Lot Details

1872, 5 sen greenish blue, middle period printing, tied by framed "Ken" to the reverse of a cover from Tokyo to Kaminakashima, Kii Province.

Framed "year of the goat 3rd month 16th day / Tokyo postal bureau" (16 March 1873). At lower right, "Ginza / postal receiving and handling agency", the only recorded cover bearing this marking. Transit mark in vermilion: larger double-circle "Osaka postal agency Meiji 6.3....".

A cover of outstanding rarity and significance, unique for the presence of the Ginza agency marking.

Rate: Within 200 ri = 4 sen, plus 1 sen to destination outside the delivery circuit = 5 sen, second rate period.

Reference: Illustrated in 19th century, fig. 153; Dragon Covers, p. 95.