GREAT BRITAIN, 1840, 1p Black (1; SG 2). Plate 1a, KE, large margins to just in, tied by red Maltese Cross, "F MY-28, 1840" backstamp on Fores's Comic Envelope No. 1 small sized caricature folded cover used within London, additional red backstamp, some edgewear and soiling, horizontal file fold at top

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE EARLIEST EXAMPLE OF THE FORES'S COMIC ENVELOPE USED WITH A PENNY BLACK WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS. VERY FEW ARE KNOWN.

The British Pictorial Envelopes of the 19th Century book records a total of 20 used examples of the Fores's Comic Envelope. The earliest reported use (May 20) bears two 2p Blues. Two others were used on May 25 but one is in the Royal Collection and the other has had the original stamp removed and replaced. Therefore, this is the earliest example available to collectors used with the Penny Black.

Ex Yates and Meroni.

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