| FIJI | ||||
| 81 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? COVER ADDRESSED TO FIJI BUT DELIVERED IN AUSTRALIA; 19 May 1881 env. addressed to ?Commander A.A.C. Parr R.N., H.M.S. Inconstant, Detached Squadron, Fiji Islands? franked by GB 4d. grey-brown Pl. 17 QH tied by Bromley duplex d.s. Endorsed ?via Brindisi & Sydney? this letter would have been delivered in Australia as Inconstant did not sail for Fiji until 20 Aug. [Illustrated in NOL, p.118.]. PHOTO | £200 | ||
| 82 | SUVA - RARE SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 6d ON 6d LILAC EX H.M.S. DIAMOND IN FIJI; [2] Sept. 1883 env. (scribbles on reverse do not detract) with fancy printed "H.M.S. DIAMOND" flap addressed to Miss B. Tollemarche in Cheshire (9 Nov. 1883 arrival backstamp) franked by scarce GB 6d o.p. on 6d Lilac (pl.18) tied by 'dumb' barred London cancel. Midshipman Randolph S. Tollemarche was on this ship from 16 Aug. when her joined her at Sydney for the voyage to the Pacific Islands. Research into the ship's log has shown that she was at Suva on 2 Sept. 1883 when she met SS Rockton, an Australian Steam Navigation ship, that must have taken the mails to Sydney to catch the P&O Rosetta (19 Sept.) reaching Venice on 6 Nov. which fits the arrival backstamp. Rare Naval Mail from Fiji. PHOTO | £400 | ||
| 83 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? SANDOWN I.O.W. TO SUVA, FIJI ?VIA VAN COUVER?; 1 Oct. 1897 env. (edge creases and small tear at top clear of adhesive) addressed to ?Captain N. Mostyn Field, R.N., H.M.S. ?Penguin?, Suva, Fiji? franked by GB 21⁄2d. purple tied by Sandown IOW c.d.s. This letter is endorsed ?via Van Couver? (sic) and travelled across Canada by rail; 7 Nov. 97 Suva receiving c.d.s on reverse, Penguin arrived 4 days later. PHOTO | £120 | ||
| GIBRALTAR | ||||
| 84 | INGOING MAIL EX GB - HORNDEAN HAMPSHIRE TO HMS CENTURION; 26 Oct. 1859 env. (lightweight env,. with inevitable creasing not effecting adhesives) from Horndean addressed to "Capt Whyte R.N., HMS Centurion, Gibraltar" franked by pair 1d. reds and 4d. carmine to make up the standard 6d. rate. Carried by P&O Orissa arriving Gibraltar on 2nd November. [Illustrated in NOL, p.81.]. PHOTO | £120 | ||
| 85 | OFFICER'S 'SHIP'S BAG' LETTER SENT BY PRIVATE SHIP FOR SAME AS 6d CONCESSION RATE; 18 Jan. 1860 env. (minor faults) dated "Jan. 18th" on front by sender sent to Devon franked by GB 6d Lilac just tied by v. fine Liverpool "466" numeral with v. fine red tombstone-framed "PAID/LIVERPOOL/SHIP" d.s. (28 Jan.) alongside. Sent by the addressee's husband, Commander William Cecil de Vere of HMS Agamemnon that was at Gibraltar from 5 to 31 Jan. 1860; sent by SS Braganza of the Bibby Line which had no mail contract, so treated as a Ship Letter and charged (as it happened) the same as the Naval Officer's Concession Rate. Most unusual and attractive Ship Letter ex Gibraltar. PHOTO | £140 | ||
| 86 | 2nd SPANISH CARLIST WAR - NAVAL BAG COVER FROM BRITISH SHIP OFF CARTAGENA ROUTED BY GIBRALTAR; Fine 6 Dec. 1873 env. (sender's date; initialled "C.G.G." by Royal Marine Lieut. Cosmo G. Gordon) to Scotland "Via Southampton" franked by GB 6d Grey (pl.12) tied by fine London barred "42" oval. There are no backstamps but it is known that Lieut. Gordon was on HMS Topaze at this date, monitoring developments of the continued (or 2nd) Carlist War, at anchor off Point Porman (Cartagena, which was bombarded on 26 Nov. 1873). On 6 Dec. 1873 Topaze's log states that she was in company with despatch vessel HMS Helicon which left that day for Gibraltar, from where the mails were sent by P&O Australia to Southampton, arriving 14 Dec., which was the next possible date for HMS Topaze's mail to get home. Mail connected with British operations during the 2nd Carlist War is seldom encountered. [Illustrated in NOL, p.36.] PHOTO | £300 | ||
| 87 | SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 6d GREY ON COVER EX H.M.S. NORTHUMBERLAND (AT GIBRALTAR) TO G.B.; Feb. 1875 env. (Seagrove filing note "E.J.W. Slade" affects address) to Portsea franked by GB 6d Grey (pl.13) tied by v. fine London Foreign Branch "12" vertical oval, having 16 Feb. 1875 Portsmouth transit backstamp; Midshipman E.J.W. Slade was on HMS Northumberland at Gibraltar from 29 Jan. to 17 Feb. 1875; clearly this letter was in the ship's bag sent on 10 Feb. by P&O Bangalore which reached Southampton on 15 Feb. 1875. Scarce thus, dating from the time when GB stamps were normal for civil mails from Gibraltar as well. [Illustrated in NOL, p.39.] PHOTO | £120 | ||
| GOLD COAST | ||||
| 88 | DAHOMEY/JELLA COFFEE - UNPAID OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM WHYDAH TO G.B.; "May 5 1869" (filing note on reverse) stampless env. (flap faults, etc. & overall dusting) from the 'Poland' correspondence to London endorsed "Officer's letter, no stamps procurable" on the front, and so with black handstruck "d6" charge on the front matching the v. fine boxed "LIVERPOOL/SHIP" d.s. (12 June) on the reverse. The flap-device is lost, but another from this correspondence shows that it would have had the "H.M.S. PLOVER" crest; the sender was Cdr. J.A. Poland of HMS Plover. The ship's log shows that she was at Whydah (a notorious slaving centre at the time) in Dahomey on 5 May 1869; the next day she was joined by HMS Myrmidon, which left the next day (with mails) for Jella Coffee (then in Gold Coast? - some 80 miles from Lagos city) as the Plover went on to Angola. This letter waited at Jella Coffee a week from 11 May until the B.A.S.N.C. Congo arrived; the latter ship reached Liverpool with mails on 12 June (which matches the backstamp exactly). Rare cover from this part of West Africa and an unusual "No stamps procurable" endorsement. [See the comparable 1871 cover in Cavendish's June 2005 "Adrian Cadbury" Gold Coast collection (Lot 314).] [Illustrated in NOL, p.27.] PHOTO. | £300 | ||
| 89 | "CAPE COAST CASTLE" - H.M.S. 'SEAGULL' SHIP'S BAG 6d-RATE COVER TO G.B.; Fine 5 May 1872 env. (with 10-side original contents - green ink stain affects internal LH margins slightly, but cover unaffected) written from "H.M. Ship Seagull, Cape Coast Castle" to London franked with a GB White Letters 6d lilac tied by a v. fine London Foreign Branch barred oval "P" with matching 3 June "PAID" arrival c.d.s. on the front. These dates fit perfectly with the letter having been passed in the Bag to the AFSSC's SS Lagos at Cape Coast Castle that reached Liverpool on 3 June. The letter begins; "I send you the receipt [no longer present, alas!] for a registered letter which I have sent off addressed to you - it contains some trinkets made out of pure gold - Gold Coast gold - as you will see..."! PHOTO | £300 | ||
