Fiscally Used with a Blurry B172

Acquired not long ago, I initially thought the only postal marking seen was the octagon obliterator. It is a wild guess but based on the shape of the second digit, it is a strong '7'. 



B172 (1874-1879) was used in Singapore. Interestingly. the same number, B172 was also used in Penang (1874-1884), and in Malacca (1874-1892). However, in this case, I am sure it is a B172

Upon closer inspection, there was a faint oval double ring in violet. 

As indicated by the arrows, the position of a fainter oval cancel in violet

Processing the image to enhance oval cancel, it revealed something more interesting.

The double ring marking is revealed. Stamp is upright.

Stamp is now upside down. The words are making more sense now. 

What we can extract based on this is 'CHARTERED MERCA', which in full, I strongly believe is:

CHARTERED MERCANTILE BANK OF INDIA, LONDON & CHINA

Now, what makes this more interesting are two points; firstly, period of usage since B172 are used in both Penang and Singapore, the Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London & China was also available in both states. Secondly, the position of 'd' in 'Chartered' seemed to be above the curvature of the oval, unlike most security markings of the same company. 

While at this point, I am unable to identify the specific period of usage to pinpoint which location, this is an interesting finding, nonetheless.

On a side note, I have been trying to find out the full length of this peculiar security marking. I have even emailed Michel Houde, and actually had some interesting exchange. I hope that the answer is within grasp. 



I'm open for suggestions and updates. Until then, that's all for now and thanks for dropping by!


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