1836 (Jan 27) Macao to London, endorsed with “p. Sarah” private ship, on the front side, cancelled by a strong inked red color
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.
