GREAT BRITAIN, 1840, House of Commons, 1p Red on White entire (SG PE9). Printed "To be posted at the House of Commons only. Post Paid.--ONE PENNY.--Weight not to exceed -1/2 oz." at top of Parliamentary envelope, clear strike of red "Paid 5 MR 5 1840" crowned circle handstamp, receiving backstamp of Mar. 7, small cover tear at left

VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCARCE EXAMPLE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ONE-PENNY PARLIAMENTARY ENVELOPE. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT ENVELOPES ARE NOW LISTED IN THE STANLEY GIBBONS CATALOGUE.

According to British Pictorial Envelopes of the 19th Century, "Free frank privileges for members of the Houses of Parliament ceased with the introduction of Uniform Penny Postage on the 10th of January. After consultation, Rowland Hill arranged for plain printed envelopes to be supplied, probably free, to members of both houses in their stationery racks. When posted in the official boxes in Parliament they would incur no postal charges. They ceased to be available from the 5th of May 1840."

As official envelopes, these have now rightly been given their own catalogue listing in the 2013 Stanley Gibbons Stamp Catalogue. Unlisted in Scott. Stanley Gibbons value

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