1840, 1p Black (1, SG 2).
Plate 1a, ML, large margins all around, tied by red Maltese Cross on
1840 1p Mulready entire with "C MY-6, 1840" backstamp, used to
Binfield, some staining around stamp and some wear to MulreadyVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE COMBINATION OF THE PENNY BLACK ON A MULREADY, MAILED ON MAY 6, 1840, THE FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF USE. THE FIRST FIRST-DAY COVER IN ALL OF PHILATELY.
The Penny Black and the 1p and 2p Mulready envelopes were placed on sale on May 1, 1840. Official use was not sanctioned until on or after May 6. The 2p Blue was not issued until a few days later.
With 1974 R.P.S. certificate (Image)
1840, 1p Black, 2p Blue (1, 2,
SG 2, 5). Four singles of 1p, AE, PB, MF, MH, single of 2p, EC, all
have clear to large margins except 1p AE just in at top, fresh color and
deep impressions, tied by red Maltese Cross cancels on 1841 folded letter
addressed to "Rich'd Attwood Esqr., Shirley, near Southampton", bold
"Winchester FE 6, 1841" and receiving backstamp of the next day, ms.
"prepaid" at bottom left, light file fold barely affects 1p
PBVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE COMBINATION COVER BEARING EXAMPLES OF BOTH OF THE FIRST ADHESIVE STAMPS OF GREAT BRITAIN -- THE FIRST ADHESIVE STAMPS EVER ISSUED. A WONDERFUL SHOWPIECE.
The 6p rate paid postage for a letter not exceeding 5 ounces. With 1977 P.F. certificate (Image)
1840, 1p Black, Grey-Black,
Plate 11 (1, SG 2, 3). Single of each shade, LJ and LL respectively,
large margins to in, tied by two clear strikes of MC cancel on 1841 folded
"Verbatim Report of the Speech of the Right Honorable Lord Stanley,
M.P." to Chester, neat magenta "Lancaster JY 12, 1841" and receiving
backstamp of the next day, both stamps lifted and replaced, few faults
first with small tear at top and some splitting along edgesVERY FINE. A SCARCE DOUBLE-RATE COVER SHOWING TWO DISTINCTIVE SHADES FROM THE RARE PLATE 11.
With 1993 Philatelic Expertising certificate (Image)
1840, 1p Black, 1p Red (1, 3,
SG 2, 7). 1p Black FK, 1p Red NB, the former three ample to large
margins and in at bottom, the latter three large margins and just in at
left, tied by two strikes of black Maltese Cross cancels on 1841 folded
letter to Hastings and forwarded to London, forwarding postage paid
by 1p Black, six backstamps, many struck on top of one another, incl. Mar.
24 London receiving datestamp, Very Fine and choice, rare combination
usage, with 1977 P.F. certificate (Image)