1949 KGVI GB UPU 75th Anniversary Registered First Day Cover FDC Manchester

DESCRIPTION:

This is a beautiful, highly collectible King George VI 1949 First Day Cover commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). This particular cover is a scarce Registered edition, complete with its original "Manchester 100" registration label (No. 2785) and the traditional crossed blue crayon registration marks on both the front and reverse.

The envelope features a striking, illustrated tri-colour cachet depicting a traditional horse-drawn mail coach traveling over a globe, contrasted with a modern propeller aircraft below, perfectly capturing the evolution of global mail delivery. It holds the complete four-stamp 1949 UPU commemorative set, cleanly cancelled with the first day of issue "Manchester" circular date stamps (10 OC 49).

The reverse of the envelope shows two highly distinct transit/receiving backstamps from "Didsbury, Manchester 20" dated the same day (10 OC 49), alongside the classic "Harris, Strand" stamp maker's mark in the bottom right corner. Addressed to Manchester, this is a wonderfully preserved piece of post-war British philatelic history.

ITEM DETAILS:

-Year of Issue: 1949 (10th October)

-Event: 75th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

-Reign: King George VI (KGVI)

-Stamps: Complete set of 4

-Postmarks: Clean "Manchester" circular date stamp cancellations on the front; dual "Didsbury, Manchester 20" backstamps on the reverse

-Special Features: Registered cover with original blue pencil markings, "Manchester 100" registration slip, and collectible "Harris, Strand" publisher mark

-Condition: Excellent vintage condition with natural light toning and minor handling wear consistent with its age; flap is intact and sealed

SHIPPING:

Carefully packed in a bubble mailer with heavy card protection. Sent via Royal Mail service.