Height x Width (Open with envelope): 13 1/4 × 8 1/4 in. (33.66 × 20.96 cm) Height x Width (Folded): 3 9/16 × 8 1/4 in. (9.05 × 20.96 cm)
Type:
Postal Stationery
Place:
GREAT BRITAIN
Date:
April 1841
Description:
Following public ridicule of the 1840 Mulready postal stationery letter sheets, they were withdrawn and replaced with stamped envelopes featuring an embossed cameo portrait of Queen Victoria. The die for the new envelopes was engraved by William Wyon, whose 1837 City Medal also inspired the young Queen's portrait on the Penny Black.
This circular letter to postmasters, dated April 1841, announces the issuance of the new 2d blue stamped envelope featuring Wyon's portrait. It is signed by Sir Edward Smith Lees (1783-1846), secretary to the post office in Scotland, and issued from Edinburgh to acquaint Scottish postmasters with the new envelopes and ensure they were recognized as genuine.
A sample envelope handstamped "SPECIMEN." in red is attached to the letter by its flap, a common practice for post office notices of the era. Two silk security threads are embedded in the paper immediately above and to the right of the embossing. These envelopes were cut and assembled by hand.
