G.B. - Ship Letters - Queenborough 1800

Entire (minor faults) to the Carolina Coffee House in London handstamped with a fine strike of the very scarce convex "QUEENBOROUGH / SHIP LRE" (Rob S2, recorded 1799-1800), additionally handstamped with the very unusual oval "Ship letter / (crown)" with the port name removed from the base.  This handstamp was unrecorded by Robertson but  one other example has since been recorded (listed by Tabeart as S7a of London) used on a letter from Bombay which arrived on the same ship as this letter (which propbably also originated in India).   Originally charged 7d, deleted with an inspectors crown in London and altered to 9d (4d for ship letters received within a  sealed bag from a Post Office agent overseas +  5d inland postage), the reverse with light staining probably caused by disinfection and a London arrival c.d.s. (Jan. 15).  An exceptional item.