| 90 | SHIP'S BAG 6d-RATE COVER EX H.M.S. RATTLESNAKE IN BUILD-UP TO ASHANTI EXPEDITION; July 1873 env. (most of flap lost) to Southsea franked by GB 1d Reds (4; pl.40) & 2d Blue (pl.13) all tied/cancelled by matching London Foreign Branch "B" vertical ovals, having a fine 6 Aug. 1873 Portsmouth transit backstamp, which fits with an Aug. 5 arrival date for the BASN Co.'s SS 'Volta' which sailed from HMS Rattlesnake at Cape Coast Castle on 12 July. The addressee is "Mrs. Bayly" and there was a Sub/Lt. Edward H. Bayly on HMS Rattlesnake at Cape Coast Castle at the time; clearly this letter was written on the ship. In Aug. 1873, HMS Rattlesnake was involved in the Prah River Expedition against the Ashantee; Bayly took part and was awarded the Ashantee Medal in due course. Rare thus; the use of both 1d & 2d values for the 6d Ship's Bag rate is very rare from West Africa. PHOTO | £300 | ||
| 91 | ACCRA - SHIP'S BAG COVER TO G.B. WITH UNUSUAL G.B. FRANKING FOR DOUBLE (8d) RATE; Aug. 1880 env. (minor faults, mostly on reverse) to Bristol ('Brackenbury' correspondence; ex Commander J.W. Brackenbury on HMS Flirt) with exceptional franking for a Naval Bag cover:- GB 1d Vermilion, 6d Grey (pl.16; Large Coloured Letters) and Pair of 1⁄2d Rose-red (pl.18?; very rare on Naval Mail) all tied in transit by very fine Liverpool "466" numerals with matching red "PAID/LIVERPOOL/BR. PACKET" c.d.s. (20 Sept.) alongside. At this time HMS Flirt was at Accra and her log notes that she met the African SS Co.'s SS Ambriz there on 24 Aug. 1880; the Ambriz reached Liverpool on 19 Sept., which explains the cancels and datestamp. Spectacular and attractive Naval Bag cover. PHOTO | £300 | ||
| 92 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 6d. RATE NEWBURY TO ?WEST COAST OF AFRICA?; 6 Nov. 1884 env. addressed to ?Commander A.A.C. Parr RN, H.M.S. Frolic, West Coast of Africa? franked by GB 6d. green (SG. 194) tied by Newbury duplex d.s. clear of profile. This letter was delivered at Accra on 7 Dec. 1884. [Illustrated in NOL, p.124.]. PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 93 | CAPE COAST CASTLE - SHIP'S BAG 4d RATE COVER TO G.B. WITH SINGLE 4d DULL GREEN FRANKING; Sept. 1886 env. (fancy printed "H.M.S. ICARUS" flap) to B.M. Courage of Surrey (clearly sent by Lt. Godfrey Courage of HMS Icarus at the time) franked by a GB 4d Dull Green tied in transit by a very fine Liverpool "466" numeral with a matching v. fine red "PAID/LIVERPOOL/BR. PACKET" c.d.s. (23 Oct.) alongside. The log of HMS Icarus notes that she was at Cape Coast Castle when the African SS Co.' SS Mandingo sailed for England (presumably with this letter) where she is known to have arrived (at Liverpool) on 23 Oct. 1886. Rare and unusual usage of the Dull Green issue ex West Africa. PHOTO | £240 | ||
| 94 | NAPOLEONIC WARS LETTER FROM MID. CHEAPE, HMS WARSPITE; 31 Jan. 1813 EL to Kinloss from Mid. James Cheape who was serving onboard HMS Warspite blockading the French in the Basque Roads. "..a (French) Frigate stood a good way out we got pretty close to the frigate and gave her a broadside.." etc.; 11 June 1862 env. addressed to Mrs Robt Smart with GB 1d. red tied by Devonport duplex d.s. sent by Rear Admiral Sir Robt. Smart KCB, KH, HMS Revenge plus a pair of WH Smith newspaper wrappers to HMS Victorious, etc.(7 covers). | £150 | ||
| 95 | "UNRESOLVED ORIGIN" OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVERS - EX WEST INDIES/S. AMERICA?; Two covers that have so far defeated Geoff's researches as to their exact origins:- Sept. 1862 env. (most of flap lost and closed tears affecting one stamp & address) to Wales endorsed "Officer's Letter" and franked for the 6d rate by severed Strip of Six GB 1d Red 'stars' tied by 29 Sept. "LONDON E.C/77" duplexes struck in transit; RMS Tasmanian arrived at Southampton on this date with West Indies & Brazil mails, so this letter was probably from a Naval ship in that area. Plus similar fine July 1865 env. to Bristol (address in French) franked by Pair & Strip of Three and single G.B. 1d Reds (pl.94) all tied by mostly v. fine London barred "4" numerals with 14/15 Aug. backstamps, which fits only one Lloyds List arrival, the RMSP Co.'s SS Atrato that arrived at Southampton on 13 Aug. 1865, presumably from the West Indies? Further research required! (2 covers). [1862 cover illustrated in NOL, p.73] PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 96 | RARE "DEVONPORT/H.M.S/250" NAVAL BAG DUPLEX ON 6d-RATE COVER EX C.G.H.; 4 Dec. 1868 env. (reinforced flap but attractive and complete) to Ireland endorsed "Officers' Letter" and franked by GB White Letters 6d lilac (pl.6) tied by a very fine strike (though slightly affected by manuscript charge) of the rare large "DEVONPORT/H.M.S/250" Duplex (Rob.N1; recorded only 1866-68) used purely for mail such as this that was received from Naval Bags. The letter is from the 'Cochrane' correspondence and has the "E.C." device of its sender, Capt. the Hon. E. Cochrane on the flap; he was commander of HMS Peterel at this time, and the ship's log shows that she was as Simons Bay at this date. There is a v. fine "CAPE TOWN/CAPE COLONY" transit c.d.s. on the front (unusual on Naval Bag mail such as this) and a cancelled black manuscript "1" on the front (presumably being an Accountancy mark of Cape Town claiming 1d from from the 6d postage for the C.G.H. Post Office. This duplex is very seldom seen. [Illustrated in NOL, p.25.] PHOTO | £300 | ||
| 97 | INGOING MAIL EX GB - HMS MEGAERA LETTER SENT AFTER ABANDONMENT OF VESSEL AT ST. PAUL'S ISLAND, INDIAN OCEAN; 2 Aug. 1871 env. (edge wear etc.) addressed to "Donald McAlpin, Esqre, R.N., Her Britannic Majesty's Ship, 'Megaera', Rio de Janeiro, South America franked by GB 6d. lilac tied by Pembroke Dock numeral cancel. At the time this letter was posted Megaera, enroute to Australia, had grounded on St Paul's island (Indian Ocean) and had been abandoned. All the ships company were rescued and taken to Sydney. The env. has much redirection but eventually caught up with McAlpin, when had to pay 1d postage due, 7 months after posting, at Queensferry! Did the letter ever leave England? A most interesting cover. [Illustrated in NOL, p.102.]. PHOTO | £240 | ||
| 98 | KEVII/KGV GROUP OF USED WARSHIP POSTCARDS ETC.; 1903-37 Collection of chiefly PPC of HMS warships majority incoming to GB from foreign ports inc. 1904 HMS Bacchante from Smyrna; 1906 HMS Renown from Bombay and HMS Prosperine from Aden; 1909 HMS Mutine from Sierra Leone; 1911 HMS Lancaster from Algiers with "HM SHIPS ALGIERS" h.s.; 1912 Troopship Dongola to Mhow, India; 1928 HMS Hermes to China, etc. Good group. (60+ items). | £240 | ||
