Lot 30260 – 1875, 12 sen rose, syllabic 1 (i), together with « Old Koban » 2 sen on registered express inland cover

1875, 12 sen rose, syllabic 1 (i), together with with « Old Koban » 2 sen olive, right sheet-margin example, both applied on reverse of western-style registered express envelope from Yokohama to Tokyo Kanda district, with the back flap showing a typical 1860’s-1870’s embossing of a girdle with belt buckle, cancelled (2 sen) and tied (12 sen) by negative cross handstamp, with Yokohama KB2 cds of Musashi -.7.2 at bottom right, struck on arrival with Tokyo N2B2 cds 11.7.2 (Gregorian July 2, 1878) at right of the 12s bird. Sender’s handwriting stating « Meiji 11th year 7th month 2nd day AM 6. » in red, and additionally stating « arrived AM 6.55 », also handwritten in red, so the time in transit was less than one hour, as this cover conveniently caught an early train on its journey. Tokyo framed delivery handstamp indicating a second delivery (bingo « ro »), denoting that it was delivered somewhat later on that forenoon. Cert. Florian Eichhorn BPP (2023). (JHES ¥1,500,000+).

Inland usages of the « Birds » issue are extremely rare.

Note: The 14 sen franking correctly paid the single weight letter rate including 2 sen for postage, 6 sen registration fee and 6 sen for the special delivery service to Saikyo. From 1876.1.1, registration was compulsory for special delivery (« betsu haitatsu », inland express).

Provenance: Dr. Tani Takashi