1080

THE MATCHING EYE-WITNESS ACCOUNT OF THE FINAL BRITISH VICTORY IN EGYPT; 10th Sept. 1801 EL (from the same Lieut. who wrote the letter in the previous lot) from "Camp before Alexandria" to Stirling with a mostly fine double oval "Ship Lre/(Crown)/PLYMOUTH" on the front slightly overstruck by a light red Edinburgh transit Bishop Mark, with final "4/8" charge (being a double sheet letter). The contents include; ""My Dear Father, It is with great pleasure that I inform you of the conclusion of the Egyptian Campaign...perhaps a few particulars ["of the surrender of the celebrated Fortress of Alexandria"] from a person actively employed in the business may be acceptable to you....On the 12th Aug....[we] the Army consisting of 5,000 men...embarked in Boats on the lake Maddie...we sailed in the evening and passed the enemy's Batterys in the night...As we approached the shore in the morning...our Army on the east of Alexandria attacked the enemy's lines which drew their attention partly from us..." There follows a detailed account of the writer's involvement in the taking of the island of Manabuo which commanded the sea approach to Alexandria and which was bravely defended by the French until "...a stupendous steeple [fell] which killed a number of their men and demolished their works". They next had to engage the French Army in front of Alexandria itself: "We began our march at 5 o'clock and in an hour were engaged with the enemy...we drove them from hill to hill for five miles, until we got under the guns of Alexandria who began to open on us and obliged us to halt, where we lay for three days very much exposed to the enemy's shot and shells....on the evening of the 25th the Army was ordered to be under arms to attack the French outworks, which we did and took all their Piquets Prisoners; the rest returned into the town. Preparations were making for to storm the works the following night, which the French general - Menou - perceiving, saved us the trouble, by sending in his Aide-de-Camp with a Flag of Truce...and surrendered themselves prisoners on the 1st Sept. when the Articles of Capitulation were signed..." A marvellous account of the final Battle of the British Campaign in Egypt, with much graphic detail as well as descriptions of the ancient ruins around the Alexandria area. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.42.

£400

1081

THE INDIAN CONTINGENT - DISALLOWED SOLDIER's 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER WITH A GRAPHIC ACCOUNT OF THE INDIAN FORCE's CAMPAIGN IN EGYPT; 14th Dec. 1801 EL (grubby and stained address panel with heavy central crease, but complete, sound and fully legible) headed "Gizeh 4 Miles west of Grand Cairo (Egypt)", addressed to Nottingham. The letter is endorsed "Soldier's letter" on the flap with dated "Egypt" endorsement and the signature of Lieut. Col. J.P. Lloyd of the 86th Regiment, but it was not prepaid and so it was charged full postage ("9" and then "1/1") with a partly fine double oval "SHIP LETTER/(Crown)/PORTSMOUTH" on the front. The letter gives a sometimes harrowing account of the writer's experiences during the regiment's journey from Bombay to Suez (via Saudi Arabian ports) and then across the desert to Cairo, where they arrived just in time for the French surrender. The contents include; "...[we] sailed on the 28th [Dec. 1800] for the Red Sea...[we] put into Mocha, Jedda, Tor and Suez...on our arrival at Suez, I had the honour of being of the number sent on shore to take possession of the place...the French, having spiked the guns and cast the greater part of their ammunition into the Sea, made a very hurried escape to Grand Cairo on hearing of the approach of the British Fleet...At Suez...the Plague broke out which carried off a good number of our people and those that remained we had every article of wearing apparel burnt..." He then describes the march across the desert to "join the English Army on there March to siege Grand Cairo [where they arrived on 10th June]...not without suffering the greatest hardships for want of water; many were reduced to drink there own urine. One man was so distracted that, to put an end to his misery, shot himself, and seven others were left behind in the desert and have never yet been heard of..." Fascinating contents that show how very different life during the Campaign was for the common soldier when compared to the experiences of the officers. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.45. Believed to be the only recorded letter from this Indian Contingent in Egypt; see "19th Ce. Wars", p.31.

£750

1082

THE BRITISH OCCUPATION - A CHARGED "O.H.M.S." COVER FROM ALEXANDRIA TO THE WAR OFFICE; 20th Jan. 1802 EL from "Alexandria" to the ex-Quartermaster General of the British Forces in Egypt at the "War Office, London" endorsed "O.H.M.S." and "Egypt" on the front, but charged full postage with a mostly fine double oval "Ship Letter/(Crown)/DEAL" on the front. The contents describe the imminent departure of almost the last part of the British Forces from Egypt, chronic outbreaks of plague, Turko-Egyptian politics and Lord Cavan's plans to send various antiquities including "Cleopatra's Needle" back to England. "Only the 26th Light Dragoons and the Foreign Corps are to remain". Fine historical letter from the last few weeks prior to the signing of the Treaty of Amiens. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.43.

£200

1083

THE DISASTROUS 1807 EGYPT EXPEDITION - INGOING COVER VIA MALTA; July 1807 EL (hinge-reinforced folds) from "Ardersier" (Scotland) prepaid ("Pd 3/7") from Edinburgh and addressed to "Capt. Macpherson, 78th Foot, Alexandria, Egypt; by Malta" with London transit marks. The letter (two in one to save postage) is from the addressee's family who have just heard that he was safe after the landings at Alexandria. Very rare; only four other covers connected with this brief and abortive Expedition are recorded. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.47; see also text ref. Capt. Macpherson on p.46. Plus two 19th century prints of "MEHEMET-ALI" and 6 related unused post-war Egyptian stamps. (1 cover + 8 other items).

£300

1084

THE EGYPTIANS SUPPORT THE TURKS IN THE GREEK WAR OF INDEPENDENCE - BRITISH NAVAL COVER FROM THE BLOCKADING FLEET "OFF NAVARINO [BAY]"; 29th Sept. 1827 EL from "H.M.S. Dartmouth off Navarino [Bay in Greece]" to Hampshire with a near fine red boxed step-type "PORTSMOUTH/SHIP LETTER" on the front, from a British naval Commander attached to the British part of the Allied Fleet blockading the Turko-Egyptian forces and fleet in Navarino Bay; "We furl our sails all day and lay about 3 miles off Navarine to prevent the escape of the Turks..." This stand-off culminated in the famous Allied (British/French) Fleet's victory at the Battle of Navarino Bay on 20th October 1827, which guaranteed future Greek independence. Rare cover from this brief resurgence of Egyptian influence overseas. Plus an April 1827 document signed by the British Commander "Edwd. Codrington" at Malta, a 19th century print and a block of 4 unused Greek 1927 Navarino commemoratives depicting Admiral Codrington. (1 cover + 3 other items).

