British Empire - Day 6

24c Franking: 1884 (Mar 22) Envelope from the Count de Kergaradec at the French Consulate in Bangkok to his wife in Angers, France with 1882-85 24c green, tied by clear strike of the "BANGKOK/MR.22.84" cds, with red Modane à Paris transit cds alongside, plus attractive blue "LE CONSUL ET COMMISSAIRE DE FRANCE/BANGKOK" cachet and other transit bs, some minor creasing otherwise very fine and an extremely rare exhibition showpiece. (Numbered "39" in crayon, being the code for each letter sent between the Count and the Countess)

One of three covers franked using a single 24c and stunning example of the triple rate usage.

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 (642 tons) left Bangkok on 23 February 1884 for Singapore with the mail for Singapore and Europe arriving on the 28th. It then left for Europe aboard the French mail steamer. Saghalien (4,050 tons) on 3 March.