Los 4504

1840: 2 d. blue, Plate 1, lettered ED, a used example with just clear margin at lower right and large margins on three sides, on 1840 local double rate "May Date" cover to Portman Square, London, tied by Maltese Cross in red. "T. P. / High Holborn EC" handstamp in red at left and reverse showing framed arrival (May 16, 1840) clearly struck in red. Ironed out vertical file fold through the adhesive and sensible small repairs to the part letter sheet, one flap missing and restored lower left corner and centrally within address, but a rare and very early usage. Listed in Rockoff & Jackson on page 143, with just three 2 d. blue covers known for this Saturday date, ex 'Besançon' Gi DS5td = £ 15'000. Provenance: Collection Francis Hugh Vallancey, Robson Lowe, London, 20 May 1942, lot 110; Robson Lowe, London, 10 Nov 1948, lot 337