QV 1840 1d Black (ME) SG2tf AS14 Plate 2 on cover Early Usage (May 15) 3 margins Red MX

Plate 2 registered 22nd April 1840
Earliest known use 2nd May 1840 (this was the only plate other than plate 1a to provide stamps for the first day 6th may 1840. However it is known used before this.
Destroyed 19th November 1841
Displays characteristic NW corner star with absence of 7 o’clock ray.
Tied red MX. Rear has a Receiving CDS dated for the Afternoon of May 15th 1840

Letter is from Grays Inn, London dated 15th May 1840 concerning business relating to the Duke of Malborough.
2 full margins (bottom and left), top margin thin and descends to touch, but not encroach, the NE corner. The right margin clips the bottom 1/3rd of the right side and the SE ‘E’ check letter square is missing its right edge. Cat. From £3250

Lovely condition, clean and clear- complete cover. Early date. Please examine photographs for condition, as these are part of the description. e23/32