This is Pre Stamp Official Mail from  Australia - Tasmania, to be precise!  This absolute beauty of a cover has some exciting postal history behind it.  However, before we get to that, it's dated 3/16/1847 (Hobart), and endorsed with an M/S "On The Public Service Only" marking.  Now let's look at the contents.

It was sent from Cornelius Briscoll to John Leake.  Mr. Briscoll had been removed from office on half pay and was still objecting.  See the biographies of both Mr. Briscoll and Mr. Leake for the full story.  Sadly, Mr. Briscoll fell ill in 1847 and died in December, so his complaint died with him.

This immaculate cover is more than just a curiosity. It is a RARE insight into the early history of Tasmania!

Please treat this with care.  Even though it's in excellent shape, it's still over 100 years old, and must be treated with respect. 

This lot is over $100 USD so I will ship it using Priority Mail in the US, and Registered Mail overseas.  This is to ensure that it reaches you in a safe and timely manner, and includes tracking!