THE FAMOUS 10 SKILLING RATE COVER TO ENGLAND
cover 2sk. blue slightly overlapping 8sk. light brown on 1875 (May) neat XU5 to London, cancelled by "REYKJAVIK 7/5" c.d.s. (type 8) and showing, on reverse, "LERWICK" (transit) and arrival c.d.s.; the adhesives have minor faults associated with this issue and the XU5 is creased away from the adhesives and has slight damage on reverse; none of these faults seriously detract from the fine appearance of the item. One of the greatest rarities of Icelandic philately. F. 1, 3.
Details
cover 2sk. blue slightly overlapping 8sk. light brown on 1875 (May) neat XU5 to London, cancelled by "REYKJAVIK 7/5" c.d.s. (type 8) and showing, on reverse, "LERWICK" (transit) and arrival c.d.s.; the adhesives have minor faults associated with this issue and the XU5 is creased away from the adhesives and has slight damage on reverse; none of these faults seriously detract from the fine appearance of the item. One of the greatest rarities of Icelandic philately. F. 1, 3.
Further details
Note: This Skilding cover is one of the two recorded addressed to England and one of three sent "abroad" (i.e. outside Iceland and Denmark), the other addressed to Canada. It was purchased by Sir Athelstan circa 1935 for #38 and has resided in his collection since that date. It is illustrated on page 47 of "One Hundred Years of Icelandic Stamps".
It is generally accepted that there are 43 known Skilding covers, of which 25 are in museums. The large majority are single 4sk. frankings, therefore, on grounds of quality and rarity, this may be considered pre-eminent.
It is generally accepted that there are 43 known Skilding covers, of which 25 are in museums. The large majority are single 4sk. frankings, therefore, on grounds of quality and rarity, this may be considered pre-eminent.