1872, 1 sen deep dull blue, plate III, position 5, showing the plate flaw "stroke missing in sen character", single franking tied by framed "Ken" of Tokyo on a local cover roughly opened from Shitaya Takemachi to Shitaya Kanesugicho. On reverse, framed "year of the monkey 10th month 11th day / Tokyo postal bureau", or Meiji 5.10.11 (11 November 1872). Alongside, framed collection mark "Matsuzumi". Vermilion single-line "midday dispatch" delivery mark. This Matsuzumi branch office mark is recorded from Meiji 5.9.16 to 7.9.17.

A highly interesting local cover, combining a plated flaw with attractive Tokyo branch-office and delivery markings.

Rate: Within city district, basic weight to 4 momme = 1 sen, from Meiji 5.3.1.

Reference: Illustrated in Dragon Covers, p. 79.