Lot 70043 – 1840 Mulready 2d envelope cancelled contrary to regulations by a perfectly struck blue « Newington Butts / 2d PAID » receiving office handstamp

AN EXTRAORDINARY MULREADY USAGE1840 Mulready 2d envelope, forme 1 stereo a197, sent from London to Ledbury, Herefordshire, beautifully cancelled contrary to regulations by a perfectly struck blue « Newington Butts / 2d PAID » receiving office handstamp and a crisp orange London tombstone, with small additional drawing at lower left showing the woman cradling a baby with a cradle and ms note under the flap « I hope the postman will not steal this letter for the sake of the picture! », vert. crease and wax seal removed, a striking showpiece for the Mulready collector (Each postmark is cat £12,000 on a Penny not priced on a 2d)Provenance: « Mayflower »