The Michael Caswell Collection of 19th Century India Postal History & Stamps
153-157 London Rd, Derby DE1 2SY, UK
| Lot | IMPERFORATE 1a & ½a ISSUES ON INTERNAL COVERS | Estimate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1001 | BARRACKPORE (CALCUTTA) TO LONDON - RARE BLACK OVAL CROWNED "INDIA/PACKET LETTER" DS; 25 Oct. 1818 single-sheet EL from a British Officer (with a PS from a different Officer; saving postage!) in "Barrackpore" to London charged "3/6" (Packet Rate) with no Indian markings but having a mainly fine rare black crowned oval "INDIA/PACKET LETTER" ds (6 May 1819) on the front (red London cds of same date on flap). The PS refers to sending mail "to my Agents, Messrs. Colvins & Bayett, Calcutta". Interesting (part cross-written) contents comparing Madras to Calcutta, the dangers of "Cholera Morbus" ("...it does not give a person time to make his will..."), etc. Cross Reference: INDIA, LONDON POSTAL HISTORY |  2 | $130 |
| 1002 | PRESTAMP/STAMPLESS COVER TO FRANCE, MADEIRA, MAURITIUS, PENANG & U.S.A.; 1829-66 group of ELs from Calcutta (6) or Bombay (2) to France (1850/66 pair inc. fine diamond-framed Bombay "GB/1F66c"), Madeira (1829 c/o London firm), Mauritius (1852/4 trio inc. "Ship Letter" & red boxed "PAID"), Penang (1839 with red boxed Calcutta SHIP LETTER ds) or USA (1837 with black Calcutta SHIP LETTER ds and Boston "SHIP". Scarce group. (8 covers) Cross Reference: MADEIRA, MALAYA - PENANG, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, MAURITIUS |  6 | $130 |
| 1003 | AJMERE/MADRAS/MEERUT/TEZPOORE (WITH GOWAHUTTY) OVAL/BOXED DATESTAMPS ON MAIL TO G.B.; 1831-44 E/ELs all to GB with mainly fine namestamps; 1831 ms-dated oval "MERUT/Pt.Pd." (overstruck by boxed "INDIA LETTER/LONDON"), spectacular 1838 E from "Assam" (mentions Burmese unrest) posted from "TEZPORE" (v. fine black boxed "Paid" - apparently not recorded by Hammond Giles - with ms date/15 as rate) across the join also having fair red boxed "GOWAHUTTY/Paid" (closed tear) with Calcutta ds and fair boxed "INDIA LETTER/EASTBOURNE" (2) all on the reverse, 1838 E (side-flaps removed) with partly fine red boxed "AJMERE/Paid" (part overstruck), and 1844 red boxed "MADRAS/Paid" ds. Good group. (4 covers) Cross Reference: SHIP LETTERS, SUSSEX |  8 | $130 |
| 1004 | RARE INTAGLIO RED 2-RING "PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND/POST OFFICE" MARK ON INDIA LETTER TO G.B.; Attractive 23 Sept. 1835 EL (long interesting family letter) from "Penang" to G.B. (Bath) endorsed "Via Calcutta Pr. Corsair" with an unusually fine (for this red 2-ring Intaglio "PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND/POST OFFICE" mark nicely placed on the top flap with manuscript "24th Septr./35" in the centre, having a very fine boxed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" on the front. Excellent example of this distinctive and short-lived mark (Proud P4; 1826-34). Exhibition Quality. Cross Reference: MALAYA - PENANG, SHIP LETTERS, HAMPSHIRE |  2 | $340 |
| 1005 | VERY RARE "VIA PERSIAN GULPH" (SIC) COVER FROM "BOMBAY" TO G.B. VIA FRANCE; 22 July 1840 EL (trivial faults) from "Bombay" to Liverpool endorsed "Via Persian Gulph & Marseilles" at top left of the address panel and charged "3/6" on arrival (fine red 9 Sept. London transit cds on flap) with a partly fine red oval-framed Bombay "INDIA" on the front. The dates show that it was carried to Bushire on the 'Cleopatra'. Long interesting business contents ref. China, opium and shipping incl. "...beginning of May...the 'Couadjee Family' & 'Sylph' with 2 opium vessels in company were attacked on the coast by three junks & Mandarin boats; the 'Couadjee' alone expended 40 round Shot, besides grape & cannister...". One of only a handful of recorded Persian Gulf route covers and arguably better than the similar May 1840 Calcutta cover (Cavendish's Sept. 2004 "Scott Archer" auction, lot 1017) that sold for £4,830. [The four other Gulf covers that we have auctioned subsequently realised £3,680, £4,370, £3,220 & £4216.] Mail only went by this route in the summer monsoon period and very few voyages were undertaken. This is believed to be from the second to last of all the Persian Gulf route voyages; it was the fastest of all the Gulf Route voyages, taking only 47 days (Basra 11 Aug., Baghdad 18 Aug., and then to Beirut & Alexandria). Important Exhibition item that was discovered unrecognised in a mixed group of loose covers by our describer; as far as we are aware, never offered separately on the open market before.Cross Reference: IRAN/PERSIA |  2 | $1,000 |
