EARLY LOCAL LONDON FREE COVER WITH WAX SEAL OF "GENERAL POST...

Hammer

£110

EARLY LOCAL LONDON FREE COVER WITH WAX SEAL OF "GENERAL POST OFFICE/FOREIGN [OFFICE]"; 17 Nov. 1788 EL (light toning) from "General Post Office" in London to "--Gordon Esqr., Percy Street" endorsed "Foreign Post Office" at lower left of address and sealed with a 75% complete black wax seal of "GENERAL POST OFFICE/FOREIGN [OFFICE]". The letter reads thus; "Mr. Jackson, Comptroller of the the Foreign Office presents his compliments to Mr. Gordon & has the pleasure to acquaint him that the Letter he inquired after for Newton Gordon & Co. at Madeira has been paid for & forwarded by Messrs. Buller & Co. of London". Rare evidence that the P.O. cooperated with London merchants to facilitate the payment of transit letters in London en route to places overseas. A rare local London Free frank and the first example of this early P.O. seal that we can recall having seen.Cross Reference: LONDON POSTAL HISTORY, POSTAGE DUE MARKS, MADEIRA