|
The Osborn Auction
|
| Thursday 21 June 2007 |
|
SALE 696
|
| * = ONLY lots with their lot numbers prefixed by one star are subject to V.A.T. at 17·5%. ** = ONLY lots with their lot numbers prefixed by two stars are subject to V.A.T. at 5%. PLEASE NOTE: All lots in this auction are subject to the Buyers’ Premium of 15% (plus V.A.T. where appropriate) on their hammer prices. ALL BIDS WILL BE TAKEN AS EXCLUSIVE OF THIS PREMIUM |
|
| ABYSSINIAN FIELD FORCE |
|
1 |
|
RARE "OFFICER'S LETTER, ABYSSINIA" COVER EX ZOULLA TO G.B. WITH RARE "C79" MAILBOAT CANCELLATION; Remarkable Dec. 1867 env. (minor repair at top right barely detracts) to Devon endorsed "Via Marseilles, Officer's Letter, Abyssinia" franked by GB White Letters 6d Lilac (pl.6) tied by a very fine rare "C79" Mediterranean Mailboat Cancellation struck on board the P&O Nyanza en route from Alexandria to Marseilles (there is a 28 Dec. Devonport arrival backstamp which fits this itinerary). The letter is addressed to a Mrs. Edye and was clearly written by Capt. Joseph Edye, RN, who was in command of HMS Satellite at Zoulla at this date. Zoulla was the Red Sea base for the Abyssinian Field Force Expedition where the forces had landed on 28 Nov. 1867. Rare and Important cover from the Naval force of this Campaign, with Expedition's endorsement and rare Mailboat cancel. [Illustrated in NOL, p.20.] PHOTO |
£1500 |
| ADEN |
|
2 |
|
SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 6d GREY FROM H.M.S. DAPHNE (AT ADEN) TO G.B.; Feb. 1879 env. (Seagrove & Co. filing endorsement - "Lieut W. S. Goodridge" - affects left hand part of address) to Portsea (10 Mar. 1879 Portsmouth backstamp) franked by G.B. 6d Grey (pl.16) tied by a London "F[oreign] B[ranch" mark. Lieut. Goodridge was on HMS Daphne at this date, and the ship's log shows it was docked at Aden from 12 to 18 Feb. 1879. The P&O SS Mongolia left Aden on 16 Feb. for the Med. (via Suez Canal) and reached Southampton on 9 Mar. 1879, which fits in beautifully with the backstamp. Unusual Aden Naval Bag item. [Illustrated in NOL, p.48.] PHOTO |
£240 |
|
3 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? ?CARE OF THE POSTMASTER. ADEN? HMS ECLIPSE; 7 July 1881 env. from Sidbury addressed to ?Revd NB Lodge R.N., H.M.S. ?Eclipse?, Care of the Postmaster, Aden, Arabia? franked by GB 5d. blue tied by Sidmouth squared circle. Correctly addressed in accordance with the PO Notice of 1874 this letter would have been sorted and forwarded to Eclipse which was at Trincomalee during early August. [Illustrated in NOL, p.119.]. PHOTO |
£150 |
| ANTIGUA |
|
4 |
|
SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. Id REDS EX H.M.S. NORTHAMPTON (AT ANTIGUA) TO G.B.; Attractive 19-26 Feb. 1880 env. from "HMS Northampton" (original letter enclosed to the writer's mother) franked by two vertical pairs of G.B. 1d Reds (Pl.200) tied or cancelled by matching fine "B16" numerals of the Plymouth to Bristol T.P.O., having a 13 Mar. Winchfield arrival backstamp. The ship's log shows that the first outward mail after 19 Feb. was sent by 'Solent' mail steamer, dispatched from St. Johns, Antigua on 26 Feb. 1880 and reaching Barbados on 29 Feb., whence the RMS Don took it, arriving at Plymouth on 13 Mar. 1880. which fits the Winchfield arrival date. Interesting contents ref. travels through the West Indies' smaller islands with sketches of Grenada and Diamond Rock, St. Lucia, and mentioning that the writer had shot a humming bird which he would try to enclose in this letter!! Rare Naval letter from Antigua with very scarce and attractive T.P.O. cancellations. [Illustrated in NOL, p.51.] PHOTO |
£400 |
|
5 |
|
SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF THE SCARCE G.B. 4d DULL GREEN ON COVER EX H.M.S. EMERALD (AT ANTIGUA) TO G.B.; Jan. 1888 env. (some dusting and very minor wear; "H.M.S./EMERALD" flap) to London franked by scarce GB 4d Dull Green tied (in transit) by a very fine vertical oval "B16" numeral of the Plymouth to Bristol T.P.O., having a London 6 Feb. 1888 backstamp. The log of HMS Emerald shows that she was at Antigua from 12 to 18 Jan. 1888, and that on 13 Jan. the "mail Steamer Esk arrived"; the Esk took the mails to Barbados, and the RMS Moselle took them from there on 23 Jan. 1888, arriving at Plymouth on 5 Feb., which fits exactly with the London arrival date. Rare thus. [Illustrated in NOL, p.64.] PHOTO |
£400 |
| ARGENTINA |
|
6 |
|
COVER FROM H.M.S. HARRIET SENT UNDER COVER TO DEVONPORT & POSTED WITH 1d RED FROM THERE; Unusual 2 May 1857 EL headed from "HMS HARRIET, Buenos Aires" (folded to show B. Aires heading and address panel) and sent to Kent, but posted with only a single GB 1d Red 'stars' tied by near fine Devonport "250" numeral (c.d.s. on back), thereby saving 11d postage (the 6d Concession rate was not introduced until 2 weeks after this letter was posted!). The contents asks for replies to be sent "under cover to Messrs. Cox & Co., 1 James St., Adelphi [London]", which shows just how widespread postage-evasion was prior to the start of the Concession Rate. Rare thus. PHOTO |
£120 |
| ASCENSION |
|
7 |
|
EARLY UNPAID OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER WITH ORIGINAL LETTER HEADED FROM "ASCENSION"; Fine 1 Apr. 1864 env. (with contents; describing walks on the island, the ship's officer having to stay to take charge of the island, getting fat on "salt horse", etc.) headed from "H.M.S. Archer, at Ascension" sent to Sussex with black manuscript "6" charge and very fine "CAPE PACKET/DEVONPORT" c.d.s. on the front. There was no Postage Due for unpaid Officers' Rate letters until Nov. 1864. Rare and attractive early letter from the island. Exhibition Quality. PHOTO |
£850 |
|
8 |
|
OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER TO G.B. WITH STAMPS CANCELLED ON ARRIVAL AT DEVONPORT; Oct. 1865 env. (one flap lost) from the 'Doughty' correspondence, written by Lieut. F.P. Doughty (the addressee's husband) while on board HMS Orontes, Troopship, en route to Shanghai, but at Ascension when this letter was sent; franked by G.B. 2d Blue (pl.9) and 4d Rose-carmine (Pl.7) tied by fine Devonport "250" numerals with fine red "PAID/DEVONPORT/CAPE PACKET" c.d.s. alongside; the stamps were cancelled at the port because the letter was addressed to nearby Teignmouth. Carried by the Union SS Co.'s SS Briton which called at Ascension just 6 days after the Orontes had left; the Briton landed at Plymouth on 15 Nov., which fits the arrival datestamp. Rare early cover from Ascension with an unusual G.B. franking for the 6d rate. PHOTO |
£850 |
|
9 |
|
OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM H.M.S. PETEREL AT ASCENSION TO G.B.; Aug. 1869 env. (minor toning spots) from the 'Cochrane' correspondence to Ireland, franked by Six 1d Reds (pl.78; Vertical Strip of Six + a single) tied both by two nearly fine strikes of the rare "DEVONPORT/H.M.S/250" duplex (used only for Naval Bag mails such as this; Rob.N1; only recorded 1866-9) and (three stamps having been left uncancelled in Devonport!) by partial "DERRY/172" duplexes. This was a late example of the 6d Officers' Rate (which ended on 31 Dec. 1869) as the normal Ascension rate was 1/-. HMS Peterel (on which this letter was written; it has her Captain, Capt. Hon. Ernest Cochrane's initialled wax seal) was at Ascension from 8 to 17 Aug. 1869 (per ship's log) sent mail from Ascension by the Union Line SS Roman on 16 Aug. 1869 (per ship's log), which arrived at Devonport after a standard 22-day voyage, hence the 6 Sept. 1869 arrival duplex. Doubly rare; a rare duplex and a rare early letter from this tiny island. [Illustrated in NOL, p.29.] PHOTO |
