1812 Tulbagh to Cape Town: Excellent strike of the Oval Medallion on letter wrapper forwarded "On H.M. Service" from the Landrost of Tulbagh. Additionally noted "Free" in red manuscript and showing on reverse a full large wax seal. VF.
Also known as the "Post Office Seal", the first handstamp was intended to record the pre-payment of postage for inland mail only. The design, with the words "Post Office" added, originated from the official seal introduced by Govenor Sir David Baird and was very similar to the "May Britain Flourish" seal used in England.