£150

1085

THE BATTLE OF NAVARINO - ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT "GENERAL ORDER" & HAND-DRAWN MAPS OF THE BATTLE APPARENTLY MADE ON BOARD H.M.S. ASIA AT THE TIME; Remarkable 24th Oct. 1827 manuscript "Gen[era]l Orders" (apparently written in the same hand as the ship's log of the time) headed "Asia, in the Port of Navarine" giving Vice-Admiral Codrington's thanks to the naval force that won so convincing a battle just four days earlier; plus contemporary maps of the fleets during the battle (2; one hand-coloured & distinguishing Russian, English, French & Turkish vessels), and a contemporary manuscript analysis of the allied fleets. Plus an 1828 partly printed document signed by "Edwd. Codrington" at Malta, two 19th century prints and a block of 4 Greek 1927 commemoratives. Rare and fascinating lot. (8 items).

£150

1086

THE BATTLE OF ACRE - LETTER FROM AN EYE-WITNESS OF THE BRITISH VICTORY OVER EGYPTIAN FORCES IN SYRIA, ETC.; 5th Nov. 1840 EL headed "H.M.S. Bellepheron, St. Jean d'Acre" to Hampshire with a mostly very fine red boxed step-type "SHIP LETTER/DEVONPORT" on the front with m/s "8" charge. The brief letter includes; "The day before yesterday we took this place (wch. is the strongest in Syria) after a three hours' siege, and this I think will be a wind up to our war with the Egyptians". Rare letter from this famous Battle. Plus Nov. 1840 EL (faults) from Livorno to Florence with the news of the recent Battle of Acre; "3,000 prisoners taken and 1.700 killed by the blowing up of the powder magazine. besides which there were upwards of 300 killed on the ramparts. The loss to the English was 14 killed and 42 wounded and to the Turks 4 killed." Plus 3 relevant 19th century prints and c.1840 piano score for "THE RETREAT FROM ST. JEAN D'ACRE" by S. Glover. (2 covers + 4 other items).

£200

1087

AFTERMATH OF THE BATTLE OF ACRE - CAPT. (LATER ADMIRAL) CHARLES NAPIER WRITES WHILE HE OVERSEES THE PEACE SETTLEMENT IN EGYPT; 19th Jan. 1841 EL (chisel-slits of disinfection) to Woolwich (redirected to Ramsgate with v. fine orange-red boxed "POSTAGE NOT PAID/TO LONDON" on the front) with very fine British P.O. "ALEXANDRIA" c.d.s. and fair 2-ring "PURIFIÉ AU LAZARET/MALTE" mark on the front, sealed with wax "[H.M.S.] POWERFUL" seal. The letter is written and signed by Napier himself; he was instrumental in arranging and then overseeing the Peace settlement with Mehemet Ali after the Battle of Acre, which ended Egypt's campaign against Syria. He writes; "If things are finished [with the Peace Arrangements], which I think they are unless France gets impudent, I shall very shortly return to England, as serving here as third in command is neither beneficial or agreeable. We carried every thing before us much in the same way I did in Portugal, tho' (as far as Military movements were concerned) on a much greater scale". Rare letter from the man at the centre of things at the end of the brief 2nd Turko-Egyptian War. Plus 5 c.1850's maps of the area. (1 cover + 5 maps).

£150

EGYPT - THE INDIAN CONTINGENT, 1878-1882

1088

CYPRUS - THE UNIQUE(?) "INDIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE" COVER WITH EARLY "LARNACA/CYPRUS" DATESTAMP; Fine 9th/16th Aug. 1878 env. addressed to "Major W.H. Ross, 26th Regiment N[ative] I[nfantry], Indian Expeditionary Force, Cyprus" and endorsed "Via Brindisi", franked by a G.B. 2½d rosy-mauve tied by m/s "stamped" and a very fine "LITTLEHAMPTON/978" duplex, also endorsed in pencil on the reverse "Reply to mine sent from Malta" beside a superb 16th Aug. "LARNACA/CYPRUS" British P.O. arrival c.d.s. (the British P.O. in Cyprus did not open until 27th July 1878); the flap folds down to show the Larnaca c.d.s. the right way up below the address. This is believed to be the only item of mail to have been recorded that was associated with the 6-week occupation of Cyprus by Indian forces following the ceding of the island by the Turks to Britain on 8th July 1878. Very rare and superb Cyprus cover of Exhibition quality, which John Firebrace could not resist including in this collection of Mediterranean area Indian Contingent material. {This is the sole cover from this Force referred to in Castle's definitive 1985 work on Cyprus.]

£500

1089

THE 1882 ARABI REBELLION - INDIA USED IN EGYPT COVER WITH THE VERY RARE "FIELD FORCE P. OFFICE/No.1/B" DUPLEX; Attractive 8th/9th Sept. 1882 env. to Umballa, India (Sept. 30th arrival c.d.s. on back) franked by India ½a pair and 2as orange (latter with torn corner) tied by single 95% strike of this rare duplex, thought to have been used at Ismailia at this date, being the 3as Officer's rate. The writer, Lt. Col. Turner von Straubenzee commanded the Royal Artillery of the Indian Contingent in Egypt and was present at the Battle of Tel el-Kebir which took place only 4 days after this letter was posted. Only a handful of Indian Contingent covers from the Arabi rebellion period are known. Exhibition item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars"; p.74 & colour Plate xiii.

£750

1090

THE 1882 ARABI REBELLION - INDIA USED IN EGYPT COVER WITH THE RARE "FIELD P.O. EGYPT/No.2" C.D.S. WITH SEPARATE "B" GRID CANCEL; 20th/21st Sept. 1882 env. from the same correspondence as the previous lot (probably originally sent with a letter describing the battle of Tel el-Kebir of 13th Sept.) addressed to Umballa (India; 7th Oct. c.d.s.), franked by India 3as orange tied by manuscript lines and a very fine "B" in bars cancel, having a 60% very fine strike of this rare c.d.s. on the reverse. Few examples known and a rare India Used in Egypt cover.

£500

1091

THE 1882 ARABI REBELLION - UNIQUE(?) COMBINATION OF "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE" & INDIAN CONTINGENT "FIELD FORCE P.O. EGYPT/No.2" C.D.S.'s ON THE SAME COVER; 1st Oct. 1882 mourning env. (understandably opened out for display and with only trivial faults) to Hampshire franked by an Egypt 1pi red tied by both a very fine 2nd Oct. "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s. and a fair native 2nd Oct. "CAIRO" c.d.s., but also having a very fine 1st Oct. Indian "FIELD FORCE P.O. EGYPT/No.2" c.d.s. on the flap. Exceptional item posted from the Indian F.P.O., passed through the British A.P.O. and forwarded to G.B. from the Egyptian P.O. in Cairo. Thought to be a unique combination of the British and Indian FPO marks at this date. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.75.