£1000 |
|
10 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? RARE 6d OFFICERS CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM IRELAND; 23 Apr. 1869 env. from Dublin addressed to the Assistant Surgeon ?Dr J.R. Burke, H.M.S. Jaseur, Island of Ascension? franked by GB 6d. lilac tied by Dublin duplex d.s. Carried by the SS Cambrian to Ascension arriving about 16 May, Jaseur was cruising off W. Africa and did not return to Ascension until 10 July. Early and rare ingoing Officers Concession cover. [Illustrated in NOL, p.99.]. PHOTO |
£400 |
|
11 |
|
VERY RARE "PLYMOUTH/H.M.S./620" DUPLEX ON G.B. 6d GREY SHIP'S BAG COVER TO G.B.; Mar. 1877 env. (slight wear) to Portsea (endorsed "Lt. C. J. Barlow" by Seagrove & Co. at left of address) franked by G.B. 6d Grey (pl.14) tied by a very fine strike of the very rare "PLYMOUTH/H.M.S/620" duplex (Rob.N1; only recorded for 1872-75 by him and Tabeart) of which only a handful of examples are known (which was issued specifically for use on Ships Bag mail such as this). Lt. Charles J. Barlow is recorded as having been with HMS Immortalite at this date - the ship was at Ascension on 29 Mar. 1877, when this letter was left for the next opportunity for England, which was the SS Cape Castle that arrived soon afterwards (from Cape Town and St. Helena) and which reached Plymouth on 13 April, hence the date of the duplex. Amazing item for Ascension or Plymouth specialists. Exhibition Quality. [Illustrated in NOL, p.44.] PHOTO |
£1200 |
|
12 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 4d. RATE TO WEST AFRICA BUT SHIP IN ASCENSION; 12 June 1885 env. addressed to ?Commander AAC Parr RN, H.M.S. Frolic, West Coast of Africa, or Elsewhere? franked by GB 1d. lilac and 3d Lilac tied by Bromley duplex d.s. with Bickley Station c.d.s. on reverse. Correctly paid 4d for the W Africa rate but Frolic was at Ascension until September. The letter was presumably delivered at Ascension but the additional 2d. due was not collected. Unusual and attractive. [Illustrated in NOL, p.127.]. |
£150 |
| NEW SOUTH WALES |
|
13 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? WALES TO ?AUSTRALIAN STATION?; 24 Mar. 1868 env. addressed to the Assistant Paymaster ?D McAlpin Esq. RN., H.M.S. ?Blanche?, Australian Station, Australia? franked by GB 6d. lilac Pl. 6 OF tied by Milford duplex d.s. This letter arrived in Sydney on 11 June and Blanche arrived 12 days later. [Illustrated in NOL, p.95.]. PHOTO |
£150 |
|
14 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? COVER TO SYDNEY ?INSUFFISTAMPED/VIA-BRINDISI?; 4 Sep. 1872 env. (edge creases and paper wrinkles) addressed to Paymaster ?F. O?Neill Esquire, H.M.S. Basilisk, Sydney N.S.W., Australia, Or Elsewhere? franked by GB 6d. brown Pl.11GK tied by Devonport duplex d.s. The envelope has been endorsed ?Via Brindisi? but the postage was 9d for that route. The ?INSUFFISTAMPED/VIA-BRINDISI? h.s. was applied and the letter rerouted via Southampton which delayed delivery by over a month! Scarce and attractive. [Illustrated in NOL, p.104.]. PHOTO |
£240 |
|
15 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? OVERWEIGHT LETTER WITH 9d STRAW ?DEFICIENT POSTAGE/FINE ?.? TO SYDNEY; 20 Feb. 1873 env. (edge creases and corner faults) addressed to Paymaster ?F. O?Neill Esquire, H.M.S. Basilisk, Sydney N.S.W., Australia, Or Elsewhere? franked by GB 9d. straw Pl.4 CJ tied by Devonport duplex d.s. Endorsed ?Via Brindisi? and paid at the correct rate this letter was over 1⁄2oz. and therefore was stamped ?DEFICIENT POSTAGE/FINE ??? and charged an extra 6d. HMS Basilik was off New Guinea when this letter arrived at Sydney and O?Neill did not receive the letter (ms. endorsement) until three months later. Scarce and attractive. [Illustrated in NOL, p.105.]. PHOTO |
£200 |
|
16 |
|
OFFICER'S 6d & 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS EX SYDNEY WITH G.B. 1d LILAC FRANKINGS TO G.B.; Oct. 1882 env. (printed "H.M.S. NELSON" flap) to Fowey "Via Naples" with 6 GB 1d Lilacs tied by London "10" diamond numerals struck in transit with 22/23 Nov. backstamps, which show that it was carried by the Orient Line SS Cotopaxi that arrived at Plymouth on 22 Nov. Plus similar May 1900 env. to Sussex with single GB 1d Lilac (the Universal Naval Concession Rate had been introduced on 25 Dec. 1898, because Australia and many other places did not enjoy the new Imperial 1d Postage scheme until 1911) - the letter sent by Midshipman H. Dannreuther of HMS Royal Arthur at Sydney and carried to London (3 July) by P&O Rome, hence the 1d is tied by a fine 'Experimental' octagonal 'Squared Circle' of 4 July 1900. Good pair. (2 covers). [Both illustrated in NOL, pp.56 & 72.] PHOTO |
£200 |
|
17 |
|
OFFICER'S 6d & 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS EX SYDNEY WITH G.B. 1d LILAC FRANKINGS TO G.B.; Feb. 1885 env. ("H.M.S. ESPEIGLE" flap) ex the 'Lowry' correspondence to London franked by 1d Lilac Pair & Strip of Four all tied by small London 29 Mar. 1885 c.d.s.'s; this ship was in Sydney when the letter was sent off via P&O Indus (left Sydney 6 Feb.) to Plymouth (arrived 29 Mar.); plus July 1900 env. ("H.M.S. MILDURA, AUSTRALIAN STATION" flap) ex the 'Dannreuther' correspondence to Sussex with single 1d Lilac tied by small London c.d.s. (20 Aug.), carried from Sydney (14 july) by P&O Britannia arrving Brindisi 18 Aug., hence the 20 Aug. London c.d.s. Good pair. (2 covers). [The 1885 cover illustrated in NOL, p.59.] PHOTO |
£200 |
|
18 |
|
OFFICER'S 6d & 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS EX SYDNEY WITH G.B. QV/KEVII 1d FRANKINGS; Feb. 1885 env. ("H.M.S. ESPEIGLE" flap) to London ('Lowry' correspondence) sent from Sydney, whence carried by P&O Rome (left Sydney 20 Feb.) and landed Plymouth 14 Apr., having GB 1d Lilac Strip of Six spectacularly tied by very fine vertical barred "F.B" (London Foreign Branch) cancels with faint Apr. 14(?) backstamp; plus 15 Nov. 1904 PPC (Melbourne Library) to Dorset with GB KEVII 1d Red tied by London c.d.s. (16 Dec.) signed "Alfred" (identified from other items as Gunner Alfred Lefevre of HMS Katoomba) and a rare example of the 1899-1905 1d Postcard Concession rate (when the normal PC rate was 11⁄2d ). Good pair. Plus PPC & photo of the ship. (4 items).PHOTO |
£200 |
|
19 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB - MAILS TO AUSTRALIA AND INDIA; Trio of covers inc. 8 Feb. 1889 env. (edge faults) addressed to "Commander G le C Egerton R.N., HMS 'Orlando', Australia Station" franked by GB 6d. purple tied by London duplex d.s. [Illustrated in NOL, p.132.]; 18 Jan. 1893 1d. PS card addressed to "F.W.H. Migeod Esq RN, H.M.S. Orlando, Sydney N.S.W." with London hooded circle d.s. plus 23 Mar. 1882 env. addressed to "H. Martin Sandbach Royal Artillery, H.M.S. 'Crocodile', Bombay, India" franked with five GB 1d. lilac tied by Abergele duplex d.s.,several India date stamps on the reverse and redirected first to the "Watson Hotel" then to "Mhow". (3 covers).
