1836 (Jan 27) Macao to London, endorsed with “p. Sarah” private
ship, on the front side, cancelled by a strong inked red
1836 (Jan 27) Macao to London, endorsed with “p. Sarah” private
ship, on the front side, cancelled by a strong inked red color
step-type “SHIP LETTER / FALMOUTH”, a manuscript rate charge of
“1/8” (1s 8d). On the reverse side, cancelled by two rectangular
“INDIA LETTER / FALMOUTH” cancellations in rose red, which are
over-strike by to corresponding step-type “SHIP LETTER / FALMOUTH”.
The ship letter was incorrectly identified as originated from India
but subsequently rectified as being sent from Macao/ China, and
hence matching with firstly cancelled by “INDIA LETTER / FALMOUTH”
and then over-strike by step-type “SHIP LETTER / FALMOUTH”. Covers
originating from Macao were not eligible for the special India
letter rates. The first “India Letter” handstamp was likely applied
by mistake in Falmouth. Upon arrival in London, a second strike was
likely applied. At this point, the error was noticed and all prior
strikes were overstruck by the “Ship Letter” marking.
