1d. envelope printed in black, S.G.PE1,

used from London to Tamworth 22 January 1840, London circular crowned 'PAID' date stamp of despatch, signed 'Robert Peel' in the lower-left corner and with his black wax seal on the reverse; small part of the flap missing. PROBABLY THE FINEST EXISTING EXAMPLE OF THIS RARE PRINTED ENVELOPE. (S.G. from £18,000)

Sir Robert Peel was the Conservative Prime Minister for two terms: 10 December 1834 to 8 April 1835 and 30 August 1841 to 29 June 1846. He is probably best known for helping to create the concept of our modern police force resulting in his name being immortalised, officers being known as 'Bobbies' in England and 'Peelers' in Ireland. He was also responsible for repealing the Corn Laws