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1840, 1d. black, plate 1A, lettered LL, tied by red Maltese Cross to entire used on the First day of Issue, dated inside "London May 6th. 1840†in manuscript with matching London Chief Office evening duty datestamp on reverse "B / MY - 6 / 1840 in red (Code letter 'B’ is known to be used on May 6, 1840, but partly oxidised as can usually be seen on the few known impressions). The adhesive with repaired defect in the lower left corner, entire and stamp are cleaned, the addressee’s name was erased and is re-written. The letter inside shows deleted parts, while the senders ms. date "London May 6th. 1840†is original. Karl Louis BPP cert. (2013) and Mike Jackson A.I.E.P. cert (2014) confirming the 6 May datestamp being oxidised but not enhanced, while BPA cert. (2013) states 'genuine ... backstamp enhanced’ (but not mentioning oxidation). Despite restored faults an interesting First Day cover showing a neat strike of the London 6 May 1840 datestamp and by the sender’s manuscript 6 May 1840 heading inside. Reference: 1999, 'May Dates’ by Mike Jackson Provenance: Charles Nissen Stock (Stanley Gibbons auction 28/29 Sept. 1978). Charles
