Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

Malta. 1831 Entire letter from Malta to England headed "From Thomas Carttin Seaman H.M Ship Melville" and countersigned with "H.M.S Melville Malta, July 7th 1831" above the Officers signature, prepaid at the 1d rate, a 1d coin having been sown to the letter, the circle of holes clearly visible at the left. The 1d coin presumably removed and kept by the Falmouth Post Office, who marked the letter "P1" and applied their backstamp. H.M.S Melville was sent to guard Graham Island, formed by an underground volcano off Sicily in 1831, as part of Britain’s sovereignty claims; however the island disappeared under the sea by the end of 1831. A scarce concession rate letter showing payment by coin sown to the letter. Photo on Page 68.
Suggested price: £ 250-300