| 1006 | STAMPLESS MAIL TO G.B. INC. 2d CONCESSION RATE & RANGE OF BOXED "Paid" MARKS (CANNANORE x 2, ETC.); 1844-58 E/ELs inc. 1848 env. at Soldier's Concession Rate with mainly fine red oval "CAWNPOOR/FREE" ds, 1844 pair with "CANNANORE/Paid" (one overstruck), similar boxed "...Paid" ds of POONAH, SIMLA, BERHAMPORE, ST THO MOUNT & SIALKOTE. Useful group. (13 covers) Cross Reference: MILITARY - PENNY CONCESSION RATES |  8 | $130 |
| 1007 | INGOING/INTERNAL MAIL INC. "PAID AT/LIMERICK", VIA LONDON AGENT EX U.S. & KEDGEREE/SHIP LETTER"; 1836-55 group inc. 1836 EL (reinf. folds) ex Ireland to Calcutta with boxed "PAID AT/LIMERICK" part overstruck by red oval London PAID SHIP LETTER ds, 1844 EL ex "Boston" (US) to Calcutta via "Baring Brothers, London" with "BOMBAY/STR.POSTAGE/INLND. DO", same Bombay ds on 1853 EL ex London, 1840s E ex "Anglesey" (wales) posted in Calcutta (Bearing ds) to Dum Dum, and 1855 env. to Calcutta (bearing SL ds) with fine boxed "KEDGEREE/POST OFFICE/SHIP LETTER". (5 covers) Cross Reference: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, YORKSHIRE, WELSH POSTAL HISTORY |  10 | $100 |
| 1008 | BALANCE OF STAMPLESS MAIL - INTERNAL MAIL WITH VARIED OVAL "PAID"/BOXED "Bearing" TYPES; 1822-71 covers inc. 1822/35 quartet with mainly fine oval "POST PAID" types of Dinapore (interesting EL ref. march, elephants, etc. ex "Camp Puckra"), Calcutta (2 sizes) & Madras (red), plus group of 1842-71 covers with boxed "Bearing" types of Bombay, (2 sizes), "GUJRANWALA" (3 June 1852 in blue - only recorded in this colour by H Giles for May 1852), 1840 EL ex Calcutta to US Ship with oval "KEDGEREE/POST OFFICE" arrival, etc. (13 covers) |  4 | $130 |
| 1009 | FIRST DAY USAGE OF THE 1 ANNA ON 1st OCTOBER 1854 COVER EX HANSI TO MADRAS; 1 Oct. 1854 EL (part of long family letter) with a fine 4m 1854 1a Red (wide even margins all round) tied by an understandably superb (first day of use) dotted diamond cancel. Sent from [J]hansi to "Madras" (a journey of some 986 miles) with a mainly fine red boxed "[H]ANSI/1 OCT 18[54]/Paid" ds nicely placed on the lower flap, beside a v. fine black boxed Madras "AM", and a faint but largely legible red boxed Madras "G.P.O./1[8]54OC11[?]" arrival ds. The contents include; "The Mail....[has] to come via Lulutpore [Lalitpur] at present which takes a day longer". Remarkable - and apparently previously unrecorded - First Day Cover of the 1854 1 Anna. Exhibition Quality. Cross Reference: FIRST DAY COVERS |  2 | $1,000 |
| 1010 | FIRST DAY USAGE OF THE ½ ANNA ON 1st OCTOBER 1854 COVER EX BANGALORE TO SECUNDERABAD; 1 Oct. 1854 mourning env. with a near-4m 1854 1a Red (good margins at left and top, close at right and shaved at foot; small scuff at top; Die 1, A stone, pos. 93) tied by dotted diamond cancel. Sent from Bangalore to Secunderabad (some 354 miles) with mainly fine red boxed "Paid" ds of both P.O.s on the reverse; the Bangalore ds clearly shows the date "...4 October 1", while the Secunderabad ds clearly shows "1854 October" but with no numeral. Very rare 1st-Day Usage of the 1854 ½a Blue on cover. Exhibition Item. Cross Reference: FIRST DAY COVERS |  2 | $650 |
| 1011 | SECOND DAY USAGE OF THE ½ ANNA ON 1st OCTOBER 1854 COVER EX LINGSOOGOOR TO SECUNDERABAD; 2 Oct. 1854 small E with a near-4m 1854 1a Red (tight on 3 sides, shaved at foot; Die 1, A stone, pos. 36) tied by dotted diamond cancel. Sent from "Lingsoogoor" [Lingsugur] to Secunderabad (some 186 miles) with clear Manuscript "Lingsoogoor 2d October 1854" P.O. endorsement on the top flap, also having a mainly fine red Secunderabad "Paid" ds across thew join that clearly shows "1854 October 4". Very rare 2nd-Day Usage of the 1854 ½a Blue on cover. [Some experts consider this to be the First Day of Usage because 1 October was a Sunday.] Exhibition Item. Cross Reference: FIRST DAY COVERS |  2 | $500 |
