Lot 90007 – 1871, 48 mon reddish brown, early printing, vertical pair on cover

1871, 48 mon reddish brown, early printing, vertical pair, positions 27 / 35, large balanced margins all around, showing at top the well-known “original plate crack” flaw, tied by large “Sakyo Kensazumi” postmark on reverse of cover (opened for display) to Minakuchi, Omi province, docketed alongside “(Meiji) 4th moon 27th day” (Gregorian 13 June 1871). Front displaying circular framed “yu” (for “yubinyakusho“ = near the postal bureau) “hakoba“ (mail deposit place) postmark in red. A rare franking displaying stamps in superb condition.

Note: The 100 mon corresponded to the single weight rate for a letter between Saikyo and Minakuchi, according to the 1st postal rate period of Meiji 4.3.1-4.12.4 (1871/72).