Penny black stamp; a cover from a letter sent from Limber to Fred Lucas of Louth 1841.

The cover has a rare, boxed Limber mark in red. The same red as the maltese cross which cancels the Penny Black.

The 1D. Penny Black stamp was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It went on sale to the public on 1st May 1840, although it was not valid for use until 6th May 1840. The Penny Black was only in use for just over a year but remains as one of the most iconic and sought after stamps. The stamp on the above letter was used on 3rd February 1841. On the reverse is a dated postmark from Brigg, which is 8 miles to the west of Limber. Limber was a subordinate/branch office under Brigg.

Frederic(k) Lucas, solicitor, was the Town Clerk and Clerk of the Peace for Louth. He was born in Alford in 1788 and died in Louth at the end of 1842.

On the reverse of the cover is a plan of an area of land with very detailed measurements, most probably done by a surveyor. (Inclosures?) It’s marked, “3d. Feby 1841 Xxxxxx & Co. Acct. Strubby??”