| 99 | MAIL TO ROYAL YACHT & COMMANDER IN CHINA, HAIFA, ETC. + RESEARCH NOTES; Rare 26 Aug. 1913 env. addressed to "Capt. D. B. Crampton, R.N., H[is]. M[ajesty's].Y[acht]. Alexandra, Portsmouth" with KGV 1d tied by Camberley c.d.s., 1909 PPC of the ship (which was only the Royal Yacht - along with the long-lived V&A III - from 1908 until she was sold off in 1922), and a 1924-35 correspondence of envs. (6) to Lt./Commander Tufnell on various HM Ships c/o London G.P.O. but with pencil notes of where they were received, viz. Sydney, Leghorn, Woosung (1934; endorsed "Via Pacific"), Javelton(?), Haifa & Kobe (all with KGV 11⁄2d's ex GB). Plus 3 other PPCs, and a group of copies of P.O. notices and extracts from P.O. Guides concerning the whole subject of Officers' Concession Rates and Naval Bag Mails. (11 covers/cards + notes etc.) PHOTO | £120 | ||
| GREECE | ||||
| 100 | SYRA & NAPLES - PRE-CONCESSION POSTAGE EVASION & LATER 6d POST-CONCESSION RATE COVERS; Stampless 13 Apr. 1857 env. (+ contents headed "Syra"; printed "HMS VIGILANT" flap) to London endorsed "Via Marseilles" but sent by private means to avoid the full postage rate (the Officer's Concession Rate was not introduced for another 21⁄2 months) and so posted locally in London with black handstruck "2". Plus Jan. 1872 env. (creasing, etc. & part flap + seal lost) from the Rev. Wm. W. Parry correspondence to Cornwall from HMS Defence (in the Bay of Naples for the whole of Jan. 1872) franked by G.B. Large White Letters 6d Mauve (pl.9) tied by the scarce large London circular barred "50" cancel with 11 Feb. Devonport backstamp, being the normal postage rate as the Concession had ended at the start of 1870. Good pair. (2 covers). PHOTO | £140 | ||
| HONG KONG | ||||
| 101 | INGOING MAIL EX GB - 2nd. OPIUM WAR COVER TO HOSPITAL SHIP HMS MELVILLE; 26 Nov. 1859 env. (two light stains to right clear of address and adhesives) addressed "For the Revd CJ Armistead, HMS Melville, Hong Kong, China" franked by GB 1d. red and two 4d carmine (wing margin trimmed on one) all tied by London "76" duplex. HMS Melville was built in 1817 as a 3rd Rate of 74 guns but by 1859 was stationed in Hong Kong as a Hospital Ship. Scarce. [Illustrated in NOL, p.80.]. PHOTO | £500 | ||
| 102 | INGOING MAIL EX GB - 2nd. OPIUM WAR COVER TO HMS ENCOUNTER AT HONG KONG; 2 Feb. 1860 env. addressed to "Mr. Joseph Derbyshire, Engineer, H.M.S. Encounter, Hong Kong, China or Elsewhere" franked by GB 6d lilac tied by Manchester duplex d.s. with a blue "WORSLEY" udc on reverse. This letter would have arrived in Hong Kong on 24th Mar. but Encounter was at sea arriving at Batavia 7th Apr. and Singapore 13th Apr. where she remained for a week where this letter was probably redirected to. | £200 | ||
| 103 | INGOING MAIL EX GB - EARLY EXAMPLE OF THE NEW 1/- RATE TO HONG KONG; 26 Aug. 1861 env. addressed to "Lieutenant E.J. Pollard R.N., HMS. Coromandel, Hong Kong, China" franked by GB 1/- green tied by London duplex d.s. The 1/- rate via Southampton had been introduced by Treasury Warrant 20 days previously. [Illustrated in NOL, p.84.]. PHOTO | £200 | ||
| 104 | INGOING MAIL EX GB - FAKENHAM, NORFOLK TO HMS ICARUS, HONG KONG; 2 Aug. 1866 env. addressed to "Robt. N Hamond Esq R.N., H.M.S. Icarus, Hong Kong, China" franked by GB 1/- green, Pl.4 IE tied by Fakenham duplex d.s. Endorsed "Via Southampton" the letter arrived at Hong Kong on 21st Sep. where the Icarus was at anchor.[Illustrated in NOL, p.92.]. PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 105 | INGOING MAIL EX GB - 1/3d. RATE VIA FRENCH MAIL TO HONG KONG THEN YOKOHAMA; 7 Sep. 1872 env. addressed to "Lieut. E.P.Statham R.N., H.M.S. 'Barossa', China Station" franked by GB 1/- green Pl.6 JG and 3d. rose Pl.8 DK tied by Liverpool duplex d.s. This letter had just missed the P&O Brindisi sailing so was endorsed "per French Mail" and thus having to pay an additional 3d., backstamped in Hong Kong on 22 Oct. and delivered in Yokohama on 2 Nov. [Illustrated in NOL, p.103.]. PHOTO | £240 | ||
| 106 | INGOING MAIL EX GB - COVER ADDRESSED TO HMS FROLIC SINGAPORE AND FORWARDED TO HONG KONG; 12 June 1873 env. Stanmore, London (small repair at top) addressed to "Commander C.E. Buckle R.N., H.M.S. Frolic, Singapore, China Station" and endorsed "via Brindisi" franked by GB 1/- green Pl.7 AD plus single 6d. grey KC and a marginal pair LC-LD Pl.12 tied by the rare low number "42B" numeral cancel for the scarce 2/6d prepaid rate for letters over 1⁄2oz. backstamped with a red Singapore d.s. This letter had to be sent on to Hong Kong as Frolic had moved station. PHOTO | £200 | ||
| 107 | INGOING MAIL EX GB & GIBRALTAR – GIBRALTAR & EXMOUTH TO CHINA STATION; 1 June 1901 env. (edge faults/creases) from HMS Caesar (in Gibraltar) addressed to “Lieutenant F Shirley Litchfield R.N., HMS ‘Terrible’, China Station franked by pair GB 1d lilac tied by London FSB c.d.s.; this letter was sent via London by ships bag. 25 Aug. 1892 PS env. addressed to Lt. Hughes-Hughes R.N., H.M.S. ‘Carolina’, China Station” at the 2˝d. rate cancelled by Exmouth s.c. (2 covers). | £150 | ||
| 108 | AFTERMATH OF BOXER REBELLION - EARLY "CHINESE BAND" PPC USED FROM "H.M.S. ASTRAEA"; Unusual Nov. 1901 usage of a (HK produced?) PPC of a Chinese Band to GB, endorsed as from this ship (which was stationed at Hong Kong at this date) on picture side, franked by GB QV 1d Lilac tied by a very fine 2-ring "LONDON" arrival c.d.s. (8 Dec.); carried by P&O from HK it arrived at Brindisi on 5 Dec. and so went on to London. Attractive and scarce early Postcard from Hong Kong with a Naval origin, sent just after the Boxer Protocol had been signed (12 Sept.) to end the Boxer Rebellion. | £85 | ||
| CANTON | ||||
| 109 | 2nd OPIUM WAR - OFFICER'S 6d-RATE COVER FROM H.M.S. "CALCUTTA" DURING BLOCKADE OF CANTON; Dec. 1857 env. (some toning at left, but stamps attractive and address clear) with "[HMS] CALCUTTA" crest on flap, sent to Kent "Via Southampton" franked by a fine Strip of Six G.B. 1d Red 'stars' (the Officer's rate was 6d, as was the normal outgoing rate to HK via Southampton) tied by London "28" numerals struck in transit. The 2/3 Feb. 1858 backstamps of London/Rochester show that this letter was carried by the P&O service from Hong Kong (leaving there 16 Dec. 1857) to Southampton (the connecting steamer arriving 1 Feb. 1858); at the time this letter was sent (early Dec. 1857) the log of HMS Calcutta shows that the ship was moored off Wantung Island in the Canton River; the writer was presumably 1st Lieut. Cuthbert W. Burton (the addressee is Mrs. Burton, presumably his wife or mother) of the Royal Marines on the ship - his battallion took part in the successful attack on Canton on 28/29 Dec. 1857. Rare item from this crucial stage in the 2nd Opium War campaign. [Illustrated in NOL, p.9.] PHOTO | £400 | ||