| 1012 | 1854 ½a BLUE 1st-MONTH USAGE COVER FROM BENARES TO CALCUTTA; 29 Oct. 1854 EL (thin paper; some ink-through) from an Officer in "Secrole, Benares" to a bank in Calcutta (part red cds affected by filing wafer seal) most unusually endorsed "Paid by Stamp" at top left with a fine 4m 1854 ½a Blue (good to wide margins on 3 sides; close at top) tied by a dotted diamond cancel and having an unclear red boxed ".../OCT 29[?] 1854/Paid" ds on the flap, but also clearly dates inside and with the bank's official endorsed red filing hs "Dated [29 Oct]/Receiv'd [3] Nov.". Good example of a rare 1st-month usage of the 1854 Issue and an unusual sender's endorsement. |  2 | $200 |
| 1013 | BROACH - RARE DISTINCTIVE 3-RING "BROACH/[*]/POST OFFICE" INTAGLIO MARK ON 1854 ½a COVER; 3 Dec. 1854 small env. (trivial wear) endorsed "Stamped" and sent from "BARODA" (fine red ms-dated boxed "Paid" ds on the front) to "Broach" with a fine 4m 1854 ½a Blue (good margins all round; huge at right) just tied by a light dotted diamond cancel and having a very fine (for this) rare distinctive Intaglio 3-ring "BROACH/POST OFFICE" undated receiving mark on the reverse. Very rare Intaglio mark, only recorded by Hammond Giles for 1854 (1854 only). Exhibition Item. |  2 | $200 |
| 1014 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1854 USAGES OF THE ½a BLUE ON COVERS; 18 Nov. 1854 small E (faults) with shaved margins ½a tied by dotted diamond and sent from "Ahmednagar" (filing note; with part "Paid" boxed ds with ms "13.11.54") to Bombay; 12 Dec. 1854 (?) EL from ?Surat to Ahmednagar with Die 1 pos. 83 "A3" stone ½a Blue (close to good m) which does not belong; 14 Dec. 1854 E (side-flaps removed) from "POONAH/Paid" (fine boxed dated backstamp) to "Camp Ahmednuggur" with ½a (good to huge margins; Die 1, A stone, pos. 70) tied by light dotted diamond; and 11 Dec. 1854 EL ex "Allahabad" to "Googranwalla" with unclear red boxed ds on reverse and having fine ½a Blue (good to huge margins; Die 1, B stone, pos. 29) tied by dotted diamond and most unusually endorsed "Pd Blue"! Useful group of 1854 usages. (4 covers) |  8 | $200 |
| 1015 | ½a & 1a SINGLE-FRANKING 1855 COVERS EX NYNEETAL OR HYDRABAD WITH DOTTED DIAMOND CANCELS; c.1855 tiny env. (+ contents) to Madras with fair red boxed "HYDRABAD/Paid" and 4m ½a Blue (Die 1, stone ?, group 3) tied by light dotted diamond; plus 25 July 1855 EL to "Kurrachee" with fine 4m 1a Red tied by very fine dotted diamond having a very fine red 2-ring "NYNEETAL/*" cds on the top flap. Attractive pair. [½a ex Dawson.] (2 covers) |  4 | $100 |
| 1016 | ½a FRANKINGS ON EARLY 1855 COVERS EX CALCUTTA (2) OR RAJAMUNDRY WITH DOTTED DIAMOND CANCELS; 12/18 Jan. 1855 env./EL from Calcutta to a local address (fine red 2-ring "RECEIVING HOUSE/No.6[?]" cds on back) or to Bombay with single ½a Blue (4m, fault at right, not tied) or 2 ½a Blues (v. tight 4m, tied to each other); plus 9 Feb. 1855 env. from Rajamundry to Secunderabad with two ½a Blues (4 good to large margins, slight gum stains; Stone A, pos. 30/31, group 6 retouched chignon) having fair red boxed "RAJAMUNDRY/Paid" (rare) and similar Secunderabad ds on reverse. (3 covers) |  6 | $100 |
| 1017 | RARE STRIP OF FOUR ½a ON INTERNAL COVER - ORIGINALLY FORWARDING A LETTER TO AUSTRALIA; 21 Aug. 1855 EL from "Bellary" to Madras (at the 2as ½ to 1 tola rate) with rare ½a Blue Strip of Four (4m all round, tight in places, tiny cut touches frame at bottom left) on the reverse tied by dotted diamonds with a fine red boxed "BELLARY/1855 August 21/Paid" alongside, having Madras boxed "AM" and red boxed "G.P.O." ds nearby. The contents show why this letter was above weight; "Donnellan has given me the enclosed letter to...New Farm, N. Brisban, Sydney, New South Wales, and has asked me to send it to you... by the first ship... [and tell me] the amount you pay for Ship postage that I may recover the same from him...". Rare strip of ½a on non-registered internal cover. Exhibition Quality. Cross Reference: NEW SOUTH WALES, QUEENSLAND |  2 | $200 |
