British Empire - Day 6

24c Franking: 1883 (Oct 26) Envelope from the Count de Kergaradec at French Consulate in Bangkok to his wife in Angers, France with 1882-85 wmk CC 8c orange, pair and single, one stamp showing partial doubling of the "B" overprint, tied by a "BANGKOK/NO.26.83" cds, with red Modane à Paris transit alongside, and red "SINGAPORE/DE.3.83/PAID" cds backstamp, fragment with stamps reattached and expertly repaired on to the original envelope, some minor creasing otherwise fine and extremely rare exhibition showpiece.(Numbered "26" in crayon, being the code for each letter sent between the Count and the Countess)

This is one of the only known uses of the 24c franking paying the triple rate.

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

Note: The envelope is accompanied by an extensive four page letter of social and political interest. Captain Tulloch commanding the British steamer McAlister (642 tons), left for Singapore on 28 November 1883 and arrived on the 3 December.