Help With GB Cover

Hi,

I'd appreciate some help intrepreting the following GB cover-



Firstly, if I am reading the rate tables correctly, postage to the US from GB at this time was 7.5p. This stamp is franked with 2.5p and a 0.5p totaling 3.0p. So we are short 4.5p.

The handstamp on the cover reads "T4/5" How is this interpreted? And, how do we get to the total 7.5p required for this cover?

Thanks.

-Larry

Larry, I also read the table to be 7.5p international rate to the US. I see that 3p was the domestic rate.

I believe that the handstamp is to signify that insufficient postage was applied. I will try to figure out the actual figures in your handstamped envelope and get back to you later.

Larry, I just noticed that the table I was reading was for airmail. Your letter doesn't indicate with a label that the letter is to be sent via airmail so perhaps this letter didn't go that way. I can't find any other rates for mail to the US at that time.

With regard to the handstamp. I believe that the T4 identifies the amount by which postage is short times (X) 2 (double deficiency). The bottom figure (5) is supposed to be the going letter rate.

Yes, I think that is it. With a little bit more checking, I have found that the T fraction is with a numerator equal to 2 times the deficiency and the denominator is equal to the correct total letter rate. Hence in this case, the surface rate to the US from GB is 5p, 3p being on the cover, the deficiency is 2p and the full amount due is the 4p indicated.

Not sure where I can find a fuller listing for rates from the GB than the table on the GBCC website. I guess I need to continue looking.

Thanks for the help.