GREAT BRITAIN, 1840, House of Commons, 1p Black on White Entire (SG Specialised PE9). Printed "To be posted at the House of Commons only. Post Paid.--ONE PENNY.--Weight not to exceed -1/2 oz." imprint at top of Parliamentary envelope, clear strike of red "Paid 31 MR 31 1840" crowned circle datestamp, addressed to Devonport, backflap partially detatched, cover with some faults incl. edgewear, Fine appearance and scarce, ex Beresford, SG Specialised £6,000

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GREAT BRITAIN, 1840, House of Commons, 1p Red on White entire (SG PE9). Printed "To be posted at the House of Commons only. Post Paid.--ONE PENNY.--Weight not to exceed -1/2 oz." at top of Parliamentary envelope, clear strike of red "Paid 2 Ap. 2 1840" crowned circle datestamp, addressed to Manchester, signed at bottom left "Mark Philips" (MP)

VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCARCE EXAMPLE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ONE-PENNY PARLIAMENTARY ENVELOPE. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT ENVELOPES ARE NOW LISTED IN THE STANLEY GIBBONS CATALOGUE.

According to British Pictorial Envelopes of the 19th Century, "Free frank privileges for members of the Houses of Parliament ceased with the introduction of Uniform Penny Postage on the 10th of January. After consultation, Rowland Hill arranged for plain printed envelopes to be supplied, probably free, to members of both houses in their stationery racks. When posted in the official boxes in Parliament they would incur no postal charges. They ceased to be available from the 5th of May 1840."

As official envelopes, these have now rightly been given their own catalogue listings in the Stanley Gibbons Stamp Catalogue. Unlisted in Scott. Stanley Gibbons value from £6,000.

Paying domestic letter rate to -1/2 ounce from January 10, 1840, any distance.

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