Lot 90030 – 1871, 500 mon earliest printing, on cover with « Large Kensazumi » with three characters in regular script (« Kaisho »)

1871, 500 mon, earliest printing in yellow green, vertical pair, plate 1 position 25 / 33, on large fragment together with block of four of 100 mon dark steel-blue, earliest printing, positions 1-2 / 9-10, both tied by two strikes of the very rare « Large Kensazumi » with three characters in regular script (« Kaisho »), which was used in the post offices east of Atsuta and Natoya « East Zone ». Alongside part of manuscript notation « …month 3rd day », which limits the date of usage to Meiji 4.3.- or Meiji 4.4. -to be noted that the earliest recorded cover with this « Large Kensazumi » postmark dates from Meiji 4.3.13. The 500 mon in position 25 has two insect faults in upper margin which have been improved, although the position 33 is in superb condition.; the 100 mon multiple with natural wrinkling in two stamps -mentioned for accuracy-, otherwise being very fine with exceptional margins.

Only nine covers, two cover fronts and one large fragment are recorded exhibiting this very rare postmark, with this remarkable combination franking, featuring a 500 mon earliest printing pair and a 100 mon block, most probably being unique.