| 110 | INGOING MAIL EX GB- 2nd. OPIUM WAR COVER TO H.M. GUNBOAT WOODCOCK, CANTON, CHINA; 18 June 1858 env. (some light foxing at edges) addressed to the Commanding Officer of the Woodcock, "Lieut. Edwin Pollard, R.N., H.M. Gun Boat Woodcock, Canton, China", franked by GB 6d. lilac tied by slightly oily London "50" numeral. This letter was actually delivered to the ship at Hong Kong, because she was there when the P&O SS Ganges arrived on 6 Aug.; less than a week later Woodcock was bombarding Chinese forts at Nam Chou. Rare and attractive Campaign cover. [Illustrated in NOL, p.79.]. PHOTO | £300 | ||
| 111 | INGOING MAIL EX GB - 2nd OPIUM WAR COVER TO H.M.GUNBOAT STAUNCH, CANTON RIVER, CHINA; 12 Dec. 1859 env. from Torpoint (light leeched gum stain in centre from seal) addressed to the Commanding Officer of the Staunch "Lieut. Edwin Pollard R.N., H.M. Gun Boat 'Staunch', Canton River, China" franked with GB 6d lilac tied by a Devonport duplex d.s. The letter would have arrived in Hong Kong on 11 Feb. 1860; the log of the Staunch records that she was anchored off Canton until 27 February 1860. Attractive and rare. [Illustrated in NOL, p.82.]. PHOTO | £300 | ||
| 112 | UNDERPAID "OFFICER'S LETTER" FROM CANTON/HONG KONG TO G.B. FRANKED BY G.B. 6d FOR THE 10d RATE; "1 Jan. 1865" env. (flap faults; small repair above address clear of marks & all wording) to Bristol endorsed "Officer's Letter, H.M.S. Haughty" and "Via Marseilles", but only franked by a G.B. Small Letters 6d lilac for the Southampton route (the French route cost officers 10d) tied by the London "61" diamond numeral and so with a matching "MORE/TO/PAY" in circle of London and a manuscript "4[d]" charge, having a Bristol "CH" in circle struck on arrival. [There should have been an extra 6d fine to pay as well as the 4d short payment, but this rule may not have been communicated to Hong Kong at this date.] It is recorded that HMS Haughty reached Hong Kong from Canton (where this letter was presumably written) on 30 Jan. 1865; the P&O Emeu left HK with mails on 1 Feb.; the London/Bristol backstamps (15 Mar.) fit with a French transit involving the connecting P&O Delta reaching Marseilles on 13 Mar. 1865. Rare example of underpaid Officers Concession mail, and most exceptional from the Far East. PHOTO | £400 | ||
| SHANGHAI | ||||
| 113 | TAIPING REBELLION (FINAL PHASE) - RARE "A83" MAILBOAT CANCEL ON UNDERPAID OFFICER'S 10d-RATE COVER TO G.B.; Attractive June 1864 env. to Scotland "Via Marseilles" endorsed "Officer's Letter" but only prepaid 9d instead of the 10d "Via Marseilles" rate, hence with black manuscript "1" charge (applied at Hong Kong?); initialled "J.L." on front and addressed to "Mrs. Lilburne" and so clearly written by Surgeon James Lilburne serving at this date on HMS Leopard. This ship's log records her being at Shanghai (until 16 June, before sailing on to Yokohama) where she was presumably monitoring the dying flames of the Chinese repression of the 1860-64 Taiping Rebellion (in which 'Chinese' Gordon had earlier been involved) - Nanking finally fell on 10 July 1864. This letter must have been left at Shanghai because the P&O Ganges left Shanghai on 23 June and reached HK on 27 June (the date of the blue "HONG KONG/C" backstamp). Franked by GB 1d Red 'stars' (3) & Small Letters 6d Lilac all tied by partly fine rare "A83" Mailboat Cancellations struck on board the P&O Ceylon in transit across the Mediterranean. Rare Far East origin Mailboat Officer's Rate cover. [Illustrated in NOL, p.14.] PHOTO | £1500 | ||
| 114 | OFFICER'S 10d CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM YOKOHAMA TO G.B. VIA HONG KONG & FRANCE; Attractive Aug. 1864 env. to Scotland "Via Marseilles" franked by GB 1d Red 'stars' (2 pairs) and Small Letters 6d Lilac making up the correct 10 Officer's Rate (6d Concession + 4d via France) all tied by mostly fine London transit "19" numerals. Sent by Surgeon Lilburne of HMS Leopard (see matching Shanghai "A83" Mailboat cover above); at this date the ship was at Yokohama, and this letter was carried by P&O Ganges to Shanghai (31 Aug. - 3 Sept.) reaching Hong Kong on 9 Sept. (near fine blue "HONG KONG/C" backstamp of that date) and on to Galle, where it went by P&O Mooltan to Suez and Baroda to Marseilles. The cancelled manuscript "1" charge on the front may have been an error or the Hong Kong P.O.'s claim for 1d from the 10d prepaid postage. Attractive and rare thus. [Illustrated in NOL, p.15.] PHOTO | £400 | ||
| 115 | OFFICER'S 10d CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM SHANGHAI TO G.B. VIA FRANCE; Attractive Oct. 1866 env. (from the 'Parkyn' correspondence; from Chaplain J. Parkyn - "HMS PELORUS" flap) to Plymouth unusually endorsed both "Officer's Letter, [H.M.S.] Pelorus" and "V. Marseilles" on the front, franked by G.B. Small Letters 4d Vermilion & 6d Lilac tied by London Foreign Branch barred "H" cancels in transit (one also tied by fine red "LONDON/PAID" c.d.s. of 29 Nov.) for the 6d Officer's + 4d French transit rates. HMS Pelorus was at Shanghai from 1 Oct. to the end of 1866, and this letter must have travelled on 8 Oct. from Shanghai by P&O Nepaul to Hong Kong (fine "HONG KONG/C" backstamp of 12 Oct.) and then by other P&O vessels through to Marseilles on 26 Nov., hence the London arrival date. there is a small black manuscript "1" of Hong Kong PO on the front (claiming 1d from the postage) which has been crossed out to prevent being taken as a Postage Due charge. Rare and attractive Shanghai Naval cover. PHOTO | £400 | ||
| 116 | OFFICER'S 10d CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM SHANGHAI TO G.B. VIA FRANCE; Similar Nov. 1866 env. ("H.M.S. PELORUS" flap; some stains) from the 'Parkyn' correspondence with different franking (Small Letters 4d + Large White Letters 6d, pl.5) tied by London F.B. barred "B" cancels with cancelled m/s "1", fair "HONG KONG/C" backstamp (29 Nov. 1866) and 11 Jan. 1867 London arrival c.d.s. Only endorsed "Off[icer]s Letter" and "v. Marseilles" but sent when the ship was still at Shanghai. Rare 10d rate cover.PHOTO | £360 | ||
