Lot Details

1871, 200 mon, early printing, plate I, position 21, slightly oxidised, tied by a clear strike of large "Shizuoka Kensazumi" of Shizuoka, Suruga Province, to the reverse of a cover to Kakegawa, Totomi Province.

Alongside dateline "4th month 26th day" and official manuscript "dispatched 29th day", or Meiji 4.4.29 (17 June 1871). At bottom right also showing vermilion framed "mochikomi chinsen zumi", meaning "carry-on fee settled".

A highly interesting and desirable early cover, distinguished by this rare instructional marking relating to onward courier conveyance.

Rate: 100 mon basic rate, separate area fee plus 100 mon kobin fee for final delivery by courier = 200 mon, first rate period.

Reference: Illustrated in Dragon Covers, p. 11.