| 1018 | DIFFERENT BARRED DIAMOND CANCELS ON ½a BLUE/INDIGO COVERS EX "GOOJRAT", JAULNAH & BOMBAY; 19 Mar. 1857 env. to Lahore (fair green cds) ex "GOOJRAT/+" (fine red 2-ring cds) with 4m ½a Blue (corner crease) tied by a rare very fine 9-bar barred diamond with lines parallel to long diagonal (Renouf 2d; few known on cover); plus 4 Feb. 1856 & c.1856 envs. ex Bombay/Jaulnah to Surat/Ballapore each with fine ½a (the first a good shade of Indigo, and Die 1, B stone, pos. 23) - both with good to wide margins - tied by 10 or 9 bar regular diamonds. Good trio. (3 covers) |  6 | $130 |
| 1019 | VARIED 'LINED DIAMOND' CANCELS ON ½a (3) OR 1a COVERS EX BOMBAY TO MADRAS (3)/SECUNDERABAD; 1854/5 trio of small envs. with 4m (mostly wide) ½a Blues tied by 9/10/12 barred diamonds all from Bombay to Madras; plus 25 May 1855 larger env. (unusual embossed steam-train device on flap) from Bombay to Secunderabad with 1a Red (4m; v. tight to wide) tied by 9-bar diamond cancel. (4 covers) |  8 | $95 |
| 1020 | BARRED DIAMOND NUMERAL CANCELS ON ½a COVERS EX JAULNAH, MEEAN MEER & UMRITSUR; 8 Feb. 1856 EL from "JAULNAH" (fine red boxed "Paid" ds) to "AHMEDNUGGUR" (mainly fine scarce oval "FREE" arrival ds) with fine 4m ½a Blue (Die 1, B stone, pos.28) tied by v. fine "65" diamond, 14 Sept. 1855 EL from "Umritsur" to Lahore with ½a Pale Blue (Die 1, pos.33; just 4m) tied by fine Meean Meer(?) "164" diamond, and small 4 Mar. 1856 env. ex Sukkur with 4m ½a Blue tied by "172" diamond. Good trio. (3 covers) |  6 | $100 |
| Lot | LATER QV PERIOD POSTAL HISTORY | Estimate | |
| 1021 | BARRED/DOTTED DIAMOND NUMERAL CANCELS ON ½a COVERS EX ALLYGURH, MADRAS & MOONDAH; 20 Jan. 1857 E with fine 4m ½a Blue tied by fine "23" barred diamond, 28 Apr. 1856 E from Madras to Secunderabad unusually endorsed (part across stamps) "Stamped Two Blues" with fine 4m Pair of ½a Blue (Die 1 A stone, pos.91-92) tied by dotted "C/1" diamonds, and 20 Nov. 1857 E (faults) ex Moondah to Surat with near 4m ½a Blue (Die 1, 'group 23' ex rare stone, pos.71; does not belong) with fine 138 barred diamond. (3 covers) |  6 | $80 |
| 1022 | BARRED/DOTTED DIAMOND NUMERAL CANCELS ON COVERS WITH ½a VARIETIES/RETOUCH; June/July 1856 trio of single-franking envs./E from Honore (just 4m Die III D stone, pos.5; dark blue) showing "Blank Space" var. tied by fine "C/27" Honore dotted diamond (boxed ds on back), Lahore (just 4m; same position) showing "Blank space retouched" tied by Lahore barred diamond, and Meerut fine 4m with "Eyeball" variety tied by fair Meerut barred numeral. Rare group. (3 covers) |  6 | $100 |
| 1023 | BARRED/DOTTED DIAMOND NUMERAL CANCELS ON 1a COVERS EX BOMBAY/JAULNAH/ST. THO. MOUNT; 1856/7 env./E/EL; trio ex Bombay to Calcutta with 1a x2 (4m + v. near 4m; Die II, C stone, pos.17+47) tied by fine barred "1" diamond; ex Jaulnah to Hydrabad with 1a (fine 4m) tied by v. fine barred "65" diamond; and ex St. Tho(mas) Mount to Secunderabad with 1a (4m) tied by fine "C/112" dotted diamond. Attractive and scarce group. (3 covers) |  6 | $110 |
| 1024 | 2a GREEN SINGLE-FRANKING LETTER-RATE COVER EX KHANDALA TO BOMBAY WITH "55" BARRED DIAMOND; Fine 8 Feb. 1859 env. ex "KHANDALA" (fair red boxed "Paid" ds on back) to Bombay with single 2as Green (4m but outer frame shaved at bottom right) just tied by a fine Khandala "55" barred diamond cancel. Scarce single-franking of the 2as Green for the internal above ½ tola & up to 1 tola weight band. |  2 | $65 |
| 1025 | REGISTERED COVER WITH FINE STRIP OF FOUR ½a (DIE II) FRANKING EX CALCUTTA TO AMRITSAR; Attractive 17 Mar. 1855 env. (slight edge wear) registered from Calcutta to "Umritsar" with a fine 4m ½a Strip of Four (Die II; C stone) just tied by Calcutta dotted diamond cancels with a mainly fine red boxed "REGD. LETTER NO. [6497]" below matching the 2-ring red "CAL/+G.P.O. +" cds on the reverse. The letter weighed above ½ & up to 1 tola, and the extra 4as Registration Fee was paid separately in cash as per P.O. regulations at this date. Exhibition Item. Cross Reference: REGISTERED MAIL |  2 | $340 |
