The letter was sent from London to Air, nowadays Ayr, in Scotland (Northern Britain). As the United Kingdom was created on January 1st 1801, the expression Northern Britain for Scotland may have been deemed right at the time.
What you call an “apple” postmark, is a circle with a crown and the word FREE, denoting the privilege of the sender for free postage. I shall try to send you a link tomorrow.
On the back somebody, maybe a later owner, seems to have noted down references to the front side of the letter.
Hello, xiaolin
I hope that you can access this book which should answer at least some of your questions. It seems possible to view the whole book online.
Hello xiaolin,
there is a book about british postmarks down to 1840, may be you can find your special apple postmarks here? But it is not a book, it is
a CD-ROM:
https://www.amazon.com/Postmar…ntroduction/dp/B005H4YLRM (Affiliate-Link)
Here the description:
Postmarks of the British Isles, Book 1: From Their Introduction Down To 1840. by J. G. Hendy (1905).
A well regarded reference to the postmarks of GB and Ireland from their introduction to 1840. This book is illustrated with 579 figures of postmarks. 204 pages.
Contents: Introduction; London Chief Office - Paid Letters, Sunday Stamps, The Returned Letter Office, Franks Or Free Stamps, The Foreign Letter Office, Ship Letters; London Receivers - Penny And Twopenny Posts; Country Postmasters - Paid Letters, Penny posts, Convention And 'Fifth-Clause' Posts; Soldiers' And Sailors' Cheap Postage Privilege; Scotland; Ireland; Postage Rates; Index.
This is a high quality facsimile in PDF format on a CD-ROM in a clear protective sleeve (see product views). It is guaranteed to be compatible with all operating systems, and is fully text searchable and printable. View on a computer or transfer from your computer to an electronic book reader. Requires a computer with a CD drive. PDF files can be opened using PDF reader software (e.g. Adobe Acrobat - a free program). No printed book included. CD-ROM Copyright J&H Books 2010, all rights reserved.
J&H Books Philatelic Series #10.
I have not found a special designation for these british postmarks.
Gruß kartenhai
Gruß kartenhai
This apple in the postmark looks similar like a postmark with the crown on the top. In this postmark is also to read: FREE
Gruß kartenhai
Das hab ich doch schon gestern erklärt : "What you call an “apple” postmark, is a circle with a crown and the word FREE, denoting the privilege of the sender for free postage." Ich habe das aus dem von mir verlinkten Buch (Seiten 29 bis 39).
Hello xiaolin,
the postmark looking like an apple is a single circle with crown inside, from 1800-1807, with inscription: Free. Here more informations:
The 1801 postmark in the picture is one of the many types of 'Free Frank' which was used before the uniform penny post was introduced in Great Britain in 1840. Before that date Members of Parliament and other state officials could send letters without charge.
This mark is shown as Type 1A/9, in use from 1800 to 1807.
https://www.earsathome.com/letters/Previctorian/free.html
Gruß kartenhai
Collect British Postmarks
https://www.stanleygibbons.com/products/colle…e-9th-edition-3
Hello, Jean Philippe
Thank you very much for your help, the seller's books are not sent to China.
This link is https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_AZQZAAAAYAAJ, I can’t access it, it’s a pity. . .
Greetings
xiaolin
Could you access the other link which I gave you together with this one ? They both refer to the same book.
Even if the seller does not send the book to China, could you not read it online via my first link ?
Hello asmodeus
Very grateful for your help,
Scanned book page-Note 1A/9, is very important information, can you scan it again, because the text is a bit blurred, I hope it is clear.
In addition, this 1824 Britisch (Entire Cover) Brief to London CHELSEA, please scan the page of the book about this "sun" postmark,
I'm really reluctant to bother you!
Because the seller's books are not sent to China. . .
Greetings
xiaolin
Stanley Gibbons will ship to China! Just checked it out!
Stanley Gibbons will ship to China! Just checked it out!
Thank you for your reminder. 
