The Ocean Penny Postage Envelope of J Valentine 

The rarest state of this attractive envelope is State 5a, fig 196 in 'British Pictorial Envelopes of the 19th Century'. The authors note that they are only aware of one used example, ex Yates and Knox Collections printed on azure paper dated 31 July 1851 and one other in the Charles Hahn Collection used in Scotland in 1852.

Another used example of State 5a appeared at a Phillips sale of Illustrated Envelopes and Letter Sheets in April 1990 - Lot 898 and realised an inclusive figure of approx £1,175.  This same un-attributed item is illustrated by Danzig in 'The Cancellations of the 1841 Penny Red', page 142, and was used with a 1d red imperf, cancelled by a Sydenham duplex for December 24 1898 and
addressed to the future King George V.  We are not aware of any other used examples coming to light until now.

Offered here is a unique trio of used State 5a items.

The first is a stampless example, printed on azure paper, from Brixton to St Andrews.  On the front is a Brixton 1d Paid in blue and a red London paid cds of July 16 1851. On the reverse is a St Andrews receiving date stamp in blue for July 17 1851. This example predates the Yates/Knox Collection example.

The second is an example printed on white paper, used from Partick with a 4-margined 1d red plate 124 tied by a Glasgow numeral 159 cancellation.  On the reverse is a Partick undated circle in blue, a Glasgow cds in red for February 12 1852 and an Ivybridge arrival cds for the following day. It has a
2000 PEGB certificate.

The third example, printed on white paper, is to Manchester with a 1d lilac tied by a Sydenham duplex for Christmas Day 1896.  On the reverse is a Manchester arrival cds for the following day, December 26 1896. 

This envelope comes with its original 4-page letter in excellent condition and written by Major EDWARD B EVANS, the author of  'The Mulready Envelope and its Caricatures' published originally in 1891 and reprinted in 1970.  A leading philatelist of his day, Major Evans' work is still regarded as an outstanding piece of philatelic research and writing.  He was noted for his enthusiasm and
gentle humour and both are evident in this letter sent to another collector who presumably was also interested in illustrated envelopes.

The scans of the letter should enable it to be read completely and on page three Major Evans seems to be asking a question about what we now know as the Bradshaw and Blacklock's Ocean Penny Postage Envelope, possibly in State 3 or 4 with 'AN' on the top of the lower sail.

The writing on this envelope and letter is identical to the example in Danzig - page 142 mentioned above which was also sent from Sydenham. It confirms therefore that this was indeed sent by Major Evans to the future King George V.

A fantastic grouping of items that is unlikely ever to be repeated.

Price:  £5,375.00

PLEASE CLICK ON ALL IMAGES TO READ THOSE LETTERS!