| 1026 | REGISTERED COVER WITH 4as TIED BY BOMBAY "1" DIAMOND TO SECUNDERABAD; 4(?) Feb. 1857 E (some ink-etching reinforced & small fault at top) registered from Bombay to "Secunderabad" with a fine 4m 4a (cut-to-shape but well wide on each corner) tied by Bombay "1" diamond with a mainly fine red boxed "BOMBAY/Paid" ds and black boxed "REGISTERED/LETTER NO. [137]" nearby, having partly fine matching red "SECUNDERABAD" cds and boxed "1st. D" cds on the reverse. The letter weighed above 1 & up to 2 tolas hence the 4as internal postage, and the extra 4as Registration Fee was paid separately in cash as per P.O. regulations at this date. Cross Reference: REGISTERED MAIL |  2 | $200 |
| 1027 | REGISTERED COVERS WITH 1a SINGLE OR PAIR BY BOMBAY "3" OR "1" DIAMONDS TO LAHORE/CALCUTTA; 6 Mar. 185 EL (in French) registered from Bombay to "Calcutta" with a two 4m 1a Reds (large or tight margins; Die II, C stone, pos. 76+57) tied by light Bombay "1" diamonds with a fair red boxed "BOMBAY/Paid" ds and fine black boxed "REGISTERED/LETTER NO. [189]" nearby; plus small 7 Aug. 1856 env. ex "BOMBAY" (red cds on back with fine boxed "Rg. House/No.2" and matching fair black boxed "REGISTERED/LETTER NO. [243]", having a single 4m 1a Red (slight glue stain; Die 1). The 4as reg. fee was paid in cash separately for both covers, as per P.O. rules at the time. Plus 22 Aug. 1861 Bombay regd. receipt with v. fine boxed "TOO LATE" + mainly fine arch-shaped "BOMBAY P.O./REGISTERED No." ds. (3 items) Cross Reference: REGISTERED MAIL |  3 | $130 |
| 1028 | INDIA USED IN BURMA - 1a RED ON INTERNAL COVER TIED BY TOONGHOO DOTTED DIAMOND CANCEL; 12 Mar. 1855 [?; pencil date on flap] env. (some light edge staining) to "Moulmein" from "Tongnoo" (filing note on front) with Imperf. 1a Red (tight margins on 3 sides; shaved along right edge) tied by fine small dots diamond cancel with partial red "TONGNOO/*POST OFFICE*" cds alongside. Rare 1a-rate internal Burma use from this small P.O. Plus c.1882 env. to Bombay with India 1873 ½a Blue on reverse tied by v. fine scarce "BUSHIRE/B" Duplex. (2 covers)Cross Reference: BURMA |  4 | $340 |
| 1029 | TO G.B. - ½a PAIR ON COVER EX "KURNOOL" VIA "MADRAS & SOUTHAMPTON" CHARGED "1/-" ON DELIVERY; 7 Feb. 1855 env. (slight wrinkles and some edge wear) from Kurnaul to Scotland "[Via] Southampton - Paid to Madras" with ½a Blue Pair (good 4m but touched at bottom left) tied by fine dotted diamonds with fine red boxed "KURNOOL/Paid" ms-dated mark (H. Giles Type 2; only recorded 1840-52 previously) on flap (closed tear) and having a London hs "1/-" (packet Rate) charge-mark on the front. Scarce thus. |  2 | $100 |
| 1030 | TO FRANCE - SPECTACULAR 8as-RATE COVER WITH TWO 2as PAIRS EX CALCUTTA "Per [S.S.] HINDOSTAN"; Very fine 22 Feb. 1855 EL (in English) from Calcutta to Marseilles endorsed "Per Steamer Hindostan" with 2 fine pairs of the scarce 2as Green (4m all round both though the faint outer guide-lines shaved at top right of top pair) all tied by fine Calcutta dotted diamond cancels with red boxed "INDIA PAID" alongside & matching 2-ring "CAL/*G.P.O.*" cds on flap. Excellent example of 8as-rate to Med. ports; charged "10" (decimes) ingoing sea postage on delivery. Exhibition Quality. Cross Reference: FRANCE |  2 | $800 |
| 1031 | TO FRANCE - SPECTACULAR 8as-RATE FRONT WITH 2as STRIP OF FOUR EX CALCUTTA "Per [S.S.] BENTINCK"; Very fine May 1855 FRONT from Calcutta to Marseilles endorsed "Per Stmr. Hindostan" Strip of Four of the scarce 2as Green (4m all round though the faint outer guide-lines shaved in places) tied by fine Calcutta dotted diamond cancels and by red boxed "INDIA PAID". Attractive example of 8as-rate to Med. ports; charged "10" (decimes) ingoing sea postage on delivery. Exhibition Quality. Cross Reference: FRANCE |  2 | $200 |
