British Empire - Day 6

The unique usage of a vertical pair of 2¢ rose and the only known use of the 12¢ on cover.

16c Franking: 1884 (Feb 8) Envelope from the Count de Kergaradec at French Consulate in Bangkok to his wife in Angers, France with 1882-85 2c rose vertical pair and 12c purple-brown, one rounded corner but unique on cover, tied by two strikes of the "BANGKOK/FE.9.84" cds, with red Modane à Paris transit alongside, and red "SINGAPORE/FE.13.84/PAID" cds backstamp, plus attractive blue "LE CONSUL ET COMMISSAIRE DE FRANCE/BANGKOK" cachet, franking excised on a large piece (clear of the Bangkok cds) and rejoined in its original position, some minor creasing otherwise very fine and an extremely rare exhibition showpiece. (Numbered "32" in crayon, being the code for each letter sent between the Count and the Countess)

The unique 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 four page letter of social and political interest. Captain Tulloch commanding the British steamer McAlister (642 tons), left for Singapore on 8 February 1884 and arrived on the 13th. Captain Rapatel commanding the French mail Steamer Oxus (3791 tons) left Singapore on 19 Feb 1884 for Marseille.