TO G.B. - EARLY U.P.U. PERIOD COVERS AT 6d & 4d RATES WITH G...

Hammer

£260

TO G.B. - EARLY U.P.U. PERIOD COVERS AT 6d & 4d RATES WITH G.B. 6d GREY OR 4d VERMILION; Unusual 14/19 Sept. 1875 env./EL pair from Malta to London (latter "Via Marseilles") with GB 4d Vermilion (pl.14) or 6d Grey (pl.14) respectively, both tied by v. fine "MALTA/A25" Duplexes, the 6d-rate also with v. fine boxed "INSUFFICIENTLY/ADDRESSED E.C." mark of London on the front. It seems that prior to the entry of France into the UPU on 1 Jan. 1876, Malta mails to GB were not yet charged the 2½d rate. Rare pair. (2 covers)