|
£120 |
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA |
|
20 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? COVER TO NEW ZEALAND FORWARDED TO HOBART, TASMANIA AND ADELAIDE; 27 Oct. 1870 WH Smith env. addressed to ?Gun Room Officers, HMS Blanche, Wellington, New Zealand? franked by GB 6d. lilac Pl.8 TH tied by London duplex d.s. This letter went via the USA and the Pacific route to New Zealand but Blanche had sailed for Hobart by the time it arrived. Redirected to Hobart and finally Adelaide where it was delivered at no extra charge. Hobart and Adelaide d.s. on the front and a variety of marks on the reverse make this a most attractive cover. [Illustrated in NOL, p.101.]. PHOTO |
£200 |
| VICTORIA |
|
21 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 6d. RATE TO C.O.G.H. BUT SHIP LEFT FOR AUSTRALIA; 23 Mar. 1881 env. (light staining at right) addressed to ?Commander AAC Parr RN, H.M.S. Inconstant, Cape of Good Hope? franked by 6d. grey Pl. 17 BL tied by Bromley duplex d.s. Inconstant sailed for Melbourne, Australia before this letter could have been delivered. [Illustrated in NOL, p.117.]. PHOTO |
£120 |
| BARBADOS |
|
22 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? ADDRESSED TO HALIFAX N.S. AND REDIRECTED TO BARBADOS; 1 Nov. 1856 E (pieces plus internal page missing) addressed to ?Captain I.W. Tarleton, HMS Eurydice, Halifax, North America? franked with GB 6d. lilac tied by Ryde IOW ?666? numeral with red ?1d? h.s. alongside and Halifax NS receiving d.s. on reverse. Eurydice had sailed for the West Indies and the letter was marked in blue crayon ?Barbados? but was probably delivered to her at Port of Spain in early December. [Illustrated in NOL, p.77.]. PHOTO |
£150 |
|
23 |
|
EARLY OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER TO G.B. EX H.M.S. INDUS AT BARBADOS; Attractive Feb. 1858 env. to Leicester (sender identified as Acting Lt. HJF Campbell from handwriting and other covers ex this correspondence; p.copy of a matching A86 cover included) from HMS Indus whose log records the ship at Barbados at this time and the departure (22 Feb.) of RMS Conway to St. Thomas whence the RMS Parana carried mail (incl. this letter) to Southampton (8 Mar.); franked by GB 1d Red 'stars' Strip of Six (RH stamps with faults) tied by v. fine London (special use) "50" numerals. The Concession Rate was only introduced from 1 July 1857, so this is an early example. |
£240 |
|
24 |
|
SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 6d BROWN ON "H.M.S. WOODLARK" COVER WITH "B16" T.P.O. NUMERALS, FORWARDED WITH 1d RED; Remarkable Jan. 1873 env. (flap faults; "H.M.S. WOODLARK" crest) to Bridport franked initially for the normal 1/- rate from Barbados by GB 6d Brown (pl.11) Pair cancelled by v. fine small "B16" numerals of the Plymouth to Bristol T.P.O. (not tied but clearly belong); this ship was stationed at Barbados on 17 Jan. 1873 when the letter bag was left to be collected by the next available mail steamer. The RMS Tasmanian then took the mail from Barbados (30 Jan.) to Plymouth (13 Feb.), which fits well with the backstamps. The letter was most unusually then forwarded to Taunton with a GB 1d Red (pl.124) tied by the "BRIDPORT" duplex of 15 Feb. 1873. Rare and spectacular cover, carefully researched (via the addressee, wife of the sender, Cdr. John A.F. Luttrell of the Woodlark). PHOTO |
£300 |
| BELGIAN CONGO/ZAIRE |
|
25 |
|
BANANA CREEK - UNPAID 6d "NAVAL OFFICER'S LETTER" EX "H.M.S. JASEUR" TO G.B. ROUTED VIA ROTTERDAM; Unusual Apr. 1868 stampless env. (fancy coloured printed embossed "H.M.S. JASEUR" crest on flap) to Dublin endorsed "Naval Officer's Letter, Jaseur" and charged "6" with v. fine blue oval "KERDYK & PINC....S/ROTTERDAM" cachet and red "ROTER DAM" c.d.s. (6 June) on the front. Exceptional item; the Jaseur was Banana Creek on 9 Apr. 1868 when she met the SS Normandy - the Normandy reached Rotterdam (p.copy of 'Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant' of 7 June 1868 ref. the ship's arrival included) on 6 June - whence the letter was posted on to London (backstamp) and then Dublin. Amazing route for a Naval Officer's Letter and a rare early letter from this part of the world.PHOTO |
£360 |
|
26 |
|
CABINDA - 6d OFFICER'S CONCESSION RATE COVER TO G.B. WITH 1d REDS FRANKING EX "H.M.S. JASEUR"; July 1868 env. (fancy coloured printed embossed "H.M.S. JASEUR" crest on flap; minor wrinkling & edge wear) to Scotland initialled "E.R." (Asst. Paymaster E.E. Richmond) on the front. Spectacularly franked by six separate 1d Reds (Pl.71; some faults) all tied by London (special usage) "50" numerals with matching red "PAID" c.d.s. (31 Aug.) on the front. The Jaseur was at Cabinda (also spelled Kabinda, just north of the mouth of the Congo) for 3 weeks from 24 July and the African SS Co.'s Mandingo is recorded as sailing from there around that date (via Fernando Po on 30 July) reaching England on 31 Aug., hence the London d.s. Rare thus. PHOTO |
£300 |
|
27 |
|
BANANA - UNPAID OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER EX "H.M.S. PLOVER" TO G.B. ROUTED VIA ROTTERDAM; Similar 7 July 1869 stampless env. (dated from filing note on reverse; fine printed "H.M.S. PLOVER" crest on flap) to London clearly sent by Dutch schooner 'Star' from Banana. The Plover's log notes that on 6th July it had met the Star "at Shark's Point off Banana", so the letter must have been sent by her. There is a v. fine double-oval blue-green "AFRIKAANSCHE/HANDELSVEREENIGING/ROTTERDAM" cachet and a very fine red "ROTTERDAM" c.d.s. on the front, showing that the letter was posted there. There is a "6[d]" charge (both the Officer's rate and the normal postal rate from Holland to GB at this date) and there are 20 Sept. London backstamps. Rare and interesting route for an early letter from the Congo area. PHOTO |
£360 |
|
28 |
|
BANANA - 6d WEST AFRICAN PACKET RATE COVER TO G.B. WRITTEN ON SHIP EN ROUTE FROM FERNANDO PO; Fine 19-24 Oct. 1871 env. (flap lost but with interesting original contents on "H.M.S. SEAGULL" headed paper; started "At Sea" a day away from Fernando Po and concluded at "Landano", Angola, near the mouth of the River Congo) franked by GB White Letters 6d lilac tied by a fine London arrival "11" numeral (2 Dec. 1871 backstamps). The writer notes that at "Landano" that; "We have called in here on our way to leave a letter bag for the mail which passes through here in a day or two, as if we miss this one, it would be a month before we can get another chance." He also notes that "I looked out sharp for Boiraboola Gha as we passed the River Niger, but there were no traces of that interesting settlement, the King having sold the inhabitants for rum, no doubt". In fact it is recorded that on 28 Oct. 1871 (4 days after this letter was completed at Landana), HMS Seagull met the A.F.C. SS Soudan at Banana (which was fated to become part of Belgian Congo in the 1880s) not at Landana, and the Soudan is known to have reached Liverpool on 2 Dec., which fits exactly with the London datestamps. So the letter was written between Fernando Po and Landana but mailed from Banana a few days later (on 28 Oct.). Rare West African Anti-slaver Squadron mail. PHOTO |