£750

EGYPT - THE ARABI REBELLION AND THE BIRTH OF THE BRITISH ARMY PO 1882

1092

AHMED ARABI's EGYPTIAN ARMY - MILITARY DESPATCH REF. BRITISH TACTICS; c.10th July 1882 letter in Arabic (no original envelope but with authenticated env. in which it was kept as a souvenir by a British officer) addressed to Colonel Arabi Pasha, commanding the Egyptian Army in revolt, from his senior Officer in command of the Forts in Alexandria, complaining about the British Fleet using electric floodlights to reveal his soldiers at work at night! Written in Arabic with small Arabic seal beside the signature and clearly dated. This letter was "found in the room [in his Alexandria H.Q.] occupied by Araby the night before the bombardment". Very rare military despatch of the Arab forces. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.83.

£300

1093

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BRITISH ARMY's "POST OFFICE CORPS"; 15th/22nd July 1882 printed Royal decree (on paper embossed with "WAR OFFICE" device at top, with reinforced fold across the middle; album-page size) signed by the Secretary of State for War ("Hugh C.E. Childers") who apparently also dated it at "Osborne" on 22nd July 1882 (although the printer's imprint at the foot in "15-7-82") and wrote "Victoria R" at the top. The text announces that the Queen deems it "expedient that a body of Our Regular Forces shall be formed to conduct the postal duties when Our Armies take the field..." This is in effect the birth-certificate of the British Army Post Office. Rare and important item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.61.

£200

1094

THE 1882 "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" C.D.S.'s & "BA/E" CANCEL ON G.B. STAMPS ON PIECES & LOOSE; 28th Aug. to 1st Oct. 1882 pieces (3; single 1d lilac, 1d lilac pair+½d green & single 2½d blue; all with v. fine "A" or "B" c.d.s.'s), off-cover 2½d blue with the very rare 13-bar "BA/E" obliterator, and off-cover selection (6 2½d blues & 3 1d lilacs) with uncoded, "A", "B" or "C" c.d.s.'s. Rare lot covering almost the whole period of the A.P.O. in 1882; mostly v. fine. (3 pieces + 10 stamps).

£100

1095

THE START OF THE BRITISH OCCUPATION - COVER SENT FROM ALEXANDRIA BUT POSTED IN MALTA; 17th July 1882 mourning env. to Tunbridge Wells from a naval Lieut. on H.M.S. Northumberland, written on the day the Channel Squadron arrived at Alexandria and over a month before the start of the British Army P.O.; franked by GB 1d lilacs pair & ½d green tied by fine 22nd July "MALTA/A25" duplexes, but clearly endorsed on the back by the addressee as being written from Alex. on 17th July. Rare thus. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.51.

£150

1096

Similar 20th/26th July 1882 env. from the same correspondence, but the stamps cancelled on arrival in London (ex the Naval Bag?) by v. fine London diamond "28" vertical oval cancels; endorsed "Written July 20th, Alexandria".

£100

1097

OFFICER's LETTER FROM SUEZ AT THE START OF THE BRITISH CAMPAIGN; 4th/5th Aug. 1882 env. to Leeds "Via Brindisi" from a Hussars Lieut. en route to India, franked by an Egypt 1pi red tied by a fine "SUEZ/STATION" c.d.s. with Alex. transit c.d.s. on the back.

£75

1098

GORDON HIGHLANDER's POSTCARD FROM ALEXANDRIA THE DAY WOLSELEY LANDED; 16th Aug. 1882 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC (slight stain at left) to London cancelled by a fine "ALEXANDRIE/DEPART" c.d.s. (this was still 5 days before the P.O. Corps arrived); the writer (a Medical captain) writes (from "Galobari Station, Alexandria"); "Received revolver all safe this morning per hired transport Holland. Sir Garnet [Wolseley] landed this morning - enemy entrenched strongly; will attack shortly now as Sir G. has arrived. I have been all over our outposts; saw enemy drilling & throwing up entrenchments. Position is very strong on account of isthmus between two lakes...Expect to move shortly." Good eye-witness account from the start of the Campaign. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.53.

£100

1099

THE BRITISH C-IN-C WRITES TO HIS MOTHER 3 DAYS AFTER LANDING AT ALEXANDRIA; Very fine 19th Aug. 1882 letter (no env.) from "Alexandria" (paper with pink embossed "WAR OFFICE" device at top), written and signed by Major-General Sir Garnet Wolseley; "My darling mother. I leave this in H.M.S. Salamis at noon today, nominally for the purpose of landing at Aboukir Bay, where Abercrombie landed in 1801, but really to seize & occupy the Suez Canal. I leave one Division here with Arabi in strong force in front of it, whilst with the other, I sail away to take possession of Port Said and of Ismaillia...[on the map] you will see a village marked Tel el Kebir...It is there that I hope to measure swords with Mr. Arabi...My naval A.D.C. has just come in to say the mail bag must close....Garnet". A rare insight into the British Commander's plans at the very outset of the Campaign and an important autograph item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.55. Plus a 19th century print of Wolseley. (2 items).

£150

1100

CIVILIAN's POSTCARD WRITTEN FROM SUEZ WHILE "DETAINED OWING TO ACTION AT ISMAILIA"; 21st [Aug. 1882] usage of Egypt 20pa brown PC to GB, cancelled by a superb London "10" in diamond vertical oval, but headed from "Suez". The writer was en route to GB, but was held up by the Campaign. He concludes; "There is no danger in going through with the mails, for we can fight." Rare thus.

£100

1101

ISMAILIAH OFFICER's COVER TO SWITZERLAND; Attractive 22nd Aug. 1882 env. to "Switzerland" (from the "Tyndall" correspondence; from the addressee's brother, Lieut. Hamilton of the Coldstream Guards), franked by an Egypt 1pi red tied by a very fine civil P.O. "ISMALIAH" c.d.s. (on the day the Guards disembarked en route to Tel el Kebir). The British Army. P.O. was not opened at Ismaliah for several more days. Rare destination. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.57.

£200

1102

Similar "Tyndall" env. To Switzerland, franked by an Egypt 1pi red tied by a very fine 23rd Aug. 1882 "PORT-SAID" civil P.O. c.d.s. The British Army P.O. opened at Port Said the very next day (24th Aug.). Rare, fine and attractive. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.56.

£200

1103

G.B. USED IN ISMAILIAH OFFICER's RATE COVER TO G.B.; 24th Aug. 1882 env. (some edge wear and minor corner fault) to Wales "Via Brindisi" franked by GB 1d lilacs (2) & ½d green; the latter tied by a very fine Civil P.O. "ISMAILIAH" c.d.s. and all cancelled in transit by London "28" in diamond vertical ovals. Sent just prior to the opening of the first British Army PO in this town adjacent to the Suez Canal. Rare and attractive. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.58 & Colour Plate xii.