| 117 | WRECK COVER FROM S.S. BENARES THAT SANK OFF SHANGHAI WITH RARE "A83" MAILBOAT CANCEL; Exceptional "May 4, [18]68" env. (sender's date on front) from the 'Pollard' correspondence to Scotland, written by Commander E.J. Pollard" of HMS Zebra, endorsed "Via Southampton, Officer's letter" and so franked for the 6d Concession Rate with GB White Letters 6d lilac (pl.6) cancelled by the rare "A83" Mediterranean Mailboat Cancellation applied on the P&O SS Ceylon en route from Suez to Southampton. HMS Zebra was stationed off Hiogo, Japan when this letter was written, and the next mail despatch from Hiogo to Shanghai (by HMS Rinaldo) took it to Shanghai for 9 May; then it would have been carried by the next vessel leaving with mail for Hong Kong, the P&O Benares, which left Shanghai for Hong Kong on 23 May. However, the SS Benares was wrecked on that same day on one of the Fisherman Islands just off Shanghai; the fine condition of this cover suggests that it was in the first part of the mails rescued before the Benares totally sank (see Scamp's "Far East Mail Ship itineraries, Vol.1, p.337-9). The letter was taken down to Hong Kong and carried by the next P&O sailing, by the SS to Galle, going on by P&O Nubia and Ceylon to Southampton (where the Ceylon arrived on 31 July); there is a Dunkeld backstamp of 2 Aug. 1868 confirming this itinerary. Possibly the only known cover from this Wreck. One of Geoff Osborn's favourite discoveries! [Illustrated in NOL, p.22 + see the Introduction, p.3/4.] PHOTO | £1500 | ||
| 118 | VERY RARE G.B. 10d BROWN ON COVER WITH MAILBOAT CANCELLATION EX HIOGO VIA SHANGHAI; Extraordinary June 1868 env. (opened out for display; some edge wear with hinges behind but attractive; fancy "H.M.S. ZEBRA" flap) ex the 'Pollard' correspondence to Scotland (see previous lot) from Commander E.J. Pollard when the ship was anchored off Hiogo. The letter was routed "Via Marseilles" and so is franked by a GB 10d Brown (pl.1) tied by a very fine rare "A99" numeral, the Mailboat Cancellation applied during sorting on the P&O SS Bangalore between Alexandria and Marseilles. This cover reached Shanghai in time to catch the P&O Ganges to Hong Kong, and then was carried by P&O Delhi and Simla to Suez, before transfer to the P&O Bangalore from Alex. to France. This usage of a 10d Brown on a Mailboat cover is exceptional. [There was not a single Mailboat cover with a 10d Brown in a recent 181-lot auction of Mailboat Cancels.] [Illustrated in NOL, p.23.] | £1500 | ||
| 119 | VERY RARE G.B. 10d BROWN ON COVER WITH MAILBOAT CANCELLATION EX HIOGO VIA SHANGHAI; 28 June 1868 env. (ex same correspondence as previous two lots) to Scotland endorsed "Via Marseilles" and with the date of writing on the front, from Commander Pollard on HMS Zebra when anchored off Hiogo. Franked for the 6d Officer's Rate plus 4d French transit rate by a single GB 10d Brown (pl.1; the adjacent stamp from the same sheet as the 10d on the cover in the previous lot!!) tied by a partial rare "B5[7?]" Mailboat Cancellation , applied during sorting on the P&O SS Syria between Alexandria and Marseilles. Carried by private ship from Hiogo to Shanghai then by P&O Mailboats Ellora, Columbian, Candia and Syria reaching Marseilles on 5 Sept., hence the 7 Sept. Dunkeld backstamp. Exceptional usage of a 10d Brown on a Mailboat cover (see previous lot's description). PHOTO | £850 | ||
| 120 | FULL 1/- RATE COVER FROM H.M.S. JUNO AT NAGASAKI, MAILED FROM SHANGHAI WITH STRIP OF TWELVE G.B. 1d REDS; Remarkable May 1871 env. (flap lost) from "Lt. J.Y.F. Sullivan" (addressee's note) to Portsea franked (all on the reverse) by a Complete Strip of Twelve 1d Reds (pl.113; divided into two Strips of Six, with the two LH stamps slightly overlapped round the edge) all tied by London "43" diamond 'cork' cancels, having a further 'stampless' strike on the front with Portsmouth/Portsea arrival c.d.s.'s of 30 July 1871. Lt. Sullivan was serving on HMS Juno at this date, which was stationed at Nagasaki; this letter was sent to Shanghai where it was taken by the P&O Mail Steamer Emeu to Hong Kong and then transferred to the P&O Australia that took it all the way (through the Suez Canal) to Southampton (arriving 29 July which fits exactly with the datestamp). Rare example of Shanghai mail with spectacular 1d Reds franking. [Illustrated in NOL, p.30.] PHOTO | £500 | ||
| INDIA | ||||
| 121 | SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 1d REDS (3) + 6d GREY ON COVER EX BOMBAY TO G.B.; Mar. 1876 env. (spectacular 'topless mermaid' crest of "H.M.S. DORIS"; some dusting and slightly rounded top left corner) to Plymouth "Via Southampton" endorsed "Bombay" (by addressee?) beneath stamps, franked by GB 1d Reds (pl.174) and Grey (pl.14) all tied by fine London Foreign Branch "FB" corks. The sender has not been identified, but the ship was at Bombay throughout March 1876 and the letter clearly came in the Bag sent by P&O Travancore + Indus, the latter reaching Southampton on 17 April, which fits with the 18 Apr. Plymouth arrival backstamp. Late usage of the 9d rate which was reduced to 6d when India joined the GPU in July 1876.PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 122 | SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 1d RED & 3d ROSE-RED PAIRS ON 8d-RATE "VIA BRINDISI" COVER; Unusual Nov. 1876 env. (blessedly light 'Seagrove' endorsement of sender's name & arrival date - "A.E. Saul, Dec. 4 '76" - on address side) to Portsmouth (fraction of off-edge backstamp) "Via Brindisi" franked for the 8d rate (GPU rate introduced for India from 1 July 1876, but not for Ceylon until 1 Apr. 1877) by GB Pairs of 1d Red (pl.164) and Large Coloured Letters 3d Rose-red (pl.18) all tied by unclear London barred numerals. The arrival date noted fits with transit by P&O vessels Surat and Pera from Bombay to Brindisi. In Geoff's book he had given this cover's origin as Ceylon, but his further analysis showed that it must be from India. [Illustrated in NOL, p.42.] PHOTO | £140 | ||
| 123 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 8d. RATE FROM WALES TO BOMBAY; 16 Jan. 1879 env. (edge creasing at left) addressed to ?George Moore Esq. M.D. R.N. Fleet Surgeon, H.M.S. ?Euryalus?, Bombay, India? franked by GB 8d. orange Pl. 1 TC tied by Pembroke Dock duplex d.s. The Euryalus was in Bombay when the SS Surat arrived on 4 Feb. 1879. [Illustrated in NOL, p.116.]. PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 124 | 5d & 6d RATE SHIP'S BAG COVERS TO G.B. EX BOMBAY WITH 6d GREY OR 1d LILAC FRANKINGS; July 1879 env. ("W.H.A." flap) to Portsea "Via Brindisi" with large red 'Seagrove' endorsement of sender ("W.H. Arnold") affecting address, franked by GB Large Coloured Letters 6d Grey (pl.16) tied by fine London barred "28" numeral having part 2 Aug. 1879 Portsmouth backstamp. Arnold was on HMS Vulture at Bombay at this date; good example of the new (Apr. 1879) GPU 6d rate. Plus May 1889 'Dannreuther' env. (printed "H.M.S. GARNET" flap) to Sussex (27 May 1889 "HASTINGS/STATION OFFICE" backstamp) franked by 5 GB 1d Lilacs tied by light circular London "F[oreign] B[ranch]" cancels; this ship was at Bombay at this date. (2 covers). PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 125 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 6d. ON 6d. ON LETTER TO BOMBAY REDIRECTED TO POONA; 29 Sep. 1883 env. addressed to ?Surgeon F.H.M. Burton. M.B., c/o The Principal Medical Officer, Army Medical Depatt. Bombay? franked by GB 6d. on 6d. lilac (SG. 162) tied by London duplex d.s. Endorsed ?Is a Passenger per Troopship Malabar? the letter arrived after troops had disembarked and was redirected to Poona where it was delivered 25 Oct. Bombay and Poona receiving d.s. on reverse. PHOTO | £120 | ||
