The Dave Tarry International Gold Medal Collection of Mauritius Stamps & Postal History, and other Mauritius Properties Auction
153-157 London Rd, Derby DE1 2SY, UK
Lot | EARLY PRESTAMP MAIL, 1754-1829 | Estimate | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 1860-1985 SMALL STOCKBOOK of used with most issues represented inc. QV overprints, Arms types, KEVII and KGV to 10r. Also a good number of mint later issues inc. 1948 RSW 10r x 3. Mostly fine selected examples. (few 100's) | 2 | $100 |
2 | 1866-1944 COVERS/CARDS FROM OVERSEAS TO MAURITIUS inc.7 Sept. 1866 EL from Nantes to Port Louise with a v. fine "1/8d/TO PAY" hs ,12 Sept 1867 env. from Parsonstown "via Southampton" to Mauritius bearing 6d lilac plate 6 and with a fine red "4d1/2d" hs. 1868 mourning env. from Downham (UK) bearing 1d plate 96 (2) and 4d plate 9 pair (clipped at foot) with red "1d" hs below. 1 June 1926 env. from Antigua to Mahurande. 20 Oct. 1870 env. from Singapore to Port Louise with Straits 8c. 8 Dec. 1939 env. registered from Madagascar to Port Louise at 4fr 75c rate with oval "PASSED BY CENSOR/MAURITIUS" hs. An interesting group. (17 items) | $95 | |
3 | c1880-1986 STOCKBOOK OF MINT DUPLICATES in various quantities with most issues and some higher values represented. Includes multiples and miniature sheets, a few complete sets are included. Mostly fine. (few 100s) | 2 | $260 |
4 | 1895-25 COLLECTION INCLUDING COVERS: The mint inc. 1895-99 1c to 18c, 1c to 18c "SPECIMEN", 1900 4c pair with misplaced value tablet. 1921-34 most values with some duplication. Also used inc. 4c purple and carmine (2, with inverted watermarks - SG £150 each). The covers with. 8 Oct 1902 4c on 18c env. registered from Vacaos to Egypt uprated with 1895 3c and 1900-05 4c purple & carmine strip of four. 30 July 1903 env. from Grand River to France bearing on reverse 1900-05 1c and 2c block of six and a single. (c200) | $100 | |
5 | CARTON OF COLLECTORS DUPLICATES ETC.: Untidy accumulation of covers and adhesives inc. covers of all reigns with a few better KGVI and a a quantity of QEII items. The adhesives inc. a good range of used "Arms" types. Some better cancellations are noted. (Qty) | $180 | |
6 | CARTON OF QV TO QEII ISSUES inc. a wide range of adhesives and interesting cancellations accumulated over many years. The majority are fine examples with a small number of mint singles. (few 100s) | 2 | $200 |
7 | 1848-59 USED SELECTION with Barnard worn impression 1d red (4, inc. three with target cancellations) and 2d blue (2, with blank centre oval of bars cancellations). 1859 Dardenne 2d blue shades, three used examples, one touched at left, others with four margins. Good space fillers. Also a 1d Post Office four margined reprint with "Reproduction/Dapries L'original" and "No 800" on reverse. (10) | $220 | |
8 | c1863-1997 UNTIDY GROUP OF ADHESIVES inc. 1863 5/- mauve used (3) and overprinted "CANCELLED" (3). 1926 4c green (3) with "Open C" variety. Also a small number of non Mauritius items. (c70 items) | 2 | $80 |
9 | 1874-1991 DIVERSE SELECTION OF COVERS inc. 1884 env. registered to Russia with 1879-80 8c & 1883 16c on 17c pair. 5 Oct. 1874 env. to Southampton with 1863-73 4d rose & 6d green. 1948 env. from St Denis Reunion to France with on reverse 3fr block of four. 23 Feb. 1894 12c registered env. bearing 15c used to Egypt. 12 Dec. 1906 env. registered to Switzerland with arms type 6c pair & 15c. 29 Nov. 1940 censored env. from Curepipe to Hawaii with a fine oval "PASSED BY CENSOR/MAURITIUS" hs. 26 July 1946 env. from London to U.S.A. with "H.M.S. MAURITIUS" ds. (Small qty) | $110 | |
