Lot 20058 – 1840 2d pale blue pl.1 DG-DL, a horizontal strip of six

1840 2d Pale Blue, Plate 1 (DG–DL) Horizontal Strip of Six on Naval Cover to HMS Gorgon

A rare and highly attractive maritime usage, this horizontal strip of six from Plate 1 (DG–DL) is cancelled by bold black Maltese Crosses and is presented lifted and hinged back to the original envelope. The letter was sent from Thurso, 24 October 1841, addressed to the British warship HMS Gorgon on Mediterranean Station, endorsed via Falmouth, confirming prepayment of the one-shilling Packet Rate.

Margins are nearly all round, with only minor wrinkles along the top edge and a small marginal nick between DK–DL. A particularly appealing feature is the offset of the Thurso datestamp in brown, which partially ties the strip and enhances the visual and postal interest of the cover.

A scarce and historically important usage, combining early adhesive postage with Royal Navy and packet-mail history, seldom encountered in such an impressive multiple.

Note: The steam frigate HMS Gorgon was commanded by Captain William H. Henderson during her Mediterranean service from 1839–1842, including operations along the Syrian coast in 1840.

Expertise: Accompanied by a British Philatelic Association Certificate (2025).