£300 |
| BRAZIL |
|
29 |
|
RIO/PERNAMBUCO - 6d (STAMPLESS) & 1d (GB 1d LILAC) CONCESSION RATE COVERS TO G.B.; Sept. 1862 stampless env. to Devonport endorsed "[H.M.S.]Satellite" and "Officer's Letter" to a Mrs. O'Neill and so written from Asst. Paymaster F.S. O'Neill of the Satellite which was at Rio de Janeiro at this date; her log records the departure of the RMS Tyne for England on 9 Sept. which matches the 2nd Oct. arrival date recorded for the Tyne. There is a 3 Oct. "DEVONPORT" backstamp but the very fine Handstruck "6d" mark on the front is thought to have been applied at London. Good example of the pre-Nov. 1864 unpenalised 6d unpaid rate. Plus Nov. 1900 "HMS LEANDER" (printed flap) env. to Sussex ex Pernambuco with GB 1d Lilac tied by v. fine "LONDON/MB" arrival c.d.s.; the 1d Naval Concession rate introduced from 25 Dec. 1898. (2 covers). PHOTO |
£120 |
|
30 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? OFFICERS 6d. CONCESSION RATE COVER TO RIO DE JANEIRO; 8 Dec. 1863 env. addressed to Assistant Paymaster ?F. StJ. O?Neill Esq., H.M.S. Satellite, Rio Janeiro(sic), South America Or Elsewhere? franked by GB 6d. lilac tied by Devonport duplex d.s. to pay the Officers Concessionary rate rather than 1/-. Forwarded to Montevideo for delivery to Satellite. Attractive. [Illustrated in NOL, p.87.]. PHOTO |
£120 |
|
31 |
|
SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF THE G.B. 1/- GREEN ON COVER FROM RIO DE JANEIRO TO G.B.; 20 May 1871 mourning env. (faults, but with large part contents inc. "H.M.S. Gladiator, Rio de Janeiro" dated heading) to Brighton franked by GB Large White Letters 1/- Green (pl.4) tied by the large barred oval "B" cancel of London's Foreign Branch having a 10 June Brighton backstamp showing that the letter was carried by the Lamport & Holt Line SS Hipparchus from Rio to Liverpool (arriving 10 June). PHOTO |
£120 |
|
32 |
|
SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 6d GREYS EX H.M.S. PYLADES AT RIO, ENCLOSING ORIGINAL PHOTO OF WRITER; Unusual 13 Oct. 1873 env. (part reverse lost, but with original contents - letter and enclosed photo of Sub. Lt. George Macarthur) from "HMS Pylades, Rio" to London, franked by GB Large White Letters 6d Grey (pl.12) Pair cancelled by a single barred "13" numeral with a partial Nov. [10] backstamp. The letter mentions that "I take the liberty to send you one of my own [photographs]..." and that photograph is still present in the letter. Remarkable survival. PHOTO |
£120 |
|
33 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? LONDON TO MONTEVIDEO BUT DELIVERED IN BAHIA, BRAZIL; 22 July 1886 env. addressed to ?Commander AAC Parr RN, H.M.S. Frolic, Montevideo, South America? franked by fine GB 4d. green (SG. 192) tied by Norwood SE (London) squared circle. Delivered by RMS Mondego on 12 Aug. at Bahia. [Illustrated in NOL, p.129.]. PHOTO |
£150 |
| BRITISH EAST AFRICA |
|
34 |
|
PEMBA ISLAND - RARE SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 21⁄2d 'JUBILEE' ISSUES EX "H.M.S. GARNET" TO SUSSEX; Aug. 1890 env. (printed "H.M.S. GARNET" flap) ex the "Dannreuther" correspondence (ex Midshipman Dannreuther) to Hastings franked by GB 'Jubilee' 21⁄2d Pair tied (through perfs.) by unusual 'Dumb' barred cancels (struck in London?), having 1 Sept. 1890 Hastings backstamp. The Garnet's log records being at Pemba island from 19 July to 10 Aug. 1890, and this letter was carried by dhow to Zanzibar and then by British steamer to Aden before catching the P&O Oceana that left Aden on 15 Aug. and reached London on 31 Aug., which fits the arrival datestamp. Rare thus; early mail from Pemba is seldom seen, and B.E.A. was only established in the year that this letter was written. An exotic usage of the 'Jubilee' issue. [Illustrated in NOL, p.68.] PHOTO |
£200 |
| BURMA |
|
35 |
|
RANGOON - RARE SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 1d VENETIAN REDS ON COVER TO G.B. "VIA BRINDISI"; Nov. 1880 env. (some grubby creasing but still attractive) to Sidmouth "Via Brindisi" addressed to "Mrs. Nisbett B. Lodge" whose husband - clearly the writer of this letter - Rev. N.B. Lodge was swerving as Royal Navy Chaplain on HMS Eclipse at this date. The ship's log shows that she was at Rangoon throughout Nov. 1880; this letter is franked by five GB 1d Venetian Reds tied by v. fine London barred "28" numerals and there is a 16 Dec. 1880 Sidmouth arrival backstamp, which fits the shipping timetables for mails sent from Burma via India for Nov. 1880. Rare example of Naval Bag Mail from Burma. PHOTO |
£150 |
| BUSHIRE |
|
36 |
|
RARE SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 8d ORANGE FROM H.M.S. TEAZER AT BUSHIRE TO G.B.; Feb. 1878 env. to Portsea (Seagrove correspondence; endorsed "Comr. Wodehouse" in bold red ink across left of address panel) to Portsea "Via Brindisi", franked by GB 8d Orange (Pl.1) tied by a v. fine London barred "28" numeral struck in transit; this 8d rate was correct for the Persian Gulf at this date. Cdr. Wodehouse was on HMS Teazer at this date; the ship's log shows that she was at Bushire on 10 Feb. 1878 when the SS Punjaub was there before sailing for Aden that evening. The P&O Deccan left Aden for Suez on 18 Feb. and the P&O Bokhara took them on to Brindisi, whence the mails reached London on 2 Mar. 1878, which fits the date of the "PORTSMOUTH" backstamp exactly. Remarkable early G.B. Used Abroad cover from the Persian Gulf. PHOTO |
£400 |
| CANADA |
|
37 |
|
QUEBEC - OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER TO G.B. WITH G.B. FRANKING CANCELLED AT LIVERPOOL; Aug. 1860 env. (edge wear and small stain at foot) to Brighton franked by GB 1d Red 'stars' (2) and 4d Rose Carmine all tied by v. fine "466" Liverpool numerals with fine red "PAID/LIVERPOOL/COL.PACKET" c.d.s. (29 Aug.) alongside. The writer's brother Naval Cadet Francis R.B. Kemp was on HMS Ariadne at this date; the ship's log shows that she was at Quebec at this date; the letter was taken from there (18 Aug.) to Liverpool (29 Aug.) by the Allan Line SS Canadian. Rare Transatlantic example of the 6d Officer's Rate (though the normal postage rate by this route was also 6d). British Naval Mail is rare from Canada. PHOTO |
