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

1840: 1 d. black, Plate 1a, lettered EB, a used example with large even margins all round, tied to entire letter written from Chester on May 6th, by two strikes of the newly introduced Maltese Cross in red. Reverse with CHESTER double arc datestamp (7 May 1840) and London arrival (8 May). Fine letter with 'pop yourself into a Railway Carriage and come down to see us. I am sorry you did not come down to our Races on Monday - 20 horses started for the Tradesman's Cup - and a more splendid scene was never witnessed..'. Illustrated in Jackson's 'May Dates' on page 62 and discussed on page 63. A delightful second day of use entire Gi AS1tb = £ 20'000.
Catalogue 244: Europe & Overseas