| 1032 | TO G.B. - NAGPORE COVER WITH 9as FRANKING - TWO 4as (CUT TO SHAPE) PLUS 1a TIED BY DOTTED DIAMONDS; 24 Apr. 1855 small env. FROM "nagpore" (red boxed "Paid" ds on back) to Harrow endorsed (across both 4as) "Via Bombay and Southampton, Nagpore 24th April 1855. Stamped Eleven as." and separately endorsed "All Postage prepaid by Stamps"! There are two 4as neatly cut-to-shape around the frames and a close-cut 1a Red all tied by light dotted diamonds (the 4as also tied by red London tombstone "PAID" ds with v. fine red boxed "INDIA PAID" and ms "1/-" arrival charge. There is a note under the flap; "Take care of our letters to you. Don't lose them, but tie them up together with red tape & keep in yr. Desk" (Presumably mother to schoolboy son!). Attractive. |  2 | $200 |
| 1033 | TO. G.B. - RAJKOTE COVER "VIA SOUTHAMPTON" WITH TWO FINE PAIRS OF ½a BLUES (DIFFERENT SHADES); Fine 5 July 1855 env. from Rajkote (partly fine red boxed "RAJKOTE/ Paid" ds on back) to Epsom "Via Southampton" franked for the internal Indian 2as rate (above ½ to 1 tola) with two fine Pairs of Die 1 (A stone) ½a Blues in very different shades; Deep Blue (good to huge margins all round except touched at top left; pos.77/78) or Pale Blue (good large margins all wound; pos.2/3) all tied by dotted diamond cancels (Deep Blue pair tied by clear indentations) and the Pale Blue pair also tied by the edge of a v. fine red oval-framed Bombay transit "INDIA". Charged "1/-" postage on delivery. Exhibition Quality and Very Rare thus. |  2 | $340 |
| 1034 | TO. G.B. - AURUNGABAD COVER "PAID IN FULL VIA SOUTHAMPTON" WITH TWO 4as + TWO ½a BLUES; Fine 27 July 1855 env. from Aurungabad (mainly fine red boxed "AURUNGABAD/ Paid" ds on back) to Barnet endorsed "Paid in full. Via Southampton" franked for the internal Indian 1a rate (up to ½ tola) with close-cut ½a Blues (2; small margins in places) & two cut-to-shape 4as all tied by mainly fine Aurungabad dotted diamond cancels with fair red boxed "INDIA PAID" alongside overstruck by London red "PAID" transit cds (6 Sept.) with red ms "1/-" rate. Rare franking for this rate. Exhibition Item. |  2 | $200 |
| 1035 | TO. G.B. VIA FRANCE - COVER WITH 1a RED & DISTINCTIVE OVAL "TANJORE/MANARCOODY/TALOOK TAPAL"; 8 Aug. 1855 env. from Manarcoody with very fine large and spectacular red oval-framed "TANJORE/MANARCOODY/TALOOK TAPAL" ms-dated mark on the back (flap can fold up for display) to Kent "Via Marseilles, Inland Postage Paid" franked for the internal Indian 1a rate (up to ½ tola) with close-cut 1a Red tied by a fine dotted diamond, also having a fine red boxed "TANJORE/Paid" ds (12? Aug.) on the back. With faint red "MADRAS/G.P.O." and "1/10" delivery charge on the front. Attractive and a very rare backstamp for an imperf. issues cover. Cross Reference: FRANCE |  2 | $200 |
| 1036 | TO. G.B. - CHERRAPOONJEE COVER "VIA SOUTHAMPTON... STAMPED", WITH 4as PAIR + TWO 1a REDS ; 14 Jan. 1856 env. from Cherrapoonjee (partly fine red undated 2-ring "CHERRAPOONJEE/+P.O.+" cds on back) to Devon endorsed "Via Calcutta & Southampton, Steamer Postage Stamped" franked for the internal Indian 2as rate (above ½ & up to 1 tola) with close-cut 1a Blues (2; small margins in places) & a Pair of cut-to-shape 4as all tied/cancelled by light dotted diamonds and additionally all endorsed "Stamped" by the sender. With mainly fine red boxed "INDIA PAID" on the front and red London red "PAID" transit cds (7 Mar.) with red ms "1/-" rate. Rare franking from this small P.O. Exhibition Item. |  2 | $200 |
| 1037 | TO. G.B. - MADRAS COVER "VIA SOUTHAMPTON" FOUR DIE III ½a BLUES TIED BY DOTTED DIAMONDS; 9/10 July 1856 E (some wrinkling and flap glued down) from "Madras Roads" (filing note inside) to Liverpool "Pr Southampton" franked for the internal Indian 2as rate (above ½ to 1 tola) with Four Die III ½a Blues (pos. 2, 48, 26 & 40; mainly clear margins with some slight rubbing at top) all kindly tied by Madras dotted diamond cancels. With fair red boxed "MADRAS/G.P.O." ds and matching fair crescent-framed "INDIA PAID" alongside plus London red "PAID" transit cds (19 June) with red ms "1/-" rate. Attractive franking for this rate. Exhibition Item. |  2 | $200 |
