1872, 1 sen blue, plate III, single franking tied by framed "Ken" of Tokyo to a cover to Yokohama. On reverse, "year of the monkey 8th month 6th day / Tokyo postal bureau", or Meiji 5.8.6 (8 September 1872). Also showing rounded-rectangular framed vermilion "Hongo" collection mark, the earliest recorded date of this marking, known in use until Meiji 7.4.13. On front, vermilion framed next-day arrival of Yokohama postal bureau, together with framed vermilion "afternoon dispatch" delivery mark.

A highly desirable Tokyo-Yokohama cover, particularly notable for the earliest recorded usage of the Hongo collection mark.

Rate: Within 25 ri = 1 sen, second rate period.