£240

1104

EARLY STAMPLESS "ACTIVE SERVICE IN EGYPT. NO STAMPS AVAILABLE" COVER SENT VIA THE ISMAILIAH CIVIL P.O.; Fine 27th Aug. 1882 env. to GB (apparently from Lieut. VHP Caillard; see included 1897 Vanity Fair portrait) with this endorsement and a very fine Civil P.O. "ISMAILIAH" c.d.s. on the front; charged merely the single Officer's rate on arrival in GB with a very fine (Portsmouth?) handstruck "2½" mark on the front. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.59. (1 cover + 1 plate).

£200

1105

VERY EARLY "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" COVER; 28th Aug. 1882 env. (crayon address faint in places) to Scotland originally endorsed "No stamps available" and "2½" but with fine marginal GB 2½d blue affixed and tied by a very fine "B"-code "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s. The letter was from the addressee's husband, Capt. Sir S. MacDonald Lockhart of the Life Guards, and was probably posted from Ismailiah. This is the earliest British APO c.d.s. in the Firebrace Collection. Rare Exhibition item.

£400

1106

Similar 2nd Sept. 1882 stampless env. (crayon address almost erased but discernable, along with the "No stamps available" endorsement) from the same Macdonald Lockhart correspondence to Lady M.L. in Lanark (Scotland), with a very fine "B"-code "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s. beside a superb matching handstruck "T" mark and a very fine handstruck "2½" mark all on the front. Rare.

£300

1107

BRITISH OFFICERS' CIVIL P.O. USAGES OF POSTAL STATIONERY PC's; 28th Aug. & 4th Sept. 1882 usages of the Egypt 20pa brown PC's (former with vertical crease) from officers of the Cameron/Gordon Highland Regiments, addressed to Scotland/London and cancelled by an Alexandria duplex and an Ismailiah c.d.s. One from a Major who complains; "We are stuck in camp at Ramleh....doing nothing but getting very sick of it". The other is from a Medical officer; "We arrived here [Ismailiah] on the 2nd. Still on board the transport [ship]. It is only a small village. The Khedive's Palace turned into a Hospital and serves our wounded. The P&O Steamer Carthage is also a hospital". An early reference to a Hospital Ship and a rare pair of Campaign cards; the latter illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.60. (2 cards).

£150

1108

SWISS DESTINATION COVER WITH EGYPT STAMP CANCELLED BY THE "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/C/EGYPT" DATESTAMP; Very attractive 2nd Sept. 1882 env. from the "Tyndall" Correspondence (see a few lots above) addressed to "Brigue, Switzerland", franked by an Egypt 1pi red, most exceptionally tied by a very fine strike of the rare "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s. (code "C") of 2nd Sept., having a partly fine civil P.O. "ISMAILIAH" c.d.s. of 5th Sept. alongside. One of only two Egypt franking covers in the Firebrace Collection to have been cancelled by this 1882 APO c.d.s. and as such an amazing destination cover. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.70. Colourful Exhibition item.

£500

1109

SOLDIER's 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER SENT STAMPLESS WITH THE "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" DATESTAMP; Attractive 2nd Sept. 1882 stampless env. (small tear at top does not detract) headed and countersigned for a private in the "A[rmy]. H[ospital]. Corps", with a very fine "B"-code "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s. on the front matching a black handstruck "T" mark (presumably also struck at the APO and so rare); also having a fine black handstruck "1d" arrival charge, confirming that this letter was allowed at the 1d Concession Rate, and as such very rare indeed. The only stampless 1882 APO Soldier's Concession Rate covers in the Firebrace Collection (the other example is a front; see below). Exhibition item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.66.

£500

1110

EARLY G.B. 2½d FRANKING WITH THE "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" C.D.S.; 4th Sept. 1882 env. to Gosport franked by a GB 2½d blue (pl.22; corner crease) tied by a mostly very fine strike of the "B"-code c.d.s. Attractive and rare. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.62.

£400

1111

RARE USAGE OF EGYPTIAN POSTAL STATIONERY WITH THE "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" C.D.S.; Attractive 7th/8th Sept. 1882 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC (small faults at foot barely detract; old mounts on reverse obscure a few words) from "Kassassin" to Colchester cancelled by a very fine uncoded strike of this rare APO c.d.s. (used at or near Ismailiah?) The message includes; "Had a [brief engagement?] yesterday about 2 miles from here. One officer...was wounded, but there were no other casualties....The next position which we shall have to take is about 6 miles from here and then there is another about 10 miles of at Teel El Kebir." Rare item from the Desert Campaign.

£400

1112

Similar 29th Sept. 1882 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC (two vertical creases clear of mark) to London cancelled by an almost superb uncoded "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s. The message talks of returning to England, the temperature of 107º in the shade, and ends "this is written by moonlight on a tabaco box" [sic]. Exhibition item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.68.

£400

1113

REPORT FROM SUEZ OF THE BATTLE OF KASSASSIR, ETC.; 10th/13th Sept. 1882 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC (faults at top) to London from a naval officer en route to Hong Kong, cancelled by the "SUEZ/DEPART" Civil P.O. c.d.s.; the message mentions the Battle of the previous day: "...another action was fought, 80 of our men were wounded, all in the legs which is bad. Our reports state that 500 Arabs were killed...after we take Tel el Kebir, no great obstacle lies in our path; 50,000 there and 5,000 to 10,000 only are soldiers, the rest compelled to hold a rifle." Plus a contemporary pamphlet entitled "The Little Bugler of Kassassin". (1 card + 1 booklet).

£100

1114

G.B. 1d LILAC FRANKED SOLDIER's 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER WITH "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" CANCEL; Attractive 15th Sept. 1882 blue env. (cancelled OHMS heading and closed tear at top) to London, headed and countersigned for a Gunner at "Ramleh Camp, Egypt", and correctly franked by a GB 1d lilac tied by the rare "A"-code "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s. (Cairo usage?). The only correctly stamped 1882 soldier's 1d rate cover with this c.d.s. in the Firebrace Collection. Exhibition item.

£500

1115

OFFICER's 2½d-RATE G.B. FRANKING COVER WITH "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" C.D.S. CANCELS; 17th Sept. 1882 env. (stain spots; probably originally contained an account of the writer's experiences in the Battle of Tel el Kebir which took place 4 days previously) to Suffolk, franked by GB 1d lilacs (2) & ½d green all tied by very fine "B"-code "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s.'s (used at Tel el Kebir?). From a Lieut. of the King's Liverpool regiment who was present at the Battle which effectively ended the Arabi Rebellion. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.63. [Ex Danson.]

£300

1116

EGYPTIAN POSTCARD FROM A TEL EL KEBIR VETERAN; 23rd Sept. 1882 usage of the Egypt 20pa PC to the Isle of Wight cancelled by a very fine "BENHA" civil P.O. c.d.s., written by a Rifle Corps Major who had had his horse shot from under him and been wounded at the Battle of Tel el Kebir just 10 days before; "...daily expecting to be ordered to Cairo...I am very well indeed."