| IONIAN ISLANDS | ||||
| 126 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 1/- RATE GOSPORT TO CORFU REDIRECTED TO GIBRALTAR; 20 Feb. 1860 env. addressed to ?Captain J. Pickard (RM), H.M.S. Hannibal, Corfu? franked by two GB 6d. lilac (wing margin tear on one) tied by Gosport numeral cancellations. Endorsed ?Via Belgium and Trieste? it has been endorsed at the foot ?Partito por Malta e Gibilterra?; variety of ms. accountancy marks on the front and on the reverse are Trieste, Gosport & London d.s. plus endorsement ?Gibraltar 28 March 1860?. A most attractive and interesting cover. [Illustrated in NOL, p.83.]. PHOTO | £200 | ||
| 127 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 21⁄2d. RATE DUBLIN TO ZANTE ?CARE OF THE ENGLISH CONSUL?; 7 Feb. 1876 env. (small repaired tear at top clear of adhesive) addressed to ?Doctor John R Burke R.N. Staff Surgeon, H.M.S. Swiftsure, Mediterranean Fleet, Zante, Ionian Islands? franked by GB 21⁄2d. rosy-mauve Pl. 2 DJ tied by Dublin duplex d.s. Endorsed ?Care of the English Consul? on the reverse is a Kerkyra (Corfu) d.s. for 31 Jan. as Greece was still using the Gregorian calendar. [Illustrated in NOL, p.111.]. PHOTO | £120 | ||
| JAMAICA | ||||
| 128 | PORT ROYAL - UNPAID PRE-CONCESSION COVER SENT TO U.S. AND POSTED TO G.B. FROM THERE; Unusual Dec. 1852 env. ("H.M.S. HIGHFLYER" embossed flap) to Banbury (Lt. William Armytage of HMS Highflyer was the addressee's brother) posted from New York with "21/NEW/YORK" charge datestamp and so with Liverpool handstruck "1/-" mark and matching "AMERICA/LIVERPOOL" backstamp (20 Jan. 1853); the ship's log notes that on 22 Dec. 1852 she met an "American Mail Boat Georgia"; it seems likely that this ship took the letter as a favour (bribed Captain?!) to New York to catch the 8 Jan. 1853 sailing of the Allan Line SS Atlantic to Liverpool. Rare thus; a good example of postage-evasion, but also a rare origin for a Transatlantic Steamer cover. | £150 | ||
| 129 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 6d. RATE COVER ROCHESTER, KENT TO JAMAICA WITH 1D ACCOUNTANCY H.S.; 1 Dec. 1861 env. (edge faults, some foxing, repaired tears at top) addressed to ?Captain Cooper Royal Marines, H.M.S. ?Phaeton?, Jamaica, West Indies, or elsewhere? franked by GB 6d. lilac tied by Rochester duplex d.s. Kingston Jamaica 21 Dec. receiving c.d.s. on the front alongside a fine red ?1d? London accountancy h.s. indicating 1d. due to the Jamaica PO. Unusually this letter does not appear to have travelled in the ships bag. PHOTO | £120 | ||
| 130 | OFFICER'S DOUBLE RATE 6d+6d CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM PORT ROYAL WITH G.B. 6d FRANKING TO SCOTLAND; 7 Feb. 1864 env. (flap lost & very slightly reduced at top) to Scotland endorsed "Officer's letter", dated and initialled ("E.P.") all by the sender, Commander E.J. Pollard of HMS Royalist, which was stationed at Port Royal on this date; franked by G.B. Small Letters 6d lilacs (2; weighing above half an ounce) tied by London Foreign Branch "50" numerals, having London (1 Mar.) and part Dunkeld backstamps. This London date fits with the arrival of RMS Shannon at Southampton from Port Royal. The normal postage rate was 2/- for the double weight rate. Rare example of the correct usage of G.B. stamps in Jamaica after the introduction of the island's own stamps in 1860. [Illustrated in NOL, p.12.] PHOTO | £240 | ||
| 131 | AMERICAN CIVIL WAR BLOCKADE PERIOD - OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER EX MONTEGO BAY; Feb. 1865 env. (flap lost) to Scotland endorsed "Officer's Letter" and initialled "E.J.P." franked by GB Small Letters 6d Lilac tied by a v. fine London "13" numeral struck in transit, addressed to Mrs. Pollard. The Pollard correspondence is well know; the letters were written by Commander E.J. Pollard, RN; at this date he was in command of HMS Royalist involved in patrolling West Indian waters (ship's log shows she was at Montego Bay & Port Royal on 25/26 Feb.) as the Civil War in America drew to a close (the day after this letter was sent off by "Jamaica Packet" to St. Thomas - 27 Feb. 1865 - HMS Royalist took both English & American "Brigantines" off Jamaica). The Dunkeld backstamp fits with the letter being carried on from St. Thomas to Southampton by RMS Tasmanian. [Illustrated in NOL, p.18.] PHOTO | £240 | ||
| 132 | AMERICAN CIVIL WAR BLOCKADE PERIOD - OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER EX MONTEGO BAY; Matching 26 Feb. 1865 env. (minor wear; dated by sender on front) to Scotland (same 'Pollard' correspondence as previous lot) endorsed "Officer's Letter" from HMS Royalist (see previous lot) franked by GB Small Letters 6d Lilac tied by v. fine "LONDON/91" duplex of 30 Mar. 1865. The ship was at Montego Bay on this day, but the letter was left for RMS Tamar to take on 11 Mar. from Port Royal to St. Thomas, being carried on from there by the SS Solent to Southampton (29 Mar.) hence the London duplex date. It seems that the ship was also guarding against arms being shipped to potential negro rebels, though the real Rebellion in Jamaica did not take place until Oct. 1865. PHOTO | £200 | ||
| 133 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? OFFICERS 6d. CONCESSION RATE COVER TO JAMAICA; 16 Nov. 1869 env. (light creasing/folds) addressed to ?Commodore Phillimore, H.M.S. Aboukir, Jamaica? franked by GB 4d. vermilion Pl. 11 IK (creased) and 2d. blue Pl. 13 LH tied by Henley on Thames numeral cancellations. Prepaid the Officers Concession rate of 6d. vice 1/-, this concession ended in December 1869. [Illustrated in NOL, p.100.]. PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 134 | FALMOUTH (JAMAICA) - SHIP'S BAG COVER WITH G.B. 1/- GREEN TIED BY ST. THOMAS "C51; Unusual May 1871 'Seagrove' cover (usual filing notes affect address) from "Ed. Wickham" (serving on HMS Lapwing at Jamaica at this date) to Portsea franked for the full 1/- rate with a GB Large White Letters 1/- Green (pl.4) tied by what appears to be a light "C51" numeral of St. Thomas (British P.O. in the Danish West Indies); this exceptional cancellation for (supposedly closed bag) Naval Mail may have been due to the letter originating in Falmouth and being taken to St. Thomas by the RMSP service and then posted. There is no backstamp apart from Portsmouth (26 June 1871), which fits with the RMSP SS Nile's voyage from St. Thomas (13 June) to Plymouth (25 June). Intriguing item. PHOTO | £200 | ||