£240 |
|
38 |
|
ESQUIMAULT, VANCOUVER ISLAND - OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER WITH G.B. 1d REDS & 2d BLUES; Spectacular June 1864 env. (some dusting and minor wear; embossed "[HMS] COLUMBINE" flap) to Swansea endorsed "Officer's Letter" and initialled "I.H." (Paymaster Isaac Hearnden) franked by G.B. 1d Red 'stars' (2) and 2d Blues (2; pl.9) all tied by London (special purpose) "50" numerals in transit with British 29 July 1864 backstamps. At this time HMS Columbine was stationed at Esquimault; the arrival date fits with the letter travelling to Panama/Colon by the American Mail Steamer SS Oregon on 4 June; this would have connected (after crossing the Panama isthmus) to the RMS Solent that left Colon on 20 June via St. Thomas to Southampton (28 July). There is no extra charge for the Panama Transit (see next lot but one) which is odd. Rare usage of GB Line Engraved Issues in Vancouver! PHOTO |
£400 |
|
39 |
|
H.M.S. SCOUT 7d-RATE COVER FROM ESQUIMAULT TO G.B. VIA PANAMA WITH THE UNIQUE(?) "D61" NUMERAL OF SAN FRANCISCO(?); Aug. 1868 env. ("[Dog]/CROM A BOO" crest; traced to the Fitzgerald family; the addressee was sister-in-law of Lt. W. Fitzgerald serving on HMS Scout at Esquimault at this date) to Torquay endorsed "Pd." and franked for the special 7d rate for an Officer's Concession Rate letter from the Pacific to GB via Panama (no other 7d rate was possible at this date; see NOL Introduction referring to this cover, p.3); with overlapping GB 1d Red (pl.79) + 6d Mauve (pl.6) tied/cancelled by the extremely rare (and previously unrecorded) "D61" vertical oval numeral (4 horiz. bars top and bottom). Geoff suggests that this mark was applied by the San Francisco British P.O. Agent whose job it was to collect and forward Naval and Official mail from Vancouver bound for G.B. at this date. It is significant to note that Parmenter ("GB Used Abroad", 1993) notes that no transatlantic Mailboat cancellation is recorded used after 15 Aug. 1868, making it almost certain that this "D61" numeral cannot have been applied on the RMS Tasmanian which carried it from Colon to Plymouth (arriving 29 Sept., which fits exactly with the fine "TORQUAY" arrival backstamp of 29 Sept.). The letter did not go through London. This is arguably one of the Most Important of all G.B. 'Used Abroad' covers, and its origin having been tracked to Vancouver/San Francisco makes it doubly fascinating. Important Exhibition Item, and a testimony to the importance of Geoff's detailed researches. [Illustrated in NOL, p.24.] PHOTO |
£2000 |
|
40 |
|
ESQUIMAULT, VANCOUVER ISLAND - RARE 7d-RATE OFFICER'S CONCESSION RATE COVER VIA PANAMA TO G.B.; Feb. 1869 env. (flap lost but attractive) ex the 'Cochrane' correspondence to a fellow Naval Officer on "H.M.S. Cumberland" at Sheerness in Kent, significantly franked by GB Large White Letters 6d Mauve (pl.6) and 1d Red (pl.100) for the special 'Via Panama 7d Rate', tied by London Foreign Branch barred "B" cancels, having a partial 30 Mar. 1869 London backstamp. The writer had yet to be identified, but the only suitable British ship beyond Panama at this date was HMS Zealous which was stationed at Esquimault on Vancouver Island at this time. The letter would have been sent down to Panama and crossed the isthmus before catching the RMSP Douro that reached Plymouth (from Colon) on 28 Mar. 1869, hence the backstamps. Rare thus; the 7d rate (see NOL Introduction, p.3, and the previous lot) can only indicate mail from the Pacific beyond Panama at this date. Plus Dec. 1899 env. ex "HMS WARSPITE" (at Esquimault) to Ireland with GB 1d Lilac tied (unusually) by mostly v. fine "PAQUEBOT/LIVERPOOL" c.d.s. (2 covers). PHOTO |
£500 |
|
41 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? LONDON TO VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH NORTH AMERICA; 9 June 1875 env. (small tear at top clear of adhesive/marks) addressed to ?Admiral The Hon?ble A.A. Cochrane R.N., Vancouver island, British North America franked with GB 6d. grey Pl.14 LA tied by London duplex d.s. with red Inspectors star alongside. Routed via Quebec and San Francisco with Montreal, Windsor and Victoria d.s. on the reverse.PHOTO |
£150 |
|
42 |
|
RARE "A97" MAILBOAT CANCEL ON OFFICER'S CONCESSION RATE COVER FRANKED BY G.B. 6d LILAC; Attractive Nov. 1860 env. (printed "H.M.S. NILE" flap) to a Mrs. Trotter in Kent, franked by a GB 6d Lilac tied by a very fine rare "A97" Mailboat Cancellation used on board the Cunard SS Europa with a v. fine 27 Nov. 1860 London backstamp. The Nile (with the writer, Lt. James Trotter) was at Halifax, Nova Scotia, at this date; the SS Europa was there at the same time and carried mails back to England arriving at Liverpool on 26 Nov. hence the London backstamp. Rare example of the British Naval Concession Rate ex Nova Scotia. Exhibition Quality. PHOTO |
£850 |
|
43 |
|
OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM HALIFAX (N.S.) TO G.B. WITH G.B. 6d CANCELLED IN TRANSIT AT LIVERPOOL; Aug. 1868 env. (spectacular coloured "H.M.S. ROYAL ALFRED" flap) to Kent (Sandwich 8 Sept. 1868 arrival c.d.s.) franked by GB 6d Lilac (pl.6) tied by a v. fine Liverpool "466" numeral with v. fine red "PAID/LIVERPOOL/BR. PACKET" c.d.s. on the front. A family connection has been made between a midshipman W.G. Eden serving on the ship - at Halifax throughout August - and the addressee. The Royal Alfred's log shows that on 28 Aug. letters were dispatched from her anchorage at Halifax by RMS Etna (Inman Line) which arrived (with this letter in the bag) at Liverpool on 7 Sept., which fits with the Liverpool c.d.s. Rare example of an Officer's Naval Concession cover from Canada. PHOTO |
£300 |
|
44 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB - 1882-84 GROUP TO NOVA SCOTIA AND VANCOUVER; Four covers to Canada inc. 19 July 1882 env. (roughly opened) addressed to "Lieut. George Egerton, HMS Northampton, North American Station, Halifax" franked by GB 2½d. blue tied by Ryde duplex.d.s.[Illustrated in NOL, p.120.]; similar May 1882 env. to Egerton franked by pair GB 1d. lilac & ½d. green tied by Oxford duplex d.s.; Jun & Aug.1884 pair env. (both roughly opened) addressed to "Lieut. J.H. Henderson, R.N., HMS 'Swiftsure', Esquimalt, Vancouver" etc. franked by either GB 2½d. purple or blue tied by Sandwich c.d.s. Nice group. (4 covers). |
