1840 1d Black "May Dates". 1840 (May 7) Wrapper sent within London with 1840 1d intense black pl.1a AJ-AK horizontal pair with fine to very large margins, neatly tied to entire by crisp red MCs, reverse with "T.P./Chief Office" handstamp and a red octagonal paid datestamp for the second day of use, a very attractive cover and arguably the finest recorded pair used on this very early May Date Note: Illustrated in "May Dates" on page 60 Provenance: Ex Durham (1994) (Image)

1840 (May 24) Wrapper from Mansfield to London with 1840 1d Black pl.1a DE, fine to good margins, tied by red MC with a matching Mansfield datestamp at left for MY.24.1840 (3rd Sunday), arrival bs, stamp slightly discoloured, a very attractive and rare 3rd Sunday "May Date" usage (SG Spec. A1(2)ti, £14'000) (Image)