Heinrich Köhler 383rd Auction – Day 3 Single Lots: German Empire 1872 – 1945 German Reichspost – Shield Issues – The Michael Rehme Collection (part II)

"Proben ohne Werth - Ex preßzu bestellen": 1 Groschen postal stationery envelope with large numeral of value in size A and additional franking of 1⁄2 Groschen orange and 2 Groschen blue, each with Prussian DKr. "LUCKAU 1.8.73" and handwritten endorsements "Inliegend Proben ohne Werth" and "Expreß zu bestellen" to Berlin with arrival postmark. As the envelope was sealed, the express sample was to be treated as an express letter weighing up to 15 g, i.e. 3 1⁄2 Groschen postage paid (1 Groschen letter fee and 2 1⁄2 Groschen express fee). The value stamp of the postal stationary and the stamps are fresh colours and very well embossed, both stamps are perforated as usual and in good condition except for small corner creases on the 2 Groschen stamp. Express samples are extremely scarce, only four covers have been registered so far, all sealed and from the "Herrmann Franz" correspondence, a breast plate rarity