£120 |
| CAPE OF GOOD HOPE |
|
45 |
|
OFFICER'S DOUBLE WEIGHT CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM SIMONS BAY TO G.B.; Mar. 1866 env. (minor wear due to original thick contents) to Dublin helpfully endorsed "Naval Officers letter, [HMS] Severn" and "Per HMT Orontes", franked by GB White Letters 6d Lilac Pair (pl.5) tied by London transit "22" numerals having 4 may backstamps; HMS Severn and HMT Orontes are recorded as having both been at Simons Bay in Mar. 1866 and the Orontes arrived back at Spithead on 3 My. The 1/- rate was still a 50% saving on normal rates of 1/- per half ounce; the letter clearly weighed above a half and up to one ounce (2x6d Officer's Rate = 1/-). Scarce with such full endorsements. [Illustrated i NOL, p.19.]PHOTO |
£150 |
|
46 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? PREPAID 1/- DERRY, IRELAND TO CAPE OF GOOD HOPE; ; 6 Sep. 1868 env. (edge faults and some paper wrinkles) addressed to ?The Hon?ble Captain Cochrane R.N., Her Majestys Ship ?Petrel?, Cape of Good Hope, Africa? franked with GB 1/- green Pl.4 MA tied by Derry duplex d.s. and endorsed ?O.H.M.S.? though clearly not official mail. Fine CAPE PACKET/DEVONPORT (Tab.P4) d.s. on the reverse. [Illustrated in NOL, p.96.]. |
£140 |
|
47 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? ?BY PRIVATE STEAMER VIA FALMOUTH? TO CAPE OF GOOD HOPE; 30 Nov. 1868 env. (minor edge faults/wrinkles) addressed to ?Captain The Hon?ble Ernest Cochrane, H. M. Ship ?Peterel?, Cape of Good Hope, Africa? franked with four GB 1d. reds Pl.108, 102 & ?. This letter is endorsed ?By private steamer/via Falmouth? thus attracting the 4d. rate, 2d of which would go to the COGH PO, hence the fine red London ?2? accountancy h.s. alongside the Cape Town, Cape Colony d.s. Attractive and unusual.PHOTO |
£150 |
|
48 |
|
OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE TO IRELAND WITH G.B. 6d CANCELLED AT DEVONPORT; 5 Jan. 1869 env. (reinforced flap) to Donegal (ex the 'Cochrane' correspondence; "E.C." monogram on flap of Capt. Ernest Cochrane, on HMS Peterel at this time) with G.B. Large White Letters 6d Mauve (pl.6) tied (on arrival in GB) by v. fine Devonport "250" numeral (with supporting red overstruck "PAID/DEVONPORT/CAPE PACKET" c.d.s. on the front), but having two fine 5 Jan. 1869 "CAPE TOWN/CAPE COLONY" c.d.s.'s also on the front. The black m/s "1" Accountancy Mark (1d claimed by CGH from the 6d prepaid) had been crossed through (in London?) to avoid confusion with a Postage Due charge on delivery. Rare thus; Naval Bags were seldom opened in overseas countries' P.O.'s like this, and the cancellation of the stamp at Devonport is most unusual. PHOTO |
£200 |
|
49 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? OFFICERS 6d. CONCESSIONARY MAIL TO CAPE OF GOOD HOPE; 2 Feb. 1869 env. addressed to ?Capt. Hon?ble E.G.L.Cochrane, H. M. Ship ?Petrel?, Cape of Good Hope, Africa? franked with strip of four HI-HL (HJ top missing and replaced by similar piece from another stamp) and two single GB 1d. reds Pl.118 (faults where touching edge of env.) tied by Derry duplex d.s. to pay the 6d. Concessionary rate rather than 1/-. Attractive cover. [Illustrated in NOL, p.98.]. PHOTO |
£150 |
|
50 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? OFFICERS 6d. CONCESSIONARY MAIL TO CAPE OF GOOD HOPE; 22 Feb. 1869 env. addressed to ?The Hon?ble Captain Cochrane, H. M. Ship ?Peterel?, Cape of Good Hope? franked with GB 6d. lilac Pl.6 OB tied by Derry duplex d.s. and endorsed ?Officers letter? thus attracting the Concessionary rate of 6d. vice 1/-. Possibly delivered at Lourenco Marques as Peterel was there for two weeks after the letter arrived at Simons Bay. [Illustrated in NOL, p.97.]. PHOTO |
£120 |
|
51 |
|
1st BOER WAR - SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 1d VENETIAN REDS ON COVER EX NAVAL SUPPORT FOR BRITISH FORCES; Attractive 6 Mar. 1881 env. (slight faults but with complete contents headed "H.M.S. TOURMALINE, Simons Bay, C.G.H.") to Winchester franked by GB 1d Venetian Reds (6) all tied by mostly v. fine "PLYMOUTH TO BRISTOL T.P.O." c.d.s.'s (21 Mar.). The letter mentions recent reinforcements to fight the Boers; "a rumour we hear that Laing's Neck has been taken is true...once over that difficulty with the present number of troops, they ought to account for the Boers satisfactorily, though I dare say resistance would be prolonged for some time." The British were defeated at Laing's Neck on 28 Jan. 1881, but a week before this letter they had also been heavily defeated at Majuba Hill! Rare Naval Officer's letter from this Campaign. [Illustrated in NOL, p.52.] PHOTO |
£360 |
|
52 |
|
SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 4d WITH 1⁄2d'S ALL TIED BY PLYMOUTH TO BRISTOL T.P.O. "B.16" NUMERALS; Aug. 1882 env. to E.G. Marescaux in London franked for the 6d rate by GB 1⁄2d Greens (4) and 4d Brown (pl.17; scarce on cover) all tied by mostly very fine "B.16" numerals of the Plymouth to Bristol T.P.O., having a 30 Aug. London backstamp. Sub. Lt. G.C.A. Marescaux was serving on HMS Fawn at this date; the ship was at Simons Bay for several weeks from 17 July 1882 onwards - clearly this letter was sent from there. It was carried by the Union SSC's SS Roman that left Cape Town on 9 Aug. and reached Plymouth on 30 Aug., hence the backstamp. rare thus and of Exhibition Quality. PHOTO |
£300 |
| CEYLON/SRI LANKA |
|
53 |
|
TRINCOMALEE - RARE SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 9d STRAW ON COVER TO G.B.; Jan. 1872 env. (flap lost and some edge wear) to Portsea endorsed "W.C. Atherton Esq." by the addressees, franked by a scarce G.B. 9d Straw (pl.4; rubbed perfs. at top) tied by London Foreign Branch vertical oval "P" cancel. The 11th Feb. 1872 Portsmouth backstamp fits exactly with the Ceylon mail per P&O Sumatra and Ceylon to Southampton (arrived 10 Feb.). Research has shown that the Atherton in question was an Acting Sub-Lieut. on HMS Glasgow at this time and that the ship was at Trincomalee at this time; the 9d rate was correct to G.B. (up to half an ounce), and the 6d Officers' Concession Rate had ended at the end of 1869. It is rare to find a 9d Straw used on Ship's Bag Mail from overseas. PHOTO |
£240 |
|
54 |
|