£75

1117

RARE UPRATED G.B. 1d PINK ENVELOPE WITH "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE" C.D.S. CANCEL; Attractive 29th Sept. 1882 usage of the 1d pink env. to Wales (redirected there with no extra charge) uprated for the 2½d Officer's rate, with GB 1d lilac & ½d green, all cancelled by mostly very fine uncoded "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s.'s. The only such 1882 Egypt Campaign usage of a 1d pink envelope that we have recorded. Exhibition item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.64 and Colour Plate xii.

£400

1118

STAMPLESS COVER WITH "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" C.D.S. CHARGED ONLY THE SINGLE OFFICER's 2½D RATE; Very attractive 1st Oct. 1882 letter-sheet to London endorsed "Expeditionary Force Egypt, No Stamps" with a very fine uncoded "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s. (Cairo usage) on the front, very slightly overlapped by a very fine handstruck "2½" mark The letter (from a Captain in the Dragoon Guards who was in all 5 1882 Battles, but who died from the effects of the Campaign in Dec. 1882) includes; "...I suppose we shall be off [back to England] towards the end of the week. Our losses have been very small during the campaign, but we have lost 3 killed & 5 wounded...in the paper Wallace was returned first as slightly wounded when he was shot through the head and never moved afterwards...I was returned as at all five actions, though I was only under fire in 4 of them...I thoroughly believe that if any general except Wolseley had been in command we should have had a disaster." Rare and attractive Campaign letter. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.65.

£400

1119

EGYPT FRANKING COVER WITH "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" DATESTAMP CANCELS; 1st/2nd Oct. 1882 env. from "Cairo" to Ryde (I.O.W.) unusually franked by Egypt 10pa greys (4; for the 1pi Officer’s Rate) all tied by very fine uncoded "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s.'s (used at Cairo). One of only a handful of Egypt franking covers with this rare c.d.s. Exhibition quality. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.69.

£500

1120

STAMPLESS SOLDIER's 1d CONCESSION RATE ITEM WITH "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" C.D.S.; 4th Oct. 1882 front (closed tear, etc.) to London correctly headed and countersigned (by Col. Cramer Ashburnham) for a Private in the King's Royal Rifles, with a mostly very fine uncoded "BRITISH ARMY POST OFFICE/EGYPT" c.d.s. (late 1882 usage) and a manuscript "1"(d) charge. Although not prepaid, only the single 1d rate was charged. Rare. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.67.

£100

1121

THE C-IN-C WRITES TO DOWNING STREET FROM CAIRO REF. HIS NEW TITLE, ETC.; Important 6th Oct. 1882 letter (no env.) on "WAR OFFICE" paper addressed to "Horace Seymour Esqr., Private Secretary, Downing St." and signed by "G. Wolseley" acknowledging the Queen's award of his Baronetcy for his success in the Egyptian Campaign, advising that he would prefer Baron Wolseley "of Cairo and Wolseley Bridge". Plus a 31st Oct. 1882 letter (no env.) from the Naval C-in-C Admiral Beauchamp Seymour on "[H.M.S.] Helicon, Alexandria" to Wolseley's successor (Major General Allison) ref. plans for naval deployment, etc., a map and a "Spy" cartoon of Seymour. (4 items).

£120

1122

G.B. USED IN EGYPT COVER WITH ALEXANDRIA "RETTA" CANCEL; Most unusual 17th Oct. 1882 env. ("H.M.S. THALIA" flap; from her Captain) to Bristol franked by a GB 2½d blue (pl.22) tied solely by a very fine lozenge of dots cancel, matching the "ALEXANDRIE/DEPART" c.d.s. alongside. Very rare cancellation on a G.B. stamp. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.78.

£400

1123

SEAMAN's 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER WITH G.B. 1d LILAC FROM PORT SAID; Attractive 22nd Nov. 1882 env. to Chatham correctly headed and countersigned for the 1d Rate for a Royal Marine Sergeant of HMS Alexandria, franked by a GB 1d lilac tied by a superb "PLYMOUTH/SHIP LETTER" c.d.s. (Rob.S10a; very scarce). Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.79.

£150

1124

SIGNED LETTER FROM ARABI PASHA HIMSELF WHILE A PRISONER IN BRITISH HANDS; Remarkable 4th Dec. 1882 letter (no env.) in Arabic (with contemporary translation alongside) signed by "Ahmed Araby the Egyptian" and addressed to Col. Sir Charles Wilson, being a testimony to the captives' good treatment while in British hands. Very rare example of a letter from the Egyptian leader of the 1882 Rebellion. [Arabi was exiled to Ceylon in 1883.] Plus a block of related 1957 Egypt stamps. (2 items).

£200

1125

HAND-DRAWN COLOURED 1882 PICTORIAL ENVELOPE CELEBRATING THE BRITISH VICTORY & THE "FLIGHT OF ARABI"; Attractive 27th Dec. 1882 env. to Redcar franked by a 1d lilac tied by a London duplex, having fine coloured drawings of Arabi, Wolseley & "A Wandering Egyptian" on the front, and uncoloured drawings on the back. Rare souvenir of the patriotic celebration of the British success in Egypt. Illustrated on the front cover (in colour) & title-page (and on p.82) of "19th Ce. Wars". Unique!

£200

1126

SOLDIER's 1d (20pa) CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM RAMLEH WITH EGYPTIAN FRANKING CANCELLED AT ALEXANDRIA; 30th Dec. 1882 env. (worn, toned and battered) to London headed & countersigned for a Private in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, unusually franked by an Egypt 20pa blue (crease) tied by the "ALEXANDRIA/A" duplex. The only such Concession Rate cover in the Firebrace Collection with an Egyptian franking. Rare in any condition. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.72. Plus two c.1912 related trade cards. (1 cover + 2 cards).

£200

SUDAN - THE START OF THE REBELLION, 1883

1127

THE BOGUS "MAHDI/POSTES DU SOUDAN" STAMPS; Unused set of the 5 values all in different colours, whose origin is not known, but clearly fantasies. To quote the 1947 Gisburn/Thompson book on Sudan; "these can be discounted as bogus". To quote John Firebrace; "[The design] shows in the centre a man smoking a hookah, with a scimitar perched precariously beside him and with nude or partly clad concubines or dancing girls in the background...[at the foot] there is, firstly, a cup of tea followed by a teaspoon, then comes a long pipe, next a crescent moon (or possibly a banana?), a scimitar and finally two indeterminate objects on a plate."!! Whatever their origin, they are very rare; John never saw any others in 50+ years of collecting. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.86. (6 stamps).

£100

1128

GORDON OF KHARTOUM AUTOGRAPH POSTCARD EN ROUTE TO PALESTINE; 14th Jan. 1883 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC to Scotland cancelled by v. fine "PORT SAID/DEPART" c.d.s., written and initialled ("C.G.G.") by Gordon himself, who reached Jerusalem 3 days later and stayed there until the start of the Sudan crisis in Dec. 1883. He writes; "Have had splendid passage and very comfortable one to this place. We arrived on the 11 Jany. and go to Jerusalem via Jaffa today." Rare item connecting Gordon with his visit to Palestine. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.111. Plus 1 PPC and 4 unused Sudan "Gordon" Airmail stamps. (6 items).