| 135 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 3d. RATE COVER TO NOVA SCOTIA REDIRECTED TO JAMAICA AND FINED 1/9d; 29 Apr. 1872 env. (small tear at top clear of adhesive and marks) addressed to ?Captain W.S. Brown R.N., H.M.S. Danae, Halifax, Nova Scotia? franked by GB 3d. rose Pl. 7 IK tied by Portsmouth duplex d.s. Correctly addressed and prepaid this letter was redirected by the PO to Jamaica and was stamped ?DEFICIENT POSTAGE 9 /FINE ____ 6? ; in fact the fine was 1/- and therefore the ms ?1/3? has been crossed through and replaced with a blue crayon ?1/9?; variety of d.s. on reverse. An expensive letter if Captain Brown actually paid the deficiency! Attractive and unusual. PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 136 | PORT ROYAL - SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 2d BLUES TO G.B. WITH PLYMOUTH TO BRISTOL T.P.O. "B16" NUMERALS; 10/28 Jan. 1880 env. (flap lost and some neat reinforcement of top edge, but with original contents - unusual for a 'Seagrove' cover) headed from "Port Royal" and sent to Portsea franked by Pair of GB 2d Blues (pl.15) tied by fine scarce "B16" numerals of the Plymouth tom Bristol T.P.O. struck in transit, having a part Portsmouth 28 Jan. backstamp.Carried by RMSP SS Para direct to Plymouth. Rare thus. [Illustrated in NOL, p.50.] PHOTO | £300 | ||
| 137 | PORT ROYAL - SHIP'S BAG 4d-RATE COVER TO G.B. WITH"PLYMOUTH TO/BRISTOL T.P.O." CANCELS; 7 Mar. 1881 env. (with contents headed "H.M.S. Northampton, Jamaica" - she was at Port Royal) to Hampshire franked by GB 1d Venetian Red Strip of Four (some perf. faults) tied by mostly fine strikes of the scarce "PLYMOUTH TO/BRISTOL T.P.O." uncoded c.d.s.'s. The letter talks of news of the 1st Boer War received by telegraph, trying to stop the SS Orontes, rushing an officer bound for England on board a passing Mail Steamer, and this letter being left at Jamaica for 3/4 days to catch the next mail home (RMS Para; reached Plymouth 29 Mar., as per c.d.s. cancels. Rare thus.[Illustrated in NOL, p.53.] PHOTO | £240 | ||
| MADAGASCAR | ||||
| 138 | SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 8d ORANGE ON COVER FROM MAJUNGA TO G.B. VIA ZANZIBAR; Remarkable 18 Jan. 1878 env. (tiny closed tear at top) to Hampshire "Via Brindisi" addressed to "Mrs C.H. Stuart Douglas" and so clearly from her husband, Naval Lt. C.H. Stuart Douglas serving at this time on HMS Vestal; franked by a scarce G.B. 8d Orange (pl.1) tied by a London vertical oval "28" numeral struck in transit with near fine Portsmouth (2 Mar. 1878) arrival backstamp. HMS Vestal was at Majunga Madagascar on 18 Jan. 1881 when she rendezvoused with the BISN Co.'s SS Pachumba from Zanzibar; the Pachumba would have taken the mail (including this letter) back to Zanzibar for onward transmission to Aden. The P&O SS Deccan took mails from Aden on 18 Feb.; thereafter the mails went by P&O Bokhara from Alexandria to Brindisi reaching there on 28 Feb. 178, hence the backstamp. Rare example of Naval Mail from a very remote spot, and franked with a scarce 8d value. Unique?! [Illustrated in NOL, p.45.] PHOTO | £500 | ||
| 139 | H.M.S. TRAFALGAR (TRAINING SHIP) SHIP'S BAG COVER WITH G.B. 1d REDS SENT TO G.B.; Nov. 1870 env. (minor faults) to Shrewsbury ("Mrs. W.B. Lloyd") franked by six GB 1d Reds (some faults) tied by fine London Foreign Branch barred oval "P" cancels with a 28 Nov. 1870 arrival backstamp; the addressee's young son was Midshipman E.W. Lloyd on HMS Trafalgar at Madeira at this date. The Cape Mail SS Northam called at Madeira on 19 Nov. en route to Southampton where she arrived (with this letter) on 26 Nov. (a Saturday) hence the date of the backstamp. Attractive and unusual early Training Ship item. PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 140 | SPECTACULAR 'STAMP IN EACH CORNER' COVER WITH G.B. 1d REDS FROM "H.M.S. NARCISSUS"; Attractive Nov. 1874 env. (some closed tears and opened out for display but very attractive; green paper & with fancy printed "H.M.S. NARCISSUS" crest) addressed to "Miss I. Dora Knight" in Cornwall, whose brother - clearly the sender of this letter - was Midshipman Lewis Ayshford Knight (genealogical research notes included); franked with 6 GB 1d Reds (pl.150; originally a Strip of Six) placed one-in-each-corner (two on the front and four on the back) and all tied by fine Liverpool "466" numerals struck in transit along with a fine red "PAID/LIVERPOOL/BR. PACKET" c.d.s. (2 Dec.) on the front. HMS Narcissus was en route to the Falkland Islands when she called at Madeira from 16 to 22 Nov. 1874; it was taken to Liverpool by the African SS Co.'s SS Elmina that arrived there on 2 Dec., hence the c.d.s. Rare item associated with the Falkland Islands and very eye-catching. [Illustrated in NOL, p.37.] PHOTO | £260 | ||
| 141 | SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 2d BLUES FROM "H.M.S. SHAH" AT MADEIRA TO "H.M.S. EXCELLENT" IN G.B.; Unusual and attractive 29 Jan. 1877 env. (slight edge wear & some minor creases; printed "H.M.S. SHAH" flap) to a Lieut Raines on "H.M.S. Excellent, Portsmouth" franked by an irregular Block of Three GB 2d Blues (pl.15) tied by unclear London Foreign Branch ("FB"?) circles with a 15 Feb. 1877 arrival backstamp. The addressee's brother was Lt. G. Rainier on the Training Ship HMS Shah, which was at Madeira at this date; the letter was carried to England on the African SS Co.'s SS Elmina. Rare example of ship-to-ship Naval Mail. [Illustrated in NOL, p.43.]PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 142 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? WH SMITH ADVERTISING RING WRAPPER TO MADEIRA REDIRECTED TO GIBRALTAR; Nov. 1884 wrapper addressed to ?Ward Room Officers, H.M.S. ?Neptune?, Madeira? with embossed and cancelled WH Smith 3d. pink advertising ring. Ms. redirection to Gibraltar as Neptune left Madeira on 12 Nov. 1884. PHOTO | £140 | ||
| 143 | SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 1d LILACS (2) & 1⁄2d BLUE ON "H.M.S. ROVER" COVER TO SCOTLAND; Mar. 1885 env. (minor faults; printed "H.M.S. ROVER" flap) to Queensferry franked by GB 1d Lilacs (2) & 1⁄2d Blue all tied by mostly fine very scarce "*"-coded "PLYMOUTH TO BRISTOL T.P.O." (18 Nov. 1885) c.d.s.'s; written by Lt. Charles Dundas when the ship was at Madeira (5-10 Nov.) en route to Barbados; carried on 13 Nov. by Donald Currie & Co.'s SS Garth Castle ex Cape Town that reached Plymouth on 18 Nov., hence the datestamps. PHOTO | £120 | ||
