Lot 50004 – 1839 Treasury Competition Essays: James Chalmers 2d essay (type 3, Bates J) in red on white wove paper used as a seal on small wrapper

1839 Treasury Competition Essays: James Chalmers 2d essay (type 3, Bates J) in red on white wove paper, cut to shape and used as a seal on small wrapper, with the legend, « general post office/two pence » around edge and « Not exceeding/Two Ounce. » in centre with postmark « USED » and « DUNDEE / Oct. 7 39. » and the competition entry number « 22290/39 » in ink alongside. Fine and extremely rare, believed to be one of only three examples in private hands with a fourth in the Royal collection. Provenance: « Durham » (Phillips 1993).