Lot Details

1871, 200 mon vermilion, late printing, plate I, touched to cut at left frame, slightly oxidised, tied by framed non-standard "Yuge Kensa", with vermilion framed "Sakushu / postal receiving and handling agency / Yuge" alongside, to the reverse of a small cover to Yamanoshiro, Mimasaka Province.

Sakushu is an old alternative name for Mimasaka. No dateline is present, though usage is assumed to fall in Meiji 8 (1875). The Yuge post office opened on Meiji 7.12.16 (16 December 1874).

The earliest recorded cover from Yuge, and a highly attractive example of this rare fancy cancellation.

Rate: 2 sen, unified nationwide rate from Meiji 6.4.1 onward.