British Empire - Day 6

16c Franking: 1884 (Jan 25) Envelope from the Count de Kergaradec at French Consulate in Bangkok to his wife in Angers, France with 1882-85 wmk CC 8c orange in a pair, tied by a "BANGKOK/JA.25.84" cds, with red Modane à Paris transit alongside, and red "SINGAPORE/JA.30.84/PAID" cds backstamp, plus attractive blue "LE CONSUL ET COMMISSAIRE DE FRANCE/BANGKOK" cachet, small portion of cover missing and sensibly improved, one stamp with minor creasing otherwise fine and extremely rare exhibition showpiece. (Numbered "30" in crayon, being the code for each letter sent between the Count and the Countess)

One of the very few recorded 16c franking paying the double rate.

A magnificent showpiece of the highest calibre for the greatest of connoisseurs.

Note: The envelope is accompanied by an extensive eight page letter of social and political interest. Captain Tulloch commanding the British steamer McAlister (462 tons), left for Singapore on 26 January 1884 and arrived on the 30th.