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-4326 posted?

COV-4326 is dated 24 June 1850, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

COV-4326

24 June 1850 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 5 · 14 covers recorded

← COV-4323 COV-4328 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 24 June 1850, Penang FP 5 handstruck folded letter (COV-4326)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

24 June 1850

Description

1850 (24 June) entire letter to Akyab, marked "via Calcutta" "Per Champion" and showing, on reverse, framed "penang/Paid" d.s. in red and Calcutta Ship Letter transit d.s.; the face panel with some discolouration and adhesive tape stain

Auction

Spink

22026, Lot 376, (2022)

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-4326 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 24 June 1850 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 22026 lot 376 (2022).

1 image of COV-4326 is recorded; the Penang FP 5 mark itself is recorded in use 1840–1850.

Questions about COV-4326

What is COV-4326?: COV-4326 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 24 June 1850, bearing the Penang FP 5 handstamp in black. 1850 (24 June) entire letter to Akyab, marked "via Calcutta" "Per Champion" and showing, on reverse, framed "penang/Paid" d.s. in red and Calcutta Ship Letter transit d.s.; the face panel with some discolouration and adhesive tape stain
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-4326?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 22026 lot 376 (2022).
When was COV-4326 posted?: COV-4326 is dated 24 June 1850, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

About this record

This 24 June 1850 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, 22026, lot 376, (2022).