£200

1129

COLONEL HICKS' DISASTROUS 1883 CAMPAIGN - LETTER OF INTRODUCTION CARRIED BY HICKS TO THE DIRECTOR OF SUDAN POSTS IN KHARTOUM; Remarkable 1st Feb. 1883 letter (+ env. addressed to "Giegler Pacha, Khartoum, Soudan per Major General Hicks") from Sir Samuel Baker in Cairo introducing Hicks to Giegler, upon Hicks' arrival in Sudan for his ill-fated Campaign with the Egyptian Army against the Mahdi. The letter includes the fateful prediction that "Should the troops at Obeid and Bara be forced to capitulate, the effect upon the forces at Khartoum...would be serious." Hicks was to be massacred along with almost all his force by the Mahdi on 5th Nov. 1883. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.89. [Ex Stuart Rossiter.]

£200

1130

COLONEL HICKS IN KHARTOUM - AUTOGRAPH LETTER; 28th July 1883 letter (no env.) to the Editor of the "Graphic" paper, recommending a war artist (who had just replaced the good-for-nothing "Dishonest Col. John Colburne" - see "19th Ce. Wars", p.88), written and signed by Hicks from "Khartoum" during his ill-fated Campaign against the Mahdi. Rare Hicks autograph letter. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.91. Plus a print of Hicks. (2 items).

£100

1131

FEB. 1884 LETTER TO THE "SOUDAN FIELD FORCE", AUG. 1883 ARMY OF EGYPTIAN OCC. COVER, ETC.; 11th Feb. 1884 letter (no env.) from the Police HQ in Cairo to the Sudan F.F. Chief of Staff ref. men unfit for service, similar 26th Nov. 1883 letter to General Valentine Baker ref. his Police coming under the Egyptian Ministry of War from 26th Nov. 1883, and a local Aug. 1883 Alexandria env. with Egypt 5m red addressed to a British Captain with the Army of Occupation (that numbered a few thousand men and was in the country right through from 1882 to the end of the century). Latter item illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.197, and the 1884 letter on p.95. (3 items).

£150

1132

FAILED SOLDIER's CONCESSION RATE COVER WITH EGYPT FRANKING FROM PORT SAID; 14th Dec. 1883 env. (minor faults at foot) to Ireland, headed but not countersigned for a Private in the "R. o. B.'s", and so franked with the full 1pi rate (by an Egypt 1pi red, tied by Civil P.O. "PORT SAID/DEPART" c.d.s.) in stead of the normal 20pa soldier's rate. Rare thus.

£100

SUDAN - THE FIRST SUAKIN EXPEDITION, 188

1133

SUAKIN SAILOR's 2d CONCESSION RATE COVER EX THE NAVAL BRIGADE; c.20th Jan. 1884 env. (flap lost and some wear but attractive) to Birmingham, headed and countersigned (with h.s. of Commander Rolfe who led the Naval Brigade at el Teb in Feb. 1884) for a shipwright on "H.M.S. Euryalus, Suakim", franked by a GB 1880-1 2d rose (rubbed corner) tied by an almost superb "PLYMOUTH/SHIP LETTER" c.d.s. (Rob.S10a; scarce) of 6th Feb. The 2d rate included the extra Ship Letter rate 1d charge. Rare thus from Sudan. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.101.

£150

1134

Similar c.3rd March 1884 env. (closed tears at top but with printed "H.M.S. EURYALUS" heading) from the same shipwright at "Suakim, Red Sea" to Birmingham franked by a GB 1880-1 2d rose tied by a superb London "FB" cancel in transit, having a faint "Rolfe" handstamp but very attractive.

£120

1135

ROYAL MARINES OFFICER's POSTCARD SENT FROM SUEZ EN ROUTE TO SUAKIN; 21st/22nd Feb. 1884 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC to Portsmouth, cancelled by a very fine "SUEZ/DEPART" c.d.s., written by a Marines Colonel; "21st. Arrived at Suez - we go on tonight for Suakim and hope to be in time; arrive there on the 14th. Came through by train." Good Campaign item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.103.

£75

1136

STAMPLESS OFFICER's COVER EX "SOUAKIN"; Attractive 29th Feb. 1884 env. to London endorsed "stamps not procurable" with a fine "SOUAKIN" c.d.s. and matching boxed "T" mark on the front, as well as a very fine handstruck "2½" British arrival charge-mark. The Officer's 2½d rate was not doubled. Rare Campaign cover from the First Suakin Expedition, from a Captain in the Prince of Wales Hussars. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.98.

£300

1137

SUAKIN - OFFICER's LETTER FRANKED WITH EGYPT STAMPS; 13th March 1884 env. (cancelled OHMS heading and with "GOVERNMENT/INDIA" flap) to London from Capt. the Earl of Airlie, franked by Egypt o.p. 20pa on 5pi greens (2) tied by a poor "SOUAKIN" c.d.s., with a second nearly fine strike on the front. Rare franked Officer's letter. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.97 & Colour Plate xiii.

£300

1138

SUAKIN - INGOING COVER FROM SCOTLAND; Attractive 22nd May 1884 mourning env. to "Captain Gordon, Royal Marines, Suakim, Egypt. Via Brindisi", franked by a GB 2½d blue (pl.22) tied by a fine Huntly (Scotland) duplex, with a nearly fine 9th June "SOUAKIN" arrival c.d.s. on the flap. Rare thus. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.102.

£100

1139

SUAKIN - EGYPTIAN POSTCARD SENT BY BRITISH OFFICER; 31st July 1884 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC (vertical crease) to London cancelled by a light "SOUAKIN" c.d.s. with a second very fine strike (crease) nearby. The sender was a Lieut. in the North Staffs. Regiment, and he writes; "I got the Life but no song & no banjo strings...We have had two exciting nights lately; killed 17 rebels & don't know how many wounded. We had three wounded. There is a live general out here now, so...it looks like Khartoum very soon." [In fact Khartoum was not reached until Jan. 1885, after Gordon and the garrison had been massacred.] Rare; illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.99.

