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1857 Free Frank cover
Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 9:46 pm
by John Shepherd
Below is a scan of a signature frank on an 1857 "Free" cover from the
Comptroller General's Office in Hobart Town. The Comptroller-General was (the infamous) John Hampton from 1846-c.57.
Suggestions for the name on the cover? (It looks like "John Kerr" - no, not that one). I have seen another example of this signature in an old catalogue.
Re: 1857 Free Frank cover
Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:35 am
by Alex Green
John Kerr was appointed Chief Clerk of the Comptroller-General's Office on 13 January 1856.
He is listed in the Statistical Returns of Tasmania as an officer in the service of the Convict Department on 31st December 1857.
Re: 1857 Free Frank cover
Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:47 pm
by John Shepherd
Thanks Alex!
cheers
John
Re: 1857 Free Frank cover
Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:33 pm
by Alex Green
It is interesting decyphering signatures on Free Frank covers.
Here is one signed by Adye Douglas in 1881, then the Mayor of Launceston, but later Premier of Tasmania.
The envelope has some severe ageing on the right. It was used as a bookmark for 127 years.
Re: 1857 Free Frank cover
Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:46 pm
by John Shepherd
Nice cover (and bookmark).