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

The census grades Penang FP 9 as rare, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1846–1854.

When was COV-4086 posted?

COV-4086 is dated 11 January 1847, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 9 (1846–1854).

COV-4086

11 January 1847 Penang Cover

Back to census|Penang FP 9 · 8 covers recorded

COV-4110 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 11 January 1847, Penang FP 9 handstruck folded letter (COV-4086)

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

11 January 1847

Description

MALAYSIA, Penang to Canada. 1847 cover with boxed "Penang 18/Bearing" handstamp with ms. "Jany. 11" and addressed to Richmond Canada, bold "1/4Cy" in circle rating handstamp, various Canadian transits incl. London and receiving backstamps, also with red "MR 6, 1847" London (England) transit backstamp, minor wear, Very Fine, scarce, reportedly the only stampless cover from Penang to Canada, ex Arnell and Steinhart

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

949, Lot 1211A, (Dec. 2007)

Spink

9018, Lot 510, (2009)

Spink

26014, Lot 5256, (2026)

Provenance

Arnell Allen Steinhart

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-4086 is a Penang pre stamp cover of 11 January 1847 bearing the Penang FP 9 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 Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries 949 lot 1211A (Dec. 2007); Spink 9018 lot 510 (2009); and Spink 26014 lot 5256 (2026).

1 image of COV-4086 is recorded; the Penang FP 9 mark itself is recorded in use 1846–1854.

Questions about COV-4086

What is COV-4086?: COV-4086 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Penang, Straits Settlements of 11 January 1847, bearing the Penang FP 9 handstamp in black. MALAYSIA, Penang to Canada. 1847 cover with boxed "Penang 18/Bearing" handstamp with ms. "Jany. 11" and addressed to Richmond Canada, bold "1/4Cy" in circle rating handstamp, various Canadian transits incl. London and receiving backstamps, also with red "MR 6, 1847" London (England) transit backstamp, minor wear, Very Fine, scarce, reportedly the only stampless cover from Penang to Canada, ex Arnell and Steinhart
How scarce is the Penang FP 9 mark on this cover?: The census grades Penang FP 9 as rare, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1846–1854.
What is the provenance of COV-4086?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries 949 lot 1211A (Dec. 2007); Spink 9018 lot 510 (2009); and Spink 26014 lot 5256 (2026).
When was COV-4086 posted?: COV-4086 is dated 11 January 1847, within the recorded period of use of Penang FP 9 (1846–1854).

About this record

This 11 January 1847 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Penang FP 9 handstamp of the Straits Settlements, a mark graded “Rare” in this census — one of 8 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, 949, lot 1211A, (Dec. 2007); Spink, 9018, lot 510, (2009); Spink, 26014, lot 5256, (2026).