Collection of Free Post Mailing Covers up to 1840, the great majority with Franks applied, of British Government Peers and Commoners. Numerous sender signatures. Two uniform albums.

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Published by -1840, 1825

About this Item

Free post mailing covers, most hand dated and signed by the Peer or Commoner, all before introduction of the Universal Post in 1840. The majority dated 1830s, with red "Crown Circle Frees" handstamps - single circle denoting morning duty and double circle evening duty. One Peer specimen, without handstamp, signed "Clarence" (Duke of Clarence, William IV from 26 June 1830), so possibly before 1830. PEERS c370 specimens / COMMONERS c740 specimens. Up to 6 specimens per side pasted down at corners on heavy buff paper; occasional gaps where relatively small number removed or detached. Two uniform albums 38.5x28cm, 19th century half dark green morocco bindings. Smooth spines with six decorative gilt bands, dark green cloth-covered boards titled "Peers" and "Commoners" in gilt on front boards. Peers binding with light wear at head and foot of spine, and with rubbed hinges / Commoners binding with wear including a little loss at head and foot of spine, with rubbed hinges, and open split of length 7.5cm along front hinge from head / boards of both bindings lightly rubbed, patchily faded and/or mainly-lightly marked, with variable wear at outer corners / front board of Commoners with a little minor cloth-lift. Bindings holding firmly and of decent appearance. Contents clean, and in generally good to very good condition. Signatures of Duke of Clarence (William IV), and of many eminent politicians of the Age of Reform including the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel.

Seller Inventory # 27706

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Collection of Free Post Mailing Covers up to 1840, the great majority with Franks applied, of British Government Peers and Commoners. Numerous sender signatures. Two uniform albums.
• Publisher: -1840
• Publication Date: 1825
• Binding: Hardcover
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)