Theo, Thanks for your comments, which provide food for thought. There is no Edinburgh Bishop Mark on the letter, though according to Robinson, this was not used on transit mail before late 1784, so not definite proof that the letter did not go via Edinburgh. It has been suggested (by Nick Wraith) th...

http://www.gbps.org.uk/boards/images/transferred/818_1.jpg I'm baffled by the rates shown on this 1781 letter from Liverpool to Lunga, Argyllshire. It's endorsed "pr Edinburgh and Inverary", so presumably it went from Liverpool to Berwick (via Ferrybridge) and then onwards as directed. My...

Mike, Allcock and Holland (page 328) do document this datestamp - found from the 1870s until early 20th century. They occur "at first in red but are later found in black".

Thanks, Mike. I knew about the W.I and P.S.C. but not the sailing dates.
Timothy, thanks for your response. I'll email you shortly.

http://www.gbps.org.uk/boards/images/transferred/628_1.jpg I recently bought the attached item - an 8d orange lettered DG on cover from Liverpool to Curacao. The stamp has a straight edge (guillotined?) left wing margin. My (2001) SG QV Specialized mentions this variety, but refers to articles by F...

Mozzerb: Thank you for your most informative response.

Mike, I'd forgotten that I had Raguin vols 5 and 6. A PO circular dated Dec 5 1863 confirmed that the registration fee on these Notices remained at 6d - you were right all along!

Alex, thanks. I'll try that if nobody comes up with a definitive answer here.

I wonder if the registration fee for these notices included inland postage, and mine is a double rate (half to 1 oz) and the Cavendish example is a triple (1 to 2 oz).

Mike, purely by chance I've just been looking at the online catalog for Cavendish's September sale. Lot 1110 is described as follows - "Early "PARLIAMENTARY NOTICE" Cover at 1/- rate with special printed label. Unusual and colourful 12 Dec. 1863 EL (minor wear) to Perth franked by 2d ...

Mike, thanks for your response confirming compulsory registration of such items. Wasn't the registration fee reduced to 4d in 1862, which would make the inland postage 4d for between 1 and 2 ounces? Perhaps I should weigh it!

Can anyone explain the postal rate on the attached item for me?