British Empire - Day 6

16c Franking: 1884 (Mar 27) Envelope from the Count de Kergaradec at the French Consulate in Bangkok to his wife in Angers, France with 1882-85 6c lilac and 10c slate, tied by two strikes of the "BANGKOK/MR.27.84" cds, with red Modane à Paris transit alongside, and red "SINGAPORE/MR.31.84/PAID" bs, the 10c with minor faults, envelope faults at top cosmetically improved, otherwise very fine and an extremely rare exhibition showpiece. (Numbered "36" in crayon, being the code for each letter sent between the Count and the Countess)

The very rare combination of values paying the 16c double rate.

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

Note: The envelope is accompanied by an extensive ten page letter of social and political interest. Captain Haffenden commanded the German steamer Bangkok (336 tons) left Bangkok for Singapore on 27 March 1884 and arrived there on 31st. Captain Pasqualini of the French mail steamer Iraouaddy (2558 tons) left Singapore for Marseille on 1 April 1884.