Lot Details

1871, 200 mon vermilion, plate I, a vertical strip of three, positions 5-13-21, partly oxidised, with two positions showing luped margin at right, tied by large "Tokyo Kensazumi" to the reverse of a cover to Kakegawa, Totomi Province.

Manuscript datelines "11th month 10th day sent" and "11th month 12th day received" of Meiji 4 (22 and 24 December 1871). Also showing the red circular framed hakoba-in "kyo" (京) of Kyobashi, a letter box mark used only during Meiji 4, together with framed vermilion "adjusted 10th day dispatched", the latest known usage of this marking.

A highly attractive first-period cover, made especially desirable by the rare Kyobashi letter box mark and the late usage of the Tokyo dispatch datestamp.

Rate: 600 mon basic weight cover, Tokyo to Kakegawa, separate area rate of the first rate period.

Reference: Illustrated in Dragon Covers, p. 133.