Lot no. 559

Franked Inland Mail during the “Free Post” period 1919 – 1921 Tariff of 1st January 1919 The introduction of this RSFSR Tariff was combined with the invalidation of all postal stationeries; but they could be purchased from post offices and used as Blanks. As with all three “Free Post” tariffs, an underlying rate for ordinary cards and letters was specified so that organisations with “Free Frank” privileges for ordinary mail could still claim their concession – for example, sending a Registered letter for 25 kop instead of the combined letter rate  + Registration fee which combined to 50 kop March 1919. Registered letter sent locally within Moscow, “Free Frank” privilege claimed with a violet seal on reverse and therefore franked only for the Registration fee of 25 kop, very scarce