TRINCOMALEE - COMPLETE ROW OF TWELVE G.B. 1d REDS USED ON SHIP'S BAG COVER; May 1873 env. (some creasing and closed tears but attractive) to Devonport "Via Brindisi" franked by the complete P row (PA-PL) of GB 1d Reds (pl.139; Strip of Seven, 2 Pairs & a single - some minor faults, one creased) all tied by fair to fine London Foreign Branch barred "P" cancels with 24 June Devonport backstamp. The addressee is "Mrs. Ramsay" and research has shown that Sub Lt. (E) Thomas W.H. Ramsay was serving on HMS Wolverine at this date, which was at Trincomalee (to which the 1/- Brindisi rate applied) from 15 to 20 May 1873; these dates fit with the arrival backstamp because the P&O Hydaspes left Galle on 29 May reaching Brindisi on 21 June. Unusual usage of a Complete 1d Reds Row on cover; Exhibition Item. PHOTO |
£200 |
|
55 |
|
TRINCOMALEE - ADJOINING BLOCKS OS SIX G.B. 1d REDS ON SHIP'S BAG COVER; Spectacular Mar. 1875 env. (minor wear; crest of the Paul family) to London "via Brindisi" franked gor the 1/- rate by two Blocks of Six GB 1d Reds (EJ-HL, pl.163 - some minor faults)all tied by fine London barred "42" numerals with a 10 Apr. 1875 backstamp. Geoff's researches have shown that the addressee, Miss F.M. Gibbs of Upper Clapton was soon to marry (copy of Marriage Certificate included) a Naval Instructor Joseph D. Paul and he was on HMS Glasgow at this date. The ship was stationed at Trincomalee until 18 Mar. and the P&O Cathay left Galle on 20 Mar., whence the letter proceeded to Brindisi on 7 Apr. which fits the backstamp. Rare and attractive cover. [Illustrated in NOL, p.40.] PHOTO |
£240 |
|
56 |
|
SHIP'S BAG 8d (1878) & 1d (1905) RATE COVERS TO G.B.; Nov. 1878 env. (Seagrove corresp., so filing note on front; "Colv. Kiddle"?) to GB "Via Brindisi" franked by GB 6d Grey (pl.16) & defective 2d Blue (pl.15) tied by London barred "10" numerals and manuscript line, with 19 Dec. Portsmouth arrival backstamp. Kiddle was a Clerk on HMS Euryalus at this time, and the ship was at Trincomalee in Nov. 1878; the P&O Peshawar went from Galle to Suez and on by P&O Khiva to Brindisi (12 Dec.), which fits the arrival backstamp. Plus 4 Oct. 1905 env. ("H.M.S. PERSEUS" flap & with contents headed "Colombo") to Devonport franked by GB KEVII 1d tied by London "F[oreign] S[ection]" c.d.s., also carried by the P&O services to Brindisi; amusing contents about young ladies the writer had met but not pursues (hopefully) to the relief of the addressee, the writer's father; "To marry on a Lieutenant's pay would, of course, be absurd; but if one struck a young woman with a small income...."!! (With a second letter dated a few weeks later in the same env.). (2 covers).PHOTO |
£150 |
|
57 |
|
TRINCOMALEE - SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF THE G.B. 5d BLUE ON COVER TO G.B.; Aug. 1881 env. (some edge wear etc., and small corner fault at top right) to Sidmouth with GB 5d Blue tied by v. fine London barred "26" numeral, having a v. fine 29 Aug. arrival backstamp.The addressee, Mrs. Nisbett B. Lodge, was married to Rev. N.B. Lodge who was at this time on HMS Eclipse stationed at Trincomalee 7 July to 10 Aug. 1881; clearly this letter was carried from Galle (7 Aug.) by P&O Rohilla to Suez (22 Aug.), going on from Alex. to Brindisi (26 Aug.) by P&O Bangalore, which fits the arrival c.d.s. This 5d is particularly hard to find on Naval Ship's Bag Mail such as this. [Illustrated in NOL, p.54.] PHOTO |
£200 |
| CHILE |
|
58 |
|
VALPARAISO/COQUIMBO - NAVAL BAG MAIL BEFORE & AFTER THE CONCESSION PERIOD & THE PANAMA CANAL; 15 Apr. 1856 (filing note on front) stampless env. to Brighton with printed "H.M.S. Monarch" flap, having 5 June London & Brighton backstamps, charged "6[d]" as if sent from the West Indies, but the log of the ship shows that she was at Valparaiso on this date, so the letter was sent by SS Lima to Panama, crossing the isthmus (no Canal at this date), catching the RMS Teviot from Colon to St. Thomas and then going by SS Solent to Southampton (arriving 4 June, hence the backstamps). The full rate (this was sent over a year before the start of the Officer's Concession Rate on 1 July 1857) should have been 2/- from the Pacific, but it seems that there was a way of getting letters to St. Thomas for transmission as ordinary West Indies letters from there. Plus June 1885 env. to Ringwood (fine 27 June 1885 arrival Squared Circle on reverse) addressed to Mrs. J. Baird whose son was on HMS Triumph at this date, franked by 4 GB 1d Lilacs (minor faults) tied by v. fine London barred "F[oreign]. B[ranch]" canceled. HMS Triumph was at Coquimbo from 3 May to 25 June 1885, so this letter travelled by SS Ayacucho to Valparaiso and then went by PSNC Patagonia through the Panama Canal to Pauillac (nr. Bordeaux) in France on 24 July, hence the arrival backstamp. Good pair; before & after the Concession rate and the Panama Canal. (2 covers). [1885 cover illustrated in NOL, p.60.] PHOTO |
£150 |
|
59 |
|
VALPARAISO - OFFICER'S 7d CONCESSION RATE COVER VIA PANAMA TO G.B. WITH 1d REDS FRANKING; Attractive Apr. 1866 env. (minor wear etc.) to Glasgow (London & Glasgow 14 May backstamps)neatly franked by Seven 1d Reds (pl.83; two Strips of Three - originally a Block of Six - and a single) all tied by v. fine London Foreign Branch barred "H" cancels; addressed to Miss Florence Maxwell, and so written by Lt. William H. Maxwell on HMS Sutlej at this time. The ship's log records her being at Valparaiso for the first half of April 1866 and that on 3 Apr. mail went by the PSNC "English Mail Str. Limena" to Panama; after crossing the isthmus it was carried by RMSP Solent to St. Thomas and then on by RMSP La Plata to Southampton (143 May), hence the backstamps. Rare example of the extra Panama Transit 1d charge added to the usual 6d Officer's Concession Rate. PHOTO |
£200 |
|
60 |
|
SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 6d MAUVE (3) ON SCARCE 1s-6d RATE COVER VIA PANAMA TO G.B.; Oct. 1871 env. ("C.L.U." flap; minor toning) to Surrey initialled "C.L.U." by Paymaster Charles L. Underwood on HMS Chanticleer (at Valparaiso for all Oct. 1871) franked by G.B. 6d Mauve (3; pl.9) all tied by London Foreign Branch barred "B" cancels, having 27 Nov. London backstamps.This arrival date fits with transport by PSNC Valdivia to Panama, then across the isthmus and on by RMS Nile from Colon to Plymouth (27 Nov.). Rare example of the high 1s-6d rate for mail from Chile via the Panama route. PHOTO |
£200 |
|
61 |
|
SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 1/- GREEN WITH SCARCE "B16" CANCEL OF PLYMOUTH TO BRISTOL T.P.O.; Aug. 1872 env. ('Seagrove' corresp., so with bold filing note at left) to Portsmouth (12 Sept. backstamp) franked by G.B. Large White Letters 1/- Green (pl.5) tied by fine "B16" numeral (clear profile) of the Plymouth to Bristol T.P.O. and charged "6d" in manuscript, being the underpayment for the scarce 1s-6d 'Via Panama' rate from Chile. The filing note shows that the writer was "C.B. Hume Esq.", a midshipman on HMS Zealous (at Valparaiso June-Aug. 1872); the letter was sent (3 Aug.) to Panama, then crossed the isthmus to Colon to be taken by RMS Tasmanian via St. THomas to Plymouth (11 Sept.), hence the backstamp. Rare underpaid Panama route cover with T.P.O. cancellation. PHOTO |
£240 |
|
62 |
|
PUNTA ARENAS - 5x G.B. 6d GREY FRANKING FOR 1st DAY OF EXPEDITED MAILS TO G.B. VIA BORDEAUX; Remarkable 15 Aug. 1876 env. (minor edge wear; dated by sender on front) to Newark (London 11 Oct. transit backstamp), ex the 'Pollard' correspondence, spectacularly franked by two Pairs (originally a Block of Four) and a single GB 6d Grey (pl.14) all tied by slightly heavy London "70" numerals. The writer, Capt. E.J. Pollard was on HMS Tenedos that was at Sandy Point (Punta Arenas) on 15 Aug. when this letter was sent; significantly it was carried by the PSNC SS Potosi from there to Bordeaux (the two bags of mail - including this cover - are recorded in P.O. Archives as having been part of the mails dropped off by the SS Potosi at Bordeaux instead of at Liverpool, thereby cutting a couple of days off the transit time to Britain. This is therefore a First Day Cover of the new expedited mails service via Bordeaux. Unusual double 1s-3d rate cover and a rare First Day item. [Illustrated in NOL, p.41.] PHOTO |
£300 |
|
63 |
|
VALPARAISO - SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF THE G.B. 4d BROWN ON COVER TO KENT VIA FRANCE; Fine Apr. 1882 env. ("H.M.S. THETIS" flap) to Miss Hilda Stephens in Beckenham initialled "P.W.S." on the front and so written by Capt. Prescott W. Stephens; franked by scarce GB 4d Brown (pl.7) tied by fine London barred "10" numeral, having a 24 May backstamp. The Thetis was at Valparaiso for the first half of Apr. 1882; this letter was clearly carried from there by PSNC SS Aconcagua round Cape Horn to Pauillac (nr. Bordeaux; 22 May) whence the fast overland mail took the letter to Calais and so to London. Good example of this elusive 4d rate. PHOTO |
£150 |
|
64 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? WALES TO CHILE; 21 Apr. 1884 env. (v. small tears when opened at top) addressed to ?Lieut. J Harman(?) Henderson RN., HMS ?Swiftsure?, c/o British Consul, Valparaiso, S. America? franked with GB 4d. grey-brown Pl.18 EA tied by Bettws.Y.Coed numeral cancel. Valparaiso and S.America have been crossed out and replaced with ?Coquimbo? as Swiftsure had sailed for Callao, Honolulu and Vancouver. Where the letter was delivered is uncertain. [Illustrated in NOL, p.122.]. PHOTO |
£150 |
|
65 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? DOUBLE RATE LETTER DOVER TO MONTE VIDEO AND ON TO COQUIMBO, CHILE; 9 Mar. 1885 mourning env. addressed to ?Lieut. J H. Henderson RN., HMS ?Swiftsure?, c/o British Consul, Monte Video? franked by fine GB 4d. green (SG. 192) and strip of four 1d. lilacs tied by Dover duplex d.s. paying the double rate. The letter has been endorsed ?Ship homeward bound? but in fact she had moved to Coquimbo until August, where the letter was probably delivered by ships bag. [Illustrated in NOL, p.126.]. PHOTO |
£150 |
|
66 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? DOUBLE RATE LETTER FROM LONDON TO COQUIMBO, CHILE VIA PANAMA; 28 July 1886 env. (edge wear and short tear at top clear of adhesives) addressed to ?Lieut. R. Nelson Ommanney, Royal Navy, H.M.S. ?Hyacinth?, Pacific Station? franked by GB 6d. green (SG. 194) and two 1d. lilac tied by London numeral duplex d.s. The rate to South America for a 1⁄2oz letter was 4d. this letter being charged at the double rate. [Illustrated in NOL, p.128.]. PHOTO |
£120 |
|
67 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB ? ?VIA LISBON TO OVERTAKEN MAILS? NEWBURY TO COQUIMBO; 13 Aug. 1886 env. (edge wear to the right) addressed to ?Capt Brackenbury RN. CMG, HMS ?Hyacinth?, Coquimbo, South America? franked by GB 4d. green (SG. 192) tied by Newbury duplex d.s. Endorsed ?Via Lisbon to overtaken Mails? to overtake the PSNC Auraucania, the letter was delivered at Coquimbo. [Illustrated in NOL, p.130.]. PHOTO |
£120 |
|
68 |
|
PUNTA ARENAS - SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 4d DULL GREEN ON COVER TO G.B. VIA PORTUGAL; Sept. 1888 env. (trivial faults at top) to Mrs. J Baird in Ringwood having an 11 Oct. 1888 backstamp, franked by scarce GB 4d Dull Green tied by a partial London transit c.d.s. (10 Oct.). This 4d rate applied to Chile mail from 1 Apr. 1881 and Midshipman Edward A. Baird was HMS Triumph at Punta Arenas at this time; her log notes meeting the "Mail Steamer John Elder" at Punta Arenas on 12 Sept., and the John Elder off-loaded her mails at Lisbon on 8 Oct., which fits this covers datestamps. Rare thus. [Illustrated in NOL, p.66.] PHOTO |
£150 |
| CHINA |
|
69 |
|
2ND OPIUM WAR - INGOING COVER EX G.B. TO "H.M.S. ENCOUNTER, OFF THE PEIHO, CHINA"; 28 Dec. 1860 env. (part flap lost affecting two stamps) to a sailor on this ship that had previously been involved in the taking of the Taku Forts (21 Aug.) and then guarding the Peiho River, hence this unusual address; franked by a Block of Six G.B. 1d Red 'stars' (folded over cover at top; part of two of the top halves of these stamp lost on opening) tied by Manchester duplexes with only a London backstamp remaining. HMS Encounter was relocated following the Treaty of Peking in late Oct. 1860, but this must have been unknown to the sender; this letter reached the ship at or near Nagasaki where she had been stationed from 3 Dec. 1860. Rare cover to this vessel involved in the final chapter of the 2nd Opium War. PHOTO |
£150 |
|
70 |
|
INGOING MAIL EX GB - COVER TO HMS IMPERIEUSE PROBABLY AT THE PEIHO RIVER, CHINA; 8 Aug. 1861 env. from Boroughbridge (minor wrinkling & two small tears at lower edge) addressed to "Albert H Markham, Esq. R.N., H.M.S. Imperieuse, Hong Kong, China Station" franked by GB 6d. lilac and strip of three 1d.reds all tied by York duplex d.s. This letter would have arrived at Hong Kong on 21 Sep. when Imperieuse had left Yokohama for the Peiho River, NE China, where she arrived on 3 Oct. remaining for two weeks. This letter would have been forwarded to the Peiho River. Scarce and attractive cover. PHOTO |
£300 |
|