| 144 | SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 21⁄2d DULL LILAC WITH "PLYMOUTH TO BRISTOL T.P.O." CANCEL; Fine 20/26 Apr. 1887 env. (with contents headed "H.M.S. SULTAN, Madeira") to Torquay franked by GB 21⁄2d Dull Lilac tied by a very fine "*"-coded "PLYMOUTH TO BRISTOL T.P.O." c.d.s. (26 Apr.). Interesting descriptions of the island and dinners with the Admiral, etc.; written by Commander Gerald W. Russell. Rare thus and of Exhibition Quality. [Illustrated in NOL, p.63.] PHOTO | £160 | ||
| MALAYA - STRAITS SETTLEMENTS | ||||
| 145 | UNDERPAID INGOING REDIRECTED COVER EX G.B. WITH G.B. 1d RED & "5[d]" POSTAGE DUE CHARGE; Attractive 1 July 1856 mourning env. from "SHIPDHAM" (Norfolk; backstamp) franked by a GB 1d Red 'stars' tied by a v. fine Shipdham "793" numeral, addressed to the Captain of "H.M.S. Niger off Plymouth", but redirected to "Singapore" and charged "5"[d] at Devonport (with redirection backstamp), being the deficiency of the 6d postage rate. Captain Cochrane received the letter at Singapore on 14 Oct. 1856, although the letter is endorsed "4 Aug." (the date of the sailing of the P&O SS Ava that took it from Southampton). Rare thus; inland letters redirected overseas without their being returned to sender for additional postage are seldom seen. PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 146 | OFFICER'S 6d CONCESSION RATE COVER FROM "SINGAPORE" WITH G.B. 1d REDS TO IRELAND; "19 Sept. 1863" env. from "Singapore" - sender's filing note on front - to Dublin attractively franked by six GB 1d Red 'stars' (vertical Strip of Four plus two singles) all tied by London "51" numerals struck in transit (this number was reserved for special cancellation duties such as this), but oddly with no backstamps at all. The normal rat for such a letter was 1/-, so this was a 50% reduction; probably sent by H.M.S. Severn's surgeon, John Burke, MD, as this ship was at Singapore at this date. Very rare example of G.B. stamps used in Singapore, 4 years before the Straits became a Crown Colony, and during the period when Indian stamps were used in the civil P.O. there. PHOTO | £300 | ||
| 147 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? OFFICERS 6d. CONCESSION RATE ADDRESSED TO JAPAN, REDIRECTED TO SINGAPORE VIA HONG KONG; 19 Mar. 1865 env. (with 4 page letter) addressed to ?Captain Geoffrey Maires R.ML.I., HM Ship Severn, Yokohama, Japan? franked by GB 6d. lilac tied by Bristol duplex d.s. Prepaid to receive the Officers Concession rate of 6d vice 1/-, correctly addressed at the time of writing this letter was redirected to Hong Kong as Severn had left Yokohama. In fact by the time the letter reached Hong Kong, Severn had sailed for Singapore and the letter was once more redirected and received in Singapore 20 May (ms pencil mark on front). A most interesting cover which illustrates the complexities of delivery due to ships movements. [Illustrated in NOL, p.89.]. PHOTO | £240 | ||
| 148 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? OFFICERS 6d. CONCESSION RATE ADDRESSED TO JAPAN BUT INTERCEPTED AT SINGAPORE; 19 Apr. 1865 env. (with 4 page letter) addressed to ?Captain Geoffrey Maires R.ML.I., HM Ship Severn, Yokohama, Japan? franked by GB 6d. lilac tied by Bristol duplex d.s. Prepaid to receive the Officers Concession rate of 6d vice 1/-, correctly addressed at the time of writing this letter was intercepted by Captain Maires at Singapore whilst he was awaiting passage back to England by P&O steamer. PHOTO | £200 | ||
| 149 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? 1/3d. RATE DEVONPORT TO SINGAPORE; 19 Mar. 1874 env. (opened top and left side) addressed to Assistant Paymaster ?F. O?Neill Esqr., H.M.S. ?Basilisk? Singapore? franked by GB 1/- green Pl. 8 LH and 3d. rose Pl. 12 MH tied by Devonport duplex d.s. Endorsed ?Via Brindisi? and ?To await arrival? the latter ensured that O?Neill had to wait over two months until he arrived at Singapore to receive the letter. Two red Singapore receiving c.d.s. on reverse. Attractive. PHOTO | £160 | ||
| MALAYA - PENANG | ||||
| 150 | SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 1/- GREEN FROM H.M.S. AUDACIOUS AT PENANG; Unusual 27 Jan. 1875 env. ('Seagrove' correspondence bold red filing note of sender's name affects address; flap lost) from "Lieut. J.E. Goodrich" to Portsea (v. fine 9 Mar. 1875 Portsmouth backstamp) franked by GB Large White Letters 1/- Green (pl.5?) tied by a fine London vertical barred "42" numeral struck in transit. Goodrich was on HMS Audacious at this date; the ship was at Penang in Jan. 1875, and this letter left Penang on the P&O SS Golconda on 30 Jan. for Galle, whence it was carried to Southampton on the P&O Mirzapore arriving on 8 Mar. 1875, hence the backstamp. Rare early Naval Mail from Penang. [Illustrated in NOL, p.38.] PHOTO. | £300 | ||
| MALTA | ||||
| 151 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? PAIR OF COVERS EX GOSPORT OR SIDMOUTH TO MALTA; 22 Sep. 1859 env. (horizontal crease clear of adhesive) addressed to ?Captain Pickard RM, H.M.S. Hannibal, Malta? franked by GB 6d. lilac tied by Gosport numeral cancellation plus 25 Dec. 1865 env. addressed to ?Lieut. Henry I Martin R.N., H.M.S. Surprise, Mediterranean Fleet, Malta? franked by GB 6d lilac tied by Sidmouth numeral cancellation and both directed ?By French Pkt?. Good pair. PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 152 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? READING TO MALTA DELIVERED IN GREECE; 7 Sep. 1863 env. (top flap missing) addressed to ?Vice Admiral Smart. K.H., Commanding the Mediterranean Fleet, H.M.S. Marlborough, Malta? franked by GB 6d. lilac tied by a Reading duplex d.s. On the reverse is a Malta receiving d.s. for 14 Sep. but Marlborough was in Piraeus where this letter was most likely delivered.PHOTO | £120 | ||
| 153 | SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 6d BROWN ON COVER FROM H.M.S. LORD CLYDE (AT MALTA) TO G.B.; Dec. 1872 env. (filing notes affect address side) to Portsea from "Mr. Farrell" (shown to be Chief Boatswain John Farrell of HMS Lord Clyde; at Malta for decommission ing at this time) franked by GB 6d Brown tied by a v. fine London Foreign Branch "P" vertical oval cancel; the Portsmouth 23 Dec. 1872 backstamp fits exactly with the P&O Columbian;s arrival at Southampton from Malta on 23 Dec. 1872. Good contrast to the Maltese civil P.O.'s continuing usage of G.B. stamps on overseas mail at this date. [Illustrated in NOL, p.35.] PHOTO | £150 | ||
| 154 | INGOING MAIL EX GB ? UNDERCHARGED 6d. COVER VIA FRANCE AND ITALY TO MALTA; 18 Jan. 1875 env. addressed to ?Doctor John R Burke R.N., HMS Swiftsure, Malta? franked by GB 6d. grey Pl. 13 EH tied by Dublin duplex d.s. The rate ?via Italy? was 8d. per 1⁄2oz. so Burke was lucky not to get charged the deficiency and fined 6d. [Illustrated in NOL, p.108.].PHOTO | |||