How scarce is the Singapore FP 9 mark on this cover?

The census grades Singapore FP 9 as 1 example recorded, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1840.

When was COV-5537 posted?

COV-5537 is dated 1840, within the recorded period of use of Singapore FP 9 (1840).

COV-5537

1840 Singapore Cover

Back to census|Singapore FP 9

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1840, Singapore FP 9 handstruck folded letter (COV-5537) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Singapore FP 9, scan 2 (COV-5537)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

1840

Description

x Early Letters and Handstamps Singapore 1840 (17 Oct.) entire letter ex the "Layard" correspondence from Chusan to Ceylon, rated "1/8" and showing, on reverse, circular "singapore/ship letter/free" datestamp in red for 4 November with Calcutta Ship Letter d.s. alongside. A fine and unique cover of the greatest importance. Photo Estimate £ 8,000-10,000

Auction

Spink

The V T Nathan Collection of Straits Settlements (Sale 9023), Lot 19, (16 April 2009)

Spink

Auction: 26014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia, Lot 5261, (17 June 2026)

Same office

Other recorded marks at Singapore

9 marks

9 other pre-1854 postal markings of Singapore are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.

+3 more at this office.View all Singapore marks and postal history →

About this Singapore pre stamp cover

COV-5537 is a Singapore pre stamp cover of 1840 bearing the Singapore FP 9 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Singapore postal history, Straits Settlements. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through Spink The V T Nathan Collection of Straits Settlements (Sale 9023) lot 19 (16 April 2009); and Spink Auction: 26014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia lot 5261 (17 June 2026).

2 images of COV-5537 are recorded (front); the Singapore FP 9 mark itself is recorded in use 1840.

Questions about COV-5537

What is COV-5537?: COV-5537 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Singapore, Straits Settlements of 1840, bearing the Singapore FP 9 handstamp in black. x Early Letters and Handstamps Singapore 1840 (17 Oct.) entire letter ex the "Layard" correspondence from Chusan to Ceylon, rated "1/8" and showing, on reverse, circular "singapore/ship letter/free" datestamp in red for 4 November with Calcutta Ship Letter d.s. alongside. A fine and unique cover of the greatest importance. Photo Estimate £ 8,000-10,000
How scarce is the Singapore FP 9 mark on this cover?: The census grades Singapore FP 9 as 1 example recorded, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1840.
What is the provenance of COV-5537?: Its recorded auction history runs through Spink The V T Nathan Collection of Straits Settlements (Sale 9023) lot 19 (16 April 2009); and Spink Auction: 26014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia lot 5261 (17 June 2026).
When was COV-5537 posted?: COV-5537 is dated 1840, within the recorded period of use of Singapore FP 9 (1840).

About this record

This 1840 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Singapore FP 9 handstamp of the Straits Settlements, a mark with 1 example recorded in this census — the only surviving cover with this mark recorded so far. It has appeared at auction with Spink, The V T Nathan Collection of Straits Settlements (Sale 9023), lot 19, (16 April 2009); Spink, Auction: 26014 - Stamps and Covers of Asia, lot 5261, (17 June 2026).