Lot No. 1267

1840: Political caricature envelope by J.W. Southgate Library, 164 Strand (London), design No. 2 ”Ladies School”, used from ”BURY ST EDMUNDS AU 20 1840” (datestamp for dispatch on reverse) and ”BURY 1 PAID” handstamp on front indicating One Penny postage was paid in cash, addressed to Dedham, Essex. Despite a diagonal crease the envelope is in perfect and very fresh condition. One Penny for a letter not exceeding 1/2 ounce of weight. A very rare caricature with only 14 envelopes recorded in ”British Pictorial Envelopes of the 19th Century” by Bodily, Jarvis & Hahn (1984). This envelope from Bury St Edmunds was not listed by the authors. Till date only 25 ”Southgate No 2 Ladies School” envelopes are recorded, of which this one is one of the finest ”prepaid in cash”. Provenance: Sotheby's auction 14 June 1990 lot 29, Harmers of London auction 15 May 1996, lot 123. Certificate Louis BPP.