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-4329 posted?

COV-4329 is dated 3 July 1840, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

COV-4329

3 July 1840 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 5 · 14 covers recorded

← COV-4328 COV-4377 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 3 July 1840, Penang FP 5 handstruck folded letter (COV-4329)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

3 July 1840

Description

Penang Early Letters and Handstamps 1840 (3 July) entire letter to London, marked "per Overland Mail", rated "2/8", showing oval-framed "india" in red and, on reverse, fine framed "penang/Paid" d.s. in red (Type P.S.6) in red with manuscript "14 ans" inserted and arrival c.d.s. (6.10) across join. Photo Estimate S$ 500-600 provenance: Spink sale, June 2000

Auction

Spink

1015, Lot 1025, (2001)

Provenance

"Stolz"

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-4329 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 3 July 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 1015 lot 1025 (2001).

1 image of COV-4329 is recorded; the Penang FP 5 mark itself is recorded in use 1840–1850.

Questions about COV-4329

What is COV-4329?: COV-4329 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 3 July 1840, bearing the Penang FP 5 handstamp in black. Penang Early Letters and Handstamps 1840 (3 July) entire letter to London, marked "per Overland Mail", rated "2/8", showing oval-framed "india" in red and, on reverse, fine framed "penang/Paid" d.s. in red (Type P.S.6) in red with manuscript "14 ans" inserted and arrival c.d.s. (6.10) across join. Photo Estimate S$ 500-600 provenance: Spink sale, June 2000
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-4329?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink 1015 lot 1025 (2001).
When was COV-4329 posted?: COV-4329 is dated 3 July 1840, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 5 (1840–1850).

About this record

This 3 July 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, 1015, lot 1025, (2001).