(Mead's) City Despatch Post, 1847 2c Black on Green, 40L2, tied by Red "FREE" in Octagon Handstamp with Red Company Datestamp on Local Folded Cover

The stamp with large to huge margins, and cover struck with red "P.O. City Despatch Post, Dec. 9, 4 O'Clock" and 1846 docketing on reverse. The cover with small closed tears and a light vertical file fold.

The earliest recorded use of the 40L2 stamp is December 8, 1846, with this cover being dated just one day later. This is the second earliest recorded usage.