Lot 350 1877 13c pre-UPU registered letter rate cover to England, franked with a 5c olive green and an 8c blue RLS, both tied by straightline REGISTRATION handstamps, paying the pre-UPU 5c preferred rate plus 8c registration fee. Mailed from Goderich, Ont. (neat JUN.8.1877 inner broken circle) to London, England (June 23 receiver) through Toronto and Lothbury. Also a red crown Registered cancel on front. A very clean cover, with clear postmarks and one of only 16 known franked with an 8c RLS. Rare and very fine. (Unitrade 38, F3)
Eight cent registered letter stamp covers are rarities of the highest calibre, with only 16 covers having been recorded with the 8c RLS used for its intended purpose. Of these 16 covers, many have faults or are otherwise unattractive. The cover offered here is in absolute pristine condition, unlike any other 8c RLS covers and graced the collections of multiple illustrious collectors. One of the key items from the Cantor collection and one of the most important Small Queen covers to England.
Provenance: Bill Simpson (1980), “November” collection (1994), S.J. Menich (2000), William H. Gross (2009).
Estimate $15,000
