Lot Details

1871, 200 mon, middle period printing, plate I, position 39, stamp partly cut at right, tied by large "Tokyo Kensazumi" to a cover to Mishima, Suruga Province.

First-month usage of the Tokyo datestamp, framed in vermilion "year of the goat 12th month 25th day", or Meiji 4.12.25 (5 February 1872). On the address side at lower right, vermilion circular framed hakoba-in "yon" (四) of Yotsuya-gomongai, the letter box outside the Yotsuya gate, here in its latest recorded usage.

A highly desirable Tokyo cover, of particular significance for the latest known date of the Yotsuya letter box mark.

Rate: Within 50 ri = 200 mon, second rate period.

Reference: Illustrated in 19th century, fig. 23.