letter from Penang to London, rated "1/4" and showing, on reverse, framed "penang/Paid" d.s. in red with manuscript "2 Anna" inserted and rare framed "singapore/ship letter/Bearing" d.s. in black, both partly crossed by straight-line "ship letter" h.s., and with red arrival c.d.s. (23.8). Photo Estimate S$ 1,500-1,800

Auction

Spink

7019, Lot 15, (24 June 2007)

Spink

26014, Lot 5262, (17 June 2026)

Provenance

Joseph Wong Choon Wing

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-4308 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 2 February 1841 bearing the Penang FP 5 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 7019 lot 15 (24 June 2007); and Spink 26014 lot 5262 (17 June 2026).

2 images of COV-4308 are recorded (front); the Penang FP 5 mark itself is recorded in use 1840–1850.

Questions about COV-4308

What is COV-4308?: COV-4308 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 2 February 1841, bearing the Penang FP 5 handstamp in black. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS Early Letters and Handstamps Singapore 1841 (2 Feb.) entire letter from Penang to London, rated "1/4" and showing, on reverse, framed "penang/Paid" d.s. in red with manuscript "2 Anna" inserted and rare framed "singapore/ship letter/Bearing" d.s. in black, both partly crossed by straight-line "ship letter" h.s., and with red arrival c.d.s. (23.8). Photo Estimate S$ 1,500-1,800
How scarce is the Penang FP 5 mark on this cover?: The census grades Penang FP 5 as very scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1840–1850.
What is the provenance of COV-4308?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 7019 lot 15 (24 June 2007); and Spink 26014 lot 5262 (17 June 2026).
When was COV-4308 posted?: COV-4308 is dated 2 February 1841, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

About this record

This 2 February 1841 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Penang FP 5 handstamp of the Straits Settlements, a mark graded “Very scarce” in this census — one of 14 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Spink, 7019, lot 15, (24 June 2007); Spink, 26014, lot 5262, (17 June 2026).