20 March 1831 Merut HG 3A Cover

20 March 1831

Siegel - India, Merut, 1831, "MERUT./Pt Pd" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clearly struck with manuscript "20 March 31" date and rate markings on back of folded letter to London, England, well struck large "INDIA SHIP LETTER, LONDON/4" double-circle handstamp (Robertson In. 3), blurry Calcutta transit and red London (Dec. 10) arrival backstamps, cover with very mild file fold thru Ship Letter marking of no consequence, Very Fine, despite this "4" Ship Letter marking being recorded used between 1827-40 and concurrently with other Ship Letter markings, only a handful of examples are known, it is not a concessionary rate marking but was a special sea post rate from India indicating only a charge of 4p was necessary to port of entry (London), ex Manning, with 2015 B.P.A. certificate Certificate 2015 B.P.A. No. 87018 Cavendish - LONDON/MERUT - RARE LARGE 2-RING “INDIA.SHIP.LETTER/4/LONDON” COVER WITH OVAL “MERUT./Pt. Pd.”; Very fine 18 Mar. 1831 EL (part letter) from Merut (v. fine oval-framed “MERUT/Pt. Pd.” on the top flap) to London (10 Dec. backstamp) via Calcutta (poor boxed d.s. matching the slightly unsightly offset ink marks on the front) having a mainly very fine rare large 2-ring “INDIA.SHIP.LETTER/4/LONDON” (Rob. In.3; few known - one edge just crossed by file fold) nicely placed on the front and a very fine oval-framed “MERUT./Pt. Pd.” (HG2; “Scarce”) nicely placed on the top flap. This “4” mark is not a Concession Rate marking but intended for use on the few letters (of 1827-40) that were addressed to the port of entry and so had no inland rate to pay. Exhibition Item. PHOTO - see page 43.

"Magnolia" Michael Manning