| 1038 | TO G.B. - SINGLE 4as COVERS EX BELLARY/BOMBAY/LAHORE WITH DIFFERENT DIAMOND CANCELS; 1856/8 trio of envs. ex Bellary/Bombay/Lahore to G.B. each with well-tied cut-square or cut-to-shape (2) single 4as tied by mainly very fine "C/18" dotted, "1" barred or "101"(?) barred diamonds, all having "INDIA PAID" types. Good trio. [Plus June 1856 E ex "Meerut" with ½a that does not belong & 10 Aug. 1859 EL ex Simla with stamps removed.] Good trio of 4as covers. (5 covers) |  4 | $200 |
| 1039 | INGOING QV STAMPED COVERS EX G.B. ALL AT DIFFERENT RATES (1/-, 1/1d, 8d, 9d, 10d & 1½d PC); 1853/92 covers + 1 PC inc. 1853 1/- Embossed ex Winchfield (Hants.), 1868 4d+6d ex Dawlish, 1870 1/- +1d ex London, 1871 9d Bistre (marginal inscr., faults; ex Neath), 8d Orange [ex Hawick] & 1892 ½d PC with 1d Lilac. Good variety. (6 items) Cross Reference: OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS, WELSH POSTAL HISTORY, HAMPSHIRE, SCOTLAND |  12 | $130 |
| 1040 | SPECTACULAR INGOING G.B. QV COVER REDIRECTED WITH INDIAN STAMPS EX CALCUTTA; Colourful 8 Jan. 1862 env. (with red banner "VIA MARSEILLES" imprint at top left; reduced at left & opened out) from Edinburgh to Calcutta with 6d Lilac (wing m.) + 3x1d Red 'stars' tied b fine duplexes; redirected on arrival in Calcutta with India 2a Orange + 4a Black tied by mainly fine Calcutta duplex with large part double-oval "[FOR]WARDED BY/CALCUTTA/[GORDO]N, STUART & Co." (not recorded by Rowe) on the front. Rare thus.Cross Reference: OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS, SCOTLAND, REDIRECTED MAIL |  2 | $100 |
| Lot | 1854 PROOFS, ESSAYS & REPRINTS | Estimate | |
| 1041 | CROWN COLONY PERIOD INTERNAL MAIL - REGISTERED, TPOs, P. STATIONERY, POSTAGE DUE, ETC.; 1857-77 covers (majority with single ½a Blues) with a wide variety of cancellations with some p. stat.; inc. 1858-77 regd. mail with 1872 ex Bombay with ½a+4a to Oonja but with boxed "REFUSED" + 1858 EX Mahableshwar with boxed "REGD. No." (3 covers + large piece), some TPO cancels (e.g. v. fine 1871 "SOUTH EAST RAILWAY/1st/SECTION/2nd SET/SORTING OFFICE" on ½a & "1 SECT. 1/S.E. LINE" cds on 1a) & transit marks, c.1863 E with unusual 3as franking ex Cochin (8pi x3 + 1a), 1858 Futtyghur to Simla with 1a and v. fine boxed "INSUFFICIENT", etc. (25 covers + 1 piece) Cross Reference: RAILWAY MAIL, POSTAL STATIONERY, POSTAGE DUE STAMPS & COVERS, REGISTERED MAIL |  6 | $110 |
| 1042 | MAIL TO G.B. INC. VARIED FRANKINGS (3-COLOUR, BLOCK OF 7, ETC.), TOWNS, ROUTES & RATES; 1860-74 covers inc. 1866 Cochin to London with ½a Block of 7 on reverse tied by diamond grid cancels (redirected in London with hs "1" in black), 1869 ex Cawnpore with 3-colour 8a 8pi rate via France (4a + 2a x2 + 8pi; fine blue TPO backstamp), blue 1873 Darjeeling duplex, 1873 Cananore duplex, 1860/74 with different diamond numerals, and 1868/72 trio with blue Calcutta "B/1" octagons. (10 covers) Cross Reference: LONDON POSTAL HISTORY, POSTAGE DUE MARKS, REDIRECTED MAIL |  9 | $100 |
| 1043 | MILITARY MAIL - 8pi CONCESSION RATE COVERS TO G.B. EX AGRA/CANNANORE/MEEAN MEER; 1861, 1868 & 1872 envs. all to G.B. and headed & countersigned for the Concession Rate for Private/Serjeant/Gunner and each with 8pi Lilac (SG 52 shades or SG 56) tied by duplexes or dotted diamond - the 1868 cover ex Cannanore with fine red framed serpentine "TOO LATE" on reverse. Good trio. (3 covers) Cross Reference: MILITARY - PENNY CONCESSION RATES |  6 | $100 |
| 1044 | TO G.B. - RARE 3-COLOUR FRANKING COVER EX CALCUTTA TO DUBLIN WITH "EXPRESS LETTER..." OCTAGON; 24 Sept. 1867 env. (minor edge wear) Calcutta to Dublin at the 10as 8pi express rate (via Southampton) with 2as, 4as & 8pi tied by mainly fine blue 'B/1' octagons and with very fine octagonal "EXPRESS LETTER/GPO/CALCUTTA" ds & matching 2-ring "CALCUTTA/INDIA PAID" cds on the reverse with "H&K PACT" transit cds. This octagonal Express ds has only been recorded from 19 July 1867 to 24 Nov. 1868. Exhibition Item.Cross Reference: EXPRESS MAIL |  2 | $130 |
