30c Gray Black (165). Used with pair of 2c Brown (157), tied by quartered cork cancel and duplex "Easton Pa. Mar. 1 6 PM" (1875) circular datestamp, 2c and 30c tied together by large bold "OK" fancy cancel on cover to Yokohama, Japan, addressed to Benjamin Smith Lyman, red New York (Mar. 3) and London Paid (Mar. 15) datestamps, red crayon "30" credit, red "1d" British Colonial credit handstamp, ultramarine "Hong-Kong Marine-Sorter, Singapore to Hong Kong, AP 20 26 75" double-circle datestamp and turquoise Yokohama datestamp (May 9) on back, both sides opened, small tear at top

VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 34-CENT BRITISH MAIL RATE TO JAPAN. VERY FEW 30-CENT BANK NOTE ISSUE COVERS ARE KNOWN TO JAPAN.

This cover was carried on the HAPAG steamer Suevia, departing New York March 4, 1875, and arriving Plymouth March 15. The 34c British Mail rate was in effect from January 1871 to July 1875, when it was reduced to 33c.

From the Magnolia collection. Ex Gibson, Braus, Klein and Dr. Martin.

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