Lot Details

1872, 5 sen and 1/2 sen Plate II, tied by framed non-standard "Tottori Ken" to an official wrapper to Tawara, Hoki Province.

At lower left, framed non-standard "Inaba Province Tottori / postal receiving and handling agency". At upper right, imprinted "Tottori Prefecture" of the sending authority.

A highly unusual and important official wrapper, showing the rare special printed-matter rate in a striking mixed franking.

Rate: Postal special rate of 1 1/2 sen per 16 momme for bound official printed matter; triple weight = 4 1/2 sen, plus 1 sen to destination outside the delivery circuit = 5 1/2 sen. Rate in force Meiji 6.4.1 to 6.12.31 (1 April to 31 December 1873).

Reference: Illustrated in Dragon Covers, p. 112.