| 1045 | TO U.S.A. + TO MAURITIUS - 4-COLOUR FRANKING VIA G.B., "6d/TO PAY" MARK, ETC.; Attractive 1 Aug. 1862 EL from Calcutta to New York "Via Bombay & Marseilles" with 4-colour franking (8a + 2a + 1a with crease + ½a) tied by two small duplexes with red London cds (10 Sept.) + red hs "16/CENTS" & NY "5/Am. PKt." (23 Sept.) cds on the front. Plus 1860/4 ELs pair ex Calcutta to Mauritius - cash-paid Pr Nubia (toned & weak folds) or with 2x 1a tied by part blue "B/1" octagons and v. fine Port Louis hs "6d/TO PAY" (some neatly reinforced folds). (3 covers) Cross Reference: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TRANSATLANTIC MAIL, MAURITIUS |  6 | $100 |
| 1046 | TO ITALY - RARE 3-COLOUR FRANKING COVER EX CALCUTTA TO GENOA WITH "EXPRESS LETTER..." OCTAGON; 24 July 1868 EL (some minor reinforcing of folds) from Calcutta to "Genova"at the 13as express rate endorsed "P. Overland Express Via Bombay" with 1a, 4as & 8pi tied by mainly fine blue 'B/1' octagons & faint sender's cachets; with fine octagonal "EXPRESS LETTER/GPO/CALCUTTA" ds (partly overstruck by boxed "PIROSCAFI/POSTALI/ITALIANI") with 2-ring "CALCUTTA/INDIA PAID" cds all on the reverse. This octagonal Express ds has only been recorded from 19 July 1867 to 24 Nov. 1868. Exhibition Item. [Ex Robert Johnson, Cavendish 9 June 2006, lot 1484; realised £320+BP.] Cross Reference: ITALY, EXPRESS MAIL |  2 | $200 |
| 1047 | TO ITALY - VIA EGYPT (INC. ALEXANDRIA BRITISH P.O. OVAL "P-D.") - EX CALCUTTA TO GENOA/NAPLES; Fine 7 Dec. 1869 E from Calcutta to "Genova" with 8pi + 8as tied by blue "B/1" octagons and a sender's cachet, endorsed "Overland Via Bombay" & "Via Alexandria & Brindisi" and so with a very fine Christmas Day British P.O. "ALEXANDRIA" cds on the front beside that P.O.s v. fine red oval-framed "P-D." mark. Plus 7 Feb. 1881 E ex Calcutta to Naples "via Brindisi" with 1a+2as tied by v. fine duplex (and sender's oval cachet) with SEA/POST OFFICE/D." cds on reverse. Good pair. (2 covers) Cross Reference: ITALY, EGYPT |  4 | $100 |
| 1048 | TO FRANCE/GERMANY - ALL DIFFERENT RATES/FRANKINGS EX BOMBAY, CALCUTTA (2) OR KARACHI; 1873/4 EL/E pair ex Calcutta/Bombay to Bordeaux "Via Brindisi" with 6a 8pi(2)+4as or 1a+8as(2) frankings tied by blue "B/1" octagons or small barred diamonds and both with red 2-ring "POSS. ANG. V. BRIND/A MOD." cds on the front (latter also with "BOMBAY PIER" & "SEA/POST OFFICE" cds on back); plus 18 June 1872 E ex Calcutta to Germany "Via Bombay & Italy" with 8as(2) + 2as tied by sender's cachet but also by unusual blue geometric (cork?) cancels and with a red boxed "INSUFFICIENT" on the front (endorsed "above ½oz" on flap with cancelled red Calcutta Paid cds replaced by blue "UNPAID" duplex alongside, and 1885 env. ex Karachi to Paris with 4as+2as. Scarce group. (4 covers) Cross Reference: FRANCE, GERMANY, POSTAGE DUE STAMPS & COVERS |  8 | $110 |
| 1049 | BALANCE OF THE QV STAMPED MAIL - RAILWAY, MILITARY, POSTAL STATIONERY (INC. TO MAURITIUS), ETC.; 1875-1901 covers/cards inc. wide range of used QV p. stat. (inc. 1a uprated with 2as to Mauritius ex "RANDER", 1900 usage of B.E.A. "SPECIMEN" o.p. ½a "REPLY" PC ex "KALKA-RY. STN", fine blue "WALTAIR/1st DY" double-arcs cds backstamp, and 1894/6/8 fine trio of 1a or 9pi Concession Rate envs. to GB, etc.), 1896/7 pair regd. to Belgium, 1883 to GB ex Kamptee with yellow "Inland Postal Notes" advert label tied by boxed "TOO LATE", etc. (44 covers/cards) Cross Reference: RAILWAY MAIL, MILITARY - PENNY CONCESSION RATES, REGISTERED MAIL, MAURITIUS |  7 | $100 |
| 1050 | 20th CENTURY INDIA MISCELLANY + WORLDWIDE MIX INC. "COVE/SHIP LETTER", PORTUGAL IMPERF. COVER, ETC.; Curious mix with c.1905-45 group of India KEVII/KGV covers/cards (35) inc. many p. stat., some railways, 3 WWI/II, etc.; plus seemingly unrelated bundle of c.1821-1938 Worldwide PH (18) inc. 1846 E ex Mauritius to France with "COLONIES/&c ART.12" and "COVE/SHIP LETTER", Portugal 1860 E to France with fine imperf. 25r tied by Lisbon dotted "1", 1858 stampless E ex Mauritius to France, a few GB prestamp/QV, etc. (plus 3 modern). (53 covers/cards) Cross Reference: PORTUGAL, RAILWAY MAIL, YORKSHIRE, MAURITIUS |  6 | $80 |
