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-4322 posted?

COV-4322 is dated 17 September 1840, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

COV-4322

17 September 1840 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 5 · 14 covers recorded

← COV-4321 COV-4323 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 17 September 1840, Penang FP 5 handstruck folded letter (COV-4322)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

17 September 1840

Description

Straits Settlements Penang 1840 (17 Sept.) entire letter to France, rated "1/9", showing framed "Packet Letter.", oval-framed "india" and, on reverse, framed "penang/Paid" d.s., all struck in red. Photo Estimate S$ 700-900

Auction

Spink

11016, Lot 353, (2011)

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-4322 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 17 September 1840 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 11016 lot 353 (2011).

1 image of COV-4322 is recorded; the Penang FP 5 mark itself is recorded in use 1840–1850.

Questions about COV-4322

What is COV-4322?: COV-4322 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 17 September 1840, bearing the Penang FP 5 handstamp in black. Straits Settlements Penang 1840 (17 Sept.) entire letter to France, rated "1/9", showing framed "Packet Letter.", oval-framed "india" and, on reverse, framed "penang/Paid" d.s., all struck in red. Photo Estimate S$ 700-900
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-4322?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 11016 lot 353 (2011).
When was COV-4322 posted?: COV-4322 is dated 17 September 1840, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

About this record

This 17 September 1840 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, 11016, lot 353, (2011).