10 | FRENCH PERIOD - EARLY LETTER TO FRANCE - PRIVATELY CARRIED: Very fine 2nd July 1770 EL (with ms translation) from "Isle de France" (probably written on board the ship 'Massuire'; see contents) privately carried to "Quimperle en Briton en France". The contents include a postscript which suggests that this letter accompanied the effects of the addressee's cousin who had drowned recently. Probably carried by the ship Indiena (Captain Trevant) from Bengal. The writer notes that his recent voyage from France took 3 months & 8 days. Very early overseas letter from the island. Cross Reference: FRANCE, EARLY LETTERS | 2 | $200 |
11 | FRENCH PERIOD - VERY EARLY PORT LOUIS LETTER TO FRANCE - PRIVATELY CARRIED: Fine 9 Feb. 1754 EL (tentative typed transcription & translation included; internal corner torn away with minimal loss of text) sent from "L'Isle de France" to "Port Louise" (sic; the port adjoining L'Orient in Morbihan, Brittany) from a brother to a sister. The hastily written contents appear to state that the writer has just arrived & mentions in one of two French East India Company ships bound from France to China (?); he also mentions having survived a severe storm en route. Further research is required. Extremely early letter; the earliest items in the Ibbotson & Ruffle collections were 1762 & 1790. Exhibition quality. Cross Reference: FRANCE, EARLY LETTERS | 2 | $260 |
12 | FRENCH PERIOD - EARLY LETTER TO FRANCE WITH "COL.PAR/LORIENT" AT 16 DECIMES RATE: Very fine 27 September 1788 EL from "Isle de France" to "Cande, Anjou" having a partly fine "COL.PAR/LORIENT" & ms "16" decimes charge on the front. With interesting contents ref. to the loss of an 18-gun frigate during the voyage via the Cape of Good Hope. Cross Reference: EARLY LETTERS, FRANCE | 2 | $200 |
13 | EARLY BRITISH OCCUPATION - LETTER TO FRANCE WITH "16/ROCHEFORT": 14 Mar. 1811 EL from "Isle de France, Pt. Louis" to Bordeaux (addressee's name inked over) posted on arrival in France with mainly v. fine "16/ROCHEFORT" on the front with ms "2" (?); the filing note states that the letter was received after almost 10 months on 7 Jan. 1812. Unusual letter from a Frenchman on the island during the British occupation period. Cross Reference: FRANCE | 2 | $65 |
14 | EARLY BRITISH OCCUPATION - EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF THE CAPTURE OF REUNION: 20 May 1811 compelling but light-hearted letter (no wrapper) from a lieutenant of the 86th Regiment of Foot in "Isle of France Port Louis" writing to his father on being "obliged to being the first to land and to ascend the High Hill of Bourbon". Detailed recounting of the close-quarters fighting, brushes with death (shot through the hat!) & his eventual wounding by "a musket ball right through the cap of my left knee" on 4 sides of a letter-sheet. Important campaign letter with a graphic account of the action on 9th July 1810.Cross Reference: MILITARY - NAPOLEONIC WAR, REUNION | $130 | |
15 | UNIQUE (?) RED OVAL "POST.FREE/PORT.LOUIS" ON FAILED SOLDIER'S 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER TO GB: 1 Mar. 1814 EL (internal folds reinforced with thin archival tape) from "Islle of Moroutious, Portt Louis" to London endorsed on the reverse for the 1d Soldier's Concession Rate by the sender but not counter signed. On the front is a mainly very fine & very rare "POST.FREE/PORT.LOUIS" beside a mainly fine double oval "Ship Letter/[crown]/DEAL". Charged "2/-" on arrival with a 7 June 1814 London backstamp. This letter was contrary to regulations because it was not counter signed & so the full ship letter postage was charged. Contents appear to be from a missionary & not from a soldier! This is believed to be the only example of this Port Louis "POST.FREE" oval mark - important & spectacular exhibition item. Cross Reference: FREES | 2 | $1,300 |
16 | OVAL "PORT.LOUIS/POST.PAID" ON COVER TO FRANCE WITH "COLONIES PAR/BORDEAUX": Fine 16 Feb. 1816 EL (in French) from "Port Louis, Isle de France" to Bordeaux endorsed "Par le Titus" with mainly fine large oval framed "PORT.LOUIS/POST.PAID" (crossed by light filing fold) on the front partly overstruck by the "COLONIES PAR/BORDEAUX" & ms charged "2" (decimes) on delivery. This PAID mark was the first marking used after the British occupation of December 1810. Cross Reference: FRANCE, FRENCH COLONIES | 2 | $130 |
17 | OVAL "PORT.LOUIS/POST.PAID" ON COVER TO FRANCE - RARE OFFICIAL FREE TO P.O. EMPLOYEE: c.1816 part-wrapper (faults & stains) to Marseilles with partly very fine oval "PORT.LOUIS/POST.PAID" addressed to "M. August D'Hotman EMPE. au Bureau des Post A Marseilles". With no postal charge; rare example of official P.O. mail to France. Intriguingly it has been endorsed on the flap "...Auvoire Deshire(?) la Premiere Envelop ... qu'il la promise a Son ami D'Hotman". Unique item? Cross Reference: OFFICIAL MAIL, FREES | 2 | $65 |
18 | VERY RARE "MAURITIUS/PACKET-LETTER" DATESTAMP ON COVER TO GB FROM FIRST SAILING OF THE PACKET SERVICE: 16 Sep. 1816 EL (in French, some reinforcing with thin archival tape on inner fold) from "Isle Maurice" to London endorsed in red on the front "PR. H.M.S. Amphitrite" with a mainly very fine strike of the extremely rare oval "MAURITIUS/PACKET-LETTER" datestamp (17 Sept., light filing crease) & "10/6" ms charge; reverse with 9 Dec. 1816 London cds. The contents include "The chief of Madagascar, Radama, King of the Hova tribe has just sent two of his brothers to Mr. Farquhar to have them brought up here. They were accompanied by several servants and representatives by two or three other chiefs who presented two dwarves, one male and one female, to the Governor. All this was received to the sound of gunfire and much pomp.". Only a handful of examples of this "MAURITIUS/PACKET-LETTER" datestamp have been recorded, of which this is the only one that was carried on the very first Packet Letter Sailing from Mauritius. Highly Important Exhibition item. [Ex James Ruffle; illustrated in his 'Mauritius Maritime Mail 1815-68' on p.8.] Cross Reference: MADAGASCAR, FRENCH COLONIES | 2 | $1,300 |
19 | OVAL "PORT.LOUIS/POST.PAID" ON COVER TO FRANCE WITH "COLONIES PAR/BORDEAUX": 4 Dec. 1816 E from Port Louis to Bordeaux with fine locally made British oval "PORT.LOUIS/POST.PAID" on the front slightly overstruck by "COLONIES PAR/BORDEAUX" (mostly fine) entry mark. The filing notes show that this letter took 139 days to reach France. Very attractive. [Ex Ibbotson, Phillips, 21 May 1992, lot 8, £300+BP; illustrated p. 11, fig. 4 in 'Mauritius Postal History & Stamps' by Ibbotson]. Cross Reference: FRANCE | 2 | $200 |
20 | 1st-TYPE "PORT LOUIS./UNPAID" ON COVER TO GB WITH "LIVERPOOL/SHIP LETTER": 14 June 1817 unpaid EL (amusing chatty contents about life on the island) from Port Louis to Perth, Scotland with "PORT LOUIS./UNPAID" ("P" somewhat struck off-cover; Proud UP2, p.257; recorded 14/6/1817-1/11/1817) on the front along with ms "1/8" charge and barely visible boxed "LIVERPOOL/SHIP LETTER" (with red Edinburgh 29 Oct. transit cds). Earliest recorded known use for the 1st-Type unpaid mark. Cross Reference: SCOTLAND, LANCASHIRE - LIVERPOOL | 2 | $200 |
Lot | LATER PRESTAMP MAIL, 1830-1849 | Estimate | |
21 | PACKET LETTER TO GB (FORWARDED TO FRANCE) WITH RARE LONDON CROWNED OVAL "INDIA/PACKET LETTER": 4 Dec. 1818 EL from "Ile Maurice" to London & endorsed "Forwarded by Y.[our] O.[bedient] S.[ervants]/S[andermann]. G[ooden]. & F[orster]." - sent by them on to Bordeaux. Front exceptionally having a mostly fine crowned oval "INDIA/PACKET LETTER" ds (Rob. InP2; 1817-8 only) slightly overstruck by "ANGLETERRE" rather than the usual oval "MAURITIUS/PACKET LETTER" ds - perhaps this letter was posted at the last minute in Port Louis so there was no time to datestamp it there, hence the similar London mark? Reverse with London Foreign Branch backstamps. Very unusual usage on a redirected cover. Exhibition Item. Cross Reference: FRANCE, FORWARDING AGENTS | 2 | $500 |
22 | VERY RARE OVAL "MAURITIUS/PACKET-LETTER" DATESTAMP (LATE USAGE) - IN UNUSUAL OILY-BROWN INK - ON COVER TO GB: 10 April 1819 E (some reinforcing on folds within) from "Port Louis" (filing note) to London with very rare, mainly very fine oval ds "MAURITIUS/PACKET-LETTER" (Proud, SL1, p.267; recorded 17/9/1816-10/4/1819) in an unusual oily-brown ink on the front; endorsed "[Per Ship] Magician" with ms "3/6" charge, having a red London backstamp (10 July). Only a handful of examples (probably 4) of this Packet Letter marking have been recorded. Extremely Rare Exhibition Item. | 2 | $1,300 |
23 | 2nd-TYPE "PORT LOUIS/UNPAID" ON COVER TO GB WITH "INDIA LETTER/DEAL": 27 July 1819 unpaid EL (annotated inside as being the "Triplicate" of this letter and naming the ships that took the other two copies - the Lady Carrington & the Cadmus) from "Isle of France" to London "P. Lady Bonnington" with a mostly fine 2nd-Type "PORT LOUIS/UNPAID" mark (Proud: UP3, p.257; 20/1/1819-30/8/1821 usage) in oily-brown ink on the front, along with boxed "INDIA LETTER/DEAL" & ms "1/8" charge. With red London 30 Nov. arrival backstamp. Exhibition Quality. Cross Reference: SHIP LETTERS | 2 | $200 |
24 | OVAL "PORT.LOUIS/POST.PAID" WITH "COLONIES PAR/BORDEAUX" - UNIQUELY ALSO WITH "PORT LOUIS/UNPAID" IN ERROR: Small 18 Sep. 1820 EL (in French) from "Isle de Maurice" to "Surser Ferrer(?), a Carrasse par Orthen, Departement des basse pirenees" with 2nd-Type "PORT LOUIS/UNPAID" presumably struck in error on the front (in oily-brown ink) & overstruck by oval "PORT.LOUIS/POST.PAID" (both fine and in the same ink) along with ms "6" charge & fair "COLONIES PAR/BORDEAUX" mark. Possibly the only recorded example of a letter struck with both of these two early Mauritius handstamps. Cross Reference: FRANCE | 2 | $340 |
25 | 2nd-TYPE "PORT LOUIS/UNPAID" ON COVER TO GB WITH RED BOXED "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH": 30 August 1821 EL (duplicate) from Bombay to London via Mauritius with 2nd-Type "PORT LOUIS/UNPAID" (fair, oily-brown ink; Proud, UP3, p.257; 20/1/1819-30/8/1821 usage) overstruck by red boxed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" on the front along with ms "1/-" charge. Red London arrival backstamp. Last recorded usage of the 2nd-Type unpaid mark. Cross Reference: HAMPSHIRE, SHIP LETTERS | 2 | $130 |
26 | INDIA LETTER/DEAL COVER TO GB WITH NO MAURITIUS MARK AT ALL: 8 Dec 1822 EL (in French, some internal 'magic' sellotape inside) from Port Louis to London (11 Mar. 1823 red backstamp) unusually having only a boxed "INDIA LETTER/DEAL" mark (mostly fine on the front) with ms "1/8" charge (a brief letter asking the addressees to forward an enclosed letter). Presumably handed directly to the ship's Captain. Cross Reference: KENT, SHIP LETTERS | 2 | $48 |
27 | 3rd-TYPE "PORT LOUIS/UNPAID" ON COVER TO GB WITH BOXED "INDIA LETTER/DARTMOUTH": 23 Dec 1822 unpaid EL (two sheets survive) from Port Louis to London (red 31 Mar 1823 backstamp) "p. [ship] Kent" with boxed "INDIA LETTER/DARTMOUTH" hs (fuzzy impression, crease; Proud, UP4, p.257; 23/3/1822-23/12/1822 usage) on the front above a 3rd-Type "PORT LOUIS/UNPAID" in oily-brown ink (mostly fine, crease) plus ms "3/1" charge at the treble 11d letter rate + 4d India letter. Last recorded usage of the 3rd-Type unpaid mark that was in use for only a year. Cross Reference: DEVON, SHIP LETTERS | 2 | $130 |
28 | 1st-TYPE "MAURITIUS/===/POST-OFFICE" ON COVER TO GB WITH BOXED "INDIA LETTER/MARGATE": 26 Nov. 1826 E from Mauritius to Edinburgh with rare 1st-Type "MAURITIUS/===/POST-OFFICE" in oily-brown ink (mostly fine; Proud, PS2, p.231) on the front with deleted ms "1/8" charge & its replacement "2/8" (endorsed "Double" at top). Reverse with red London & Edinburgh cds's (15/17 Mar. 1827) plus fair boxed "INDIA LETTER/MARGATE" hs. This 1st-Type mark has only recorded used in Oct. or Dec. 1826. Cross Reference: KENT, SHIP LETTERS | 2 | $200 |
29 | UNRECORDED(?) "MAURITIUS/===/POST-OFFICE" ON COVER TO SINGAPORE: 3 Oct. 1827 EL (some toning on front) from "Port Louis" to Singapore - rare destination at this early date - endorsed by ship "Hero of Malown" with fine "MAURITIUS/===/POST-OFFICE" (different from the two types illustrated in Proud) on the front; most unusually having no postal rate marked (possibly a consignee's letter?). Exhibition Item. Cross Reference: SINGAPORE | 2 | $200 |
30 | 2nd-TYPE(?) "MAURITIUS/===/POST-OFFICE" ON COVER (EX CANADA?) TO THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF IN CALCUTTA: 12 Nov. 1829 E from "A.W. Cochran" (1792-1849; renowned Canadian lawyer & politician) addressed to his great friend "General The Earl of Dalhousie GCB Commander of the forces Calcutta". Having a mainly very fine "MAURITIUS/===/POST-OFFICE" on the front (very similar to the unrecorded? mark of the previous lot) and a fine red "CALCUTTA/G.P.O." cds (4 June) across the join on the reverse. The addressee was entitled to free postage so there are no postal rates apparent; a very rare example of a early Free Letter sent from Mauritius to India. Initial research suggests that this letter originated in Canada & was carried privately to Mauritius & was posted there - the transit time fits this theory - making it even more exceptional! Free Mail between India and Mauritius prior to 1840 is extremely rare. Cross Reference: INDIA, CANADA, FREES | 2 | $260 |
31 | 2nd-TYPE(?) "MAURITIUS/===/POST-OFFICE" ON COVER TO FRANCE WITH BOXED "PAYS D'OUTREMER/PAR