Day 3 - Great Britain, British Colonies, Pre-Union South Africa - the Besançon Collection (Part Ii)

1840 (May 7): Mulready 1 d. black letter-sheet, a used example addressed from Manchester to the Post Office in Cockermouth, struck by crisp strike of the Maltese Cross in red, reverse with 'Manchester' despatch cds 'MY 7 / 1840' in red. The reverse flap soiled but opens well for display, a rare second day of issue usage with just 44 such examples recorded by Jackson in "May Dates" where this item is recorded on page 273 and illustrated on page 272. Rare Gi = £ 2'600.rnrnProvenance: Cavendish, Derby, 13 Oct 1984, lot 790; Phillips, London, 11 April 1985, lot 44.
Catalogue 244: Europe & Overseas