Lot 341
1901 letter to the Postmaster General from MPs petitioning for King Edward VII stamps to be printed in royal scarlet or red
Stamps & Covers of Great Britain | S25004
Auction: 25 February 2025 at 10:00 GMT
Description
1901 (28 March) mourning letter written to the Postmaster General, Lord Londonderry, on House of Commons letterheaded paper, from MPs petitioning for the new stamp issues of King Edward VII be printed in royal scarlet or red.
The full letter reads:
"Dear Lord Londonderry, I beg to hand you a petition signed by about one hundred Members of Parliament, this afternoon, in favour of a royal scarlet or red stamp being issued in place of the present mauve penny stamp. I can assure you that these signatures were not given in a perfunctory manner. Very great interest was manifested by most of the signatories in the question and everybody condemned this present mauve colour. I do trust that should the contractors offer objections you will give us an opportunity of overcoming the difficulties they suggest or put forward. I am your faithful Servant, J[ohn] Henniker Heaton"
Then following with six pages of signatures from the MPs and closing with:
"P.S. I could have obtained 400 signatures if necessary. HH"
A remarkable piece of KEVII philatelic and Parliamentary history, and perfect for a write-up. Holepunch at upper left and small tear on page one, otherwise fine and unique.
