1855 QV GB entire LONDON to LIVERPOOL franked with 2d blue 16 perf which will be either SG20a or SG27 (not SG34 as previously stated). Either way CV £550+ on cover for fine. Stoneham retail is £200 and £250 respectively.

An item which speaks to the mechanics of mercantile trade networks at peak of the empire. From London merchant bankers J C Im Thurn to Liverpool shipping company John Bibby Sons, who were trailblazers in shipping of metals around Britain and later the world. They err also key to the emergence of Haaland Wolff shipbuilders in Belfast as they bought 13 of the first 18 ships built in the yard including the first one.

This letter concerns shipments of copper and phosphorus to Glasgow and Alexandria.

Has a horizontal fold through stamp, but otherwise a great item.

1855 QV entire LONDON to LIVERPOOL. 2d blue 16 perf SG20a or SG27 CV £550+