COLLECTIBLE: Used in Straits Settlements--Singapore, 1854, 4a Red & Blue, 4th Printing, Head Die III, Frame Die II (6F; SG 23). Four horizontal pairs, each cut to shape, margins to mostly touching, cancelled or tied by diamond of dots on Aug. 8, 1855 folded letter from Hong Kong to Marseilles, France, via Singapore, sender's directive "via Suez", red "Forwarded by John Purvis & Son, Singapore" forwarder's handstamp (Rowe unlisted, partially affected by opening) applied in transit, rate markings tie two pairs, blue Alexandria transit and Marseilles arrival datestamps, light horizontal and vertical file folds affecting two pairs VERY FINE. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COVERS WITH INDIAN STAMPS USED IN THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, FRANKED WITH FOUR PAIRS OF THE 4-ANNAS LITHOGRAPH FROM THE FOURTH PRINTING. ONE OF THE LARGEST KNOWN FRANKINGS OF 4-ANNAS FROM SINGAPORE AND ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE IN THIS PRISTINE CONDITION. We know of only one larger franking of India 4a stamps on a cover from Singapore--the cover offered in lot 248, with ten singles affixed in the Philippines. Ex "Kohinoor", Sussex, and Gross.