TOBAGO
1890 Taxed Cover
"The cover illustrated here came into my possession recently and I believe it to be unique. It will be observed that it was posted in London on AP 2 1890, addressed to Tobago, and bears the current 4d. stamp of Great Britain which was the correct postage rate at that time for letters up to ½ oz. in weight. Apparently this letter exceeded this weight and the Foreign section of the G.P.O. in London applied the 'T' (Taxe) mark and wrote '40' in blue pencil on the front to indicate that the deficiency of postage was 40 centimes the equivalent of four pence. The double rate of eightpence should have been paid by the sender. The letter reached Tobago on AP 20 1890 and the addressee was charged 8d. on delivery being double the deficiency. This is indicated by the pair of 4d. grey Tobago stamps cancelled by the Tobago Treasury. This is the first evidence I have obtained that Tobago stamps were used as Postage Dues and I shall be glad to hear if any other member of the Circle possesses, or knows of, other examples of this use. Incidentally any member possessing 4d. stamps with this Treasury cancellation and thinking it indicates fiscal use can now be reasonably certain that they were, in fact, used as Postage Dues."
(Contributed by Mr. A. E. Beach.)
(The Circle's thanks are extended to Mr. Beach for defraying the cost of the block for this illustration. - Ed.)