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Auction: 25017 - Stamps and Covers of Great Britain
Lot: 5015

(x) Great Britain
Postal History
The Birmingham 'Chandelier'
1773 (16 Jan.) entire letter from Thomas Haselwood, Postmaster for Birmingham, to a Mr. Draper (?) at the General Post Office, London, the reverse struck with superb Birmingham 'Chandelier' handstamp alongside "18/ia" Bishop Mark on receipt in London. Entire refolded and opening well for display. An enormously rare marking, believed to have been produced locally for Haselwood's use. An important exhibition showpiece being one of only four known. Photo.

Note: Sydney Raine discovered three examples dated 13-17 December 1772, no other examples than this having been found since. It is believed that these handstamps first came to light at Robson Lowe's in the 1950's

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£4,000 to £8,000