£140 - £200
RARE SPECIAL "SAMPLE" IMPRINT 2d BLUE COVERS EX LONDON TO GERMANY (COFFEE) OR GLASGOW (SUGAR); c.1868 sewn linen env. with printed "Coffee Sample" heading and "Duisburg" addressee having a special openable brass-ring flap at right franked by 2d Blue (pl.5) just tied by unclear London cancel; the stamp has the "H R & Co" perfin (identified by the sender's imprint; "Hayn, Roman & Co."); plus Dec. 1868 patent openable env. ("For Postal Examination open at perforated line - the flap is gummed for re-fastening" printed on reverse flap) tied by messy "19" barred London numeral with part "LO[...]" cds alongside and addressed to "Messrs Murdoch & Doddrell, Glasgow" (a well-known firm of sugar merchants). Correctly posted Sample Post covers such as these are very rare before 1880 and very scarce at any date. Good pair. (2 covers) [The smaller cover illustrated in BPPP, p.494, and again on the back cover of the book - one of Gavin's favourite items!] Cross Reference: OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS, 1858-69 2d PLATES
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