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Lot# 6540 - Auction 309-320

  • Lot# : 6540 Great Britain

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    1850, 1 d. Red, plate 98, lettered SA, Archer Perf. 16, used on cover, from Hawarden (Wales) to Brighton, dated 25 December 1852, tied by the “182” Hawarden numeral, Hawarden and Chester transit dated Christmas day and Brighton arrival 27 December 1852 on reverse, very fine example, very minor soiling, extremely rare, only recorded Christmas Day usage of an Archer, one of only four covers used in Wales and one of eight recorded examples used in 1852. Accompanied by a matched plate 98 imperf lettered SA.rnRemark: Archers used in 1852 are believed to derive from the 1851 House of Commons distribution, this cover establishes the link, because it is in the writing hand of William E. Gladstone whose diary entry for Christmas Day 1852 specifically records that he wrote to E. Coleridge from his Hawarden Castle home. The four examples of Archers used in Wales, all from different locations, are not believed to have been issued at Welsh post offices. rnReferences: “The Gladstone Diaries”, Volume IV, 1848-1854; “Distribution and Usage of Archer-Perforated Stamps - Updated” by R.C. Simpson, GB Journal, Volume 60, Number 1, January/February 2022, illustrated on page 11.rnProvenance: Lady Mairi Bury Collection, Sothebys, 24-26 November 2010, lot  1029. 
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF