1840 Victoria & Albert illustrated envelope printed in gold ink, sent from Edinburgh to Lockerbie (Scotland), red "Paid at Edinburgh" SP.29.1840 cds with a red manuscript "2" alongside, reverse with boxed Dumfries datestamp, wax seal removed, a spectacular example of this very rare Illustrated envelope. Note: Bodily, Jarvis and Hahn record only five complete used examples this being the only one prepaid in cash. (Image)

1843 The World's first commercially produced Christmas card, commissioned by the Postal Reformer Sir Henry Cole, illustrated by John Callott Horsley and Published at Summerly's Home Treasury Office, 12 Old Bond St. London. The central vignette shows three generations of a family raising a toast to the cards recipient with scenes of charity on either side, delicately hand coloured, exceptionally rare and attractive being one of around 12 known examples. (Image)