How scarce is the Penang FP 4 mark on this cover?

The census grades Penang FP 4 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1836–1846.

When was COV-4108 posted?

COV-4108 is dated 1 January 1838, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 4 (1836–1846).

COV-4108

1 January 1838 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 4 · 16 covers recorded

← COV-4107 COV-4344 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 1 January 1838, Penang FP 4 handstruck folded letter (COV-4108)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Spink

Date

1 January 1838

Description

x Early Letters and Handstamps Penang 1838 (1 Jan.) entire letter from Penang to London, rated "1/-" and showing, on reverse, fine strike of framed "pinang/post office" datestamp in black, red arrival c.d.s. (7.6) with framed "india letter/portsmouth" on face. A fine example of this short-lived marking, used from August 1837 to September 1838. Photo Estimate £ 1,800-2,200

Auction

David Feldman

46, Lot 60013, (Nov. 1986)

Spink

9023, Lot 9, (2009)

Provenance

V.T. Nathan P.H. Tay

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-4108 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 1 January 1838 bearing the Penang FP 4 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Penang postal history, Straits Settlements. What is a pre stamp cover?

Its recorded auction history runs through David Feldman 46 lot 60013 (Nov. 1986); and Spink 9023 lot 9 (2009).

1 image of COV-4108 is recorded; the Penang FP 4 mark itself is recorded in use 1836–1846.

Questions about COV-4108

What is COV-4108?: COV-4108 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 1 January 1838, bearing the Penang FP 4 handstamp in red. x Early Letters and Handstamps Penang 1838 (1 Jan.) entire letter from Penang to London, rated "1/-" and showing, on reverse, fine strike of framed "pinang/post office" datestamp in black, red arrival c.d.s. (7.6) with framed "india letter/portsmouth" on face. A fine example of this short-lived marking, used from August 1837 to September 1838. Photo Estimate £ 1,800-2,200
How scarce is the Penang FP 4 mark on this cover?: The census grades Penang FP 4 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1836–1846.
What is the provenance of COV-4108?: Its recorded auction history runs through David Feldman 46 lot 60013 (Nov. 1986); and Spink 9023 lot 9 (2009).
When was COV-4108 posted?: COV-4108 is dated 1 January 1838, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 4 (1836–1846).

About this record

This 1 January 1838 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Penang FP 4 handstamp of the Straits Settlements, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 16 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with David Feldman, 46, lot 60013, (Nov. 1986); Spink, 9023, lot 9, (2009).