£150

SUDAN - THE FIRST NILE EXPEDITION – BRITISH FORCES 1884/5

1140

SIGNED AUTOGRAPH POSTCARD FROM GENERAL GORDON, SENT TO PALESTINE THE DAY HE REACHED KHARTOUM; Fine 18th/19th Feb. 1884 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC to "Jerusalem, Palestine", written on the 18th Feb. but with a fair 19th Feb. "KHARTOUM" c.d.s. on the front, as well as Assiout & Alex. transit c.d.s.'s and a partial blue "JERUSALEM/TURQUIE" arrival c.d.s. The message is written and signed ("C.G. Gordon") by the famous General who was to be besieged in two months' time. The message reads; "Kartoum 18.2.84. Just arriving Kartoum, having left London on 18.1.84 & Haifa 18.12.83. Have had capital voyage...I have not time to write. I know you & Mrs S have prayed for me. Unless the Lord holds the hand, the workman worketh in vain. In His hands are the best of men. He turneth them as He will...I hope to see Hammill in few minutes..." A characteristically fatalistic note written at this crucial moment in Gordon's career. Rare destination, origin and author! Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.112. Plus 2 unused Sudan "Gordon" stamps. (1 card + 2 stamps).

£300

1141

SMUGGLED LETTER FROM BESIEGED KHARTOUM, WRITTEN & SIGNED BY GENERAL GORDON; Fascinating 26th Aug. 1884 letter written on both sides of a small piece of tissue paper (no env.; overall creasing consistent with having been crumpled up and secreted in the hair - or clothes? - of the native messenger who risked his life to smuggle it out of Khartoum to the British forces at Massowa, on the coast at the southern end of the Red Sea). The letter is written and signed ("C.G. Gordon") by the famous General and shows that his spirits were still high in spite of the siege; "[To the] Senior officer R[oyal]/ N[avy]., Massowah [i.e. Commander E. Rolfe at this date]. Kartoum 26.8.84. In continuation of letter 24.8.84 in which I told you of our attack on Arabs which we meditated. We have (thank God) succeeded, taking Arab camp and killing Arab Commander in Chief (R J jr.?). I do not know our losses as yet. This victory clears our vicinity in three parts of circle. The Arab defeat may be put down to the defection of part of their forces who came over to us at moment of attack. The Naval forces behaved splendidly...You would all delight to be here and I wish you were if it was possible. There is one kind of union between us and our troops; they know, if the town is taken, they will be sold as slaves, and we must deny our Lord, if we would save our lives. I think we hate the latter more than they hate the former. So(?) we will defeat them without any help from outside. Spies from Kordofan report advance of Mahdi with 26 guns towards Kartoum. I have always thought this is probable, and that the question will be solved here; but I trust he will not succeed, for we have made the place very strong. If he fails, he is done for." There is an impression of Gordon's Arab seal in blue ink beside his signature. A dramatic survival from the final chapter of Gordon's life trapped in Khartoum, and one of only a handful of such smuggled letters that have survived. Dramatic Exhibition item. Illustrated in"19th Ce. Wars", p.113. Plus a contemporary cartoon and 2 unused Sudan "Gordon" stamps. (4 items).

£750

1142

"RESCUE" FORCES IN TRANSIT TO KHARTOUM - UNSTAMPED OFFICER's RATE COVER TO G.B.; Fine 9th Oct. 1884 stampless env. to Wales endorsed by the sender, Capt. Lord Cochrane, commanding a detachment of Life Guards, with a very fine large "ALEXANDRIA/RAS EL TIN" c.d.s. on the front with a very fine black handstruck "2½" mark applied on arrival in England. The rate was not doubled due to the lack of stamps for the soldiers in transit. Attractive. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.109.

£240

1143

"RESCUE" FORCES IN TRANSIT UP THE NILE TO KHARTOUM - INCORRECTLY CHARGED UNSTAMPED OFFICER's LETTER; The matching 16th Oct. 1884 stampless env. to that in the previous lot; sent from the same officer and similarly endorsed but with mostly fine "SOHAG" c.d.s. on the front overstruck by a very fine London "I.B./1D" mark struck in error. Charged as a Private soldier's 1d Concession rate cover! Rare thus.

£300

1144

"RESCUE" FORCES IN TRANSIT TO KHARTOUM; 10th Nov. 1884 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC to Winchester cancelled by a superb "CAIRE/DEPART" c.d.s.; from a Major in the Royal Artillery. The message (obscured by glued down paper, but deciphered by John) reads; "Arrived here today & leave for the front tomorrow morning by rail to Assiout & on by steamer...direct to me; Major D.A.A.G., Expeditionary Force, Army H.Q., Cairo. To be forwarded."

£75

1145

DONGOLA - SUDAN OFFICER's LETTER WITH EGYPTIAN FRANKING SENT FROM THE "RESCUE" FORCE AT DONGOLA EN ROUTE TO BESIEGED KHARTOUM; 8th Jan. 1885 env. (minor wear; mostly on reverse) to the Secretary of the M.C.C. at "Lord's Cricket Ground, London", endorsed by a Major Carmichael "Comg. 5 Lancers, Heavy Camel Regt."; franked by Egypt o.p. 20pa on 5pi green, just tied by a fine large "DONGOLA" c.d.s. with a second very fine strike alongside. The envelope is endorsed "N.B. Major Carmichael was killed at the battle of Abuklea Wells" (which took place on 18th Jan. before this letter reached England). Poignant Campaign cover from the force sent to rescue General Gordon. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.115. Very rare and of Exhibition quality.

£500

1146

DONGOLA - EGYPTIAN POSTCARD USED TO G.B. BY OFFICER OF THE "RESCUE" FORCE EN ROUTE TO KORTI & KHARTOUM; 24th/29th Jan. 1885 usage of the Egypt 10pa brown PC (vertical crease and slight stain on front) to Edinburgh, cancelled by a very fine small "DONGOLA" c.d.s. of 29th Jan. 1885 (3 days after Gordon & his garrison were massacred in Khartoum) with a second strike alongside, but written on 24th Jan.; "Arrived here last night & am just starting again. Expect to be at Corti [sic] by 31st...do not think I can catch another post before then." From a Surgeon Major General; rare usage of Egyptian Postal Stationery from Sudan. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.116.

£300

1147

NAVAL SHIP SUPPORTING THE "RESCUE" FORCES BOUND FOR KHARTOUM - 1d (20pa) CONCESSION RATE COVER WITH EGYPTIAN FRANKING; 30th Jan. 1885 [Gordon and his garrison had been killed 4 days previously] env. (minor tear at top) to Birmingham, headed & countersigned for the Seaman's 20pa Concession Rate for a shipwright on "H.M.S. Monarch, Alexandria", franked by a single Egypt 20pa red just tied by a partial "ALEXANDRIE/DEPART" c.d.s. This ship had contributed men to the Naval Brigade that was active in Sudan at this date. Rare thus. [Matching cover to lot 6 in Cavendish's 6th Dec. 1996 "Alan Brown" auction which sold for £345.]

£150

1148

"CAMP KORTI" - C-IN-C's LETTER TO HIS SISTER ANNOUNCING THE FALL OF KHARTOUM & THE DEATH OF GENERAL GORDON; Remarkable and fine 5th Feb. 1885 personal letter (no env.; on paper with embossed pink "WAR OFFICE" device at top) written & signed ("Garnet") by General Wolseley at "Camp Korti" to his sister Fanny; "Last night, as I was going to dinner, I heard the news of the fall of Khartoum. It was a real facer to us all here. Everything had been going so well: the world looked bright, and just as the prize we have all been so long striving to win, seme within our reach, it is snatched from us....I have not yet learned positively what has been poor Gordon's fate. I hope he was killed, because death meant to him the beginning of a new and glorious life, and it is too horrible to think of his being in the hands of a cruel monster like this fellow who calls himself the Mahdi." Exceptional letter from the man in charge of the Rescue Mission to save Gordon. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.119. Plus a print of Wolseley. (1 letter + 1 print).

£150

1149

KORTI - INCORRECT 1d CONCESSION RATE CHARGED FOR AN OFFICER's LETTER TO G.B.; 9th Feb. 1885 stampless env. (somewhat faint crayon address & endorsement) to Wales from Major Lord Cochrane endorsed "No stamps available on active service, Egypt" and not even countersigned, but with very fine large "KORTI" c.d.s. and near fine matching boxed "T" on the front, as well as a very fine black handstruck "1d" charge-mark struck on arrival in G.B. The letter should have been charged 2½d (see next lot!), but was mistaken for a Private's Concession Rate letter. Very rare thus. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.120. [N.B. The writer of this letter had been the officer charged with giving the news of the Fall of Khartoum to General Wolseley only a few days before this letter was sent.].

£400

1150

THE MATCHING COVER TO THAT IN THE PREVIOUS LOT - CORRECTLY CHARGED 2½d FROM KORTI; 2nd March 1885 stampless env. from the same correspondence (to Wales) as the previous lot, but with ink address; endorsed "On active service No stamps", with a mostly very fine large "KORTI" c.d.s. and boxed "T" on the front, but his time with a very fine British Handstruck "2½D" charge-mark for the correct single Officers' 2½d rate. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.121.

£300

1151

DONGOLA - Similar 26th March 1885 stampless env. (light crayon address) to Wales endorsed "No stamps available. Soudan Campaign", with a fine small "DONGOLA" c.d.s. and superb British handstruck "2½" mark on the front. Rare endorsement. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.117.

£240

1152

WADI HALFA - Similar 20th April 1885 stampless "No stamps available. Sudan Expedition" env. (light crayon address) from the same correspondence to Wales but with a fine small "WADI-HALFA" c.d.s. and light boxed "T" on the front as well as a very fine British "2½" charge-mark. Rare thus. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.122.

£240

1153

WADI HALFA - Similar 25th April 1885 stampless "Active Service No. Stamps available" env. (different writer; pale ink address) to London, but with manuscript "5" arrival charge (over weight?) on the front, beside a fine small 4th May "WADI-HALFA" c.d.s. and fair boxed "T" mark. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.123. Rare thus.

£240

1154

THE UNIQUE(?) "MEX/FIRST" STAR & CRESCENT DATESTAMP ON COVER; 31st Aug. 1885 env. (trivial opening faults at top) to Scotland franked by Egypt 1pi blue (with full attached selvedge) tied by a very fine large "MEX/(star)/(crescent)/FIRST" c.d.s. with a second similarly very fine strike to the left of the address; this is the only example of this datestamp to have been recorded, and to quote John ("19th Ce. Wars", p.197):- "The Mex First...cancellation has been of interest to collectors since it was owned by Dr. Byam. The P.O. is reported to have been open from 1 Aug. to 20 Sept. 1885 and to have been used [exclusively] by troops returning from the Nile Expedition of 1884-5." This is arguably the rarest of all the military Egyptian Campaign marks. Very spectacular and Important Egypt Rarity. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.201. [Ex Byam.]

£750

SUDAN - THE FIRST NILE EXPEDITION – CANADIAN FORCES 1884

1155

VERY RARE OUTGOING EGYPT CARD FROM SUDAN TO CANADA; 12th Dec. 1884 usage of the Egypt 20pa red Reply PC to Toronto, cancelled by two partial "WADI-HALFA" c.d.s.'s with a 12th Jan. 1885 arrival c.d.s. on the front. The message is a brief Christmas greeting, but the heading is "Nile Expedition, Dall"; it is signed by Lieut. Col. F.C. Denison. One of the handful of recorded examples of mail sent from Canadian Voyageurs in the Sudan; ingoing mail from Canada is in fact less rare than outgoing mail. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.125. Plus two 1884 cartoons of the Canadian Voyageurs. (1 card + 2 cartoons).

£600

1156

CANADA SMALL QUEEN COVER ADDRESSED TO THE "CANADIAN VOYAGEURS, NILE EXPEDITION, WADY HALFA" & REDIRECTED TO "HOSPITAL, TANGOUR"; 4th Dec. 1884 env. (tiny faults at top) to this rare address, endorsed "To be forwarded", franked by a Small Queen 5c grey (corner crease) tied by a very fine Quebec duplex, having 15th Dec. London & 23rd Dec. Cairo transit c.d.s.'s on the reverse. Addressed to "Surgeon Major Neilson", to whom most of the dozen or so recorded ingoing Canadian Voyageurs covers are addressed, but redirected to "Hospital Tangour". Very rare thus and one of John's favourite covers. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.127 and Colour Plate xiv.

£600

1157

CANADA SMALL QUEEN COVER ADDRESSED TO "CANADIAN CONTINGENT VOYAGEURS, WADY HALFA"; 7th Nov. 1884 env. (small faults on reverse, but with fine blue "THE REGIMENT OF CANADIAN ARTILLERY/ROYAL SCHOOL OF ARTILLERY" flap) to Surgeon Major Neilson, franked by a Canada 5c grey tied by a fine Kingston duplex, having an 18th Nov. London transit c.d.s. on the reverse. Only about a dozen ingoing covers to the Voyageurs in Sudan are recorded, and most are to Neilson. Very fine example of this highly sought after Small Queen destination. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.126.

£500

SUDAN - THE SECOND SUAKIN EXPEDITION – BRITISH FORCES 1885/6

1158

EGYPT USED IN SUAKIN COVER PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF THE BRITISH ARMY P.O.; 17th March 1885 env. to G.B. "via Brindisi", franked by Egypt 20pa red pair tied by a fine "SOUAKIN" c.d.s., endorsed on reverse as having been written on 16th March. The British A.P.O. is not thought to have arrived before 26th March. Very rare; from a Captain in the Hussars. John only recorded 9 such covers from Feb./March 1885. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.132.

£200

1159

EGYPTIAN POSTAL STATIONERY USED IN SUAKIN PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF THE BRITISH ARMY P.O.; 17th/18th March 1885 usage of the Egypt 20pa brown PC to Scotland cancelled by a very fine "SOUAKIN" c.d.s. From a Surgeon who writes; "Arrived all right yesterday. Mc will send my letters to read." Very rare and attractive Sudan usage card.

£200