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-4323 posted?

COV-4323 is dated 4 February 1845, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

COV-4323

4 February 1845 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 5 · 14 covers recorded

← COV-4322 COV-4326 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 4 February 1845, Penang FP 5 handstruck folded letter (COV-4323)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

4 February 1845

Description

Straits Settlements Penang 1845 (4 Feb.) entire letter to London, marked "Overland via Southampton", rated "1/-", showing oval-framed "india" and, on reverse, fair to good strike of framed "penang/Paid" d.s. with amount inserted in manuscript, both in red; horizontal filing crease and top half aged. Photo Estimate S$ 350-400

Auction

Spink

11016, Lot 354, (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-4323 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 4 February 1845 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 354 (2011).

1 image of COV-4323 is recorded; the Penang FP 5 mark itself is recorded in use 1840–1850.

Questions about COV-4323

What is COV-4323?: COV-4323 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 4 February 1845, bearing the Penang FP 5 handstamp in black. Straits Settlements Penang 1845 (4 Feb.) entire letter to London, marked "Overland via Southampton", rated "1/-", showing oval-framed "india" and, on reverse, fair to good strike of framed "penang/Paid" d.s. with amount inserted in manuscript, both in red; horizontal filing crease and top half aged. Photo Estimate S$ 350-400
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-4323?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 11016 lot 354 (2011).
When was COV-4323 posted?: COV-4323 is dated 4 February 1845, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

About this record

This 4 February 1845 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 354, (2011).