Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

Rebate Letter. 1839 Entire letter from Vienna to Huth & Co in London with red "Wien / 16 NOV" and "Franco", originally charged 4/-, subsequently returned to the Post Office for a refund of 2/8, the rate reduced to 1/4 and endorsed on the reverse "Only double, Fred. Huth & Co" and "2/8". Backstamped in the London Foreign Branch (Nov 26), the front with the very scarce red "REBATE / (crown) / 26 NO 26 / 1839 / FOREIGN-OFFICE" (Jay L298d, recorded 16th-28th Nov. 1839 and again on 15th April 1840). A fine item; strangely 2/8 refunded so single postage only was finally charged despite Huth’s double rate claim. Photo on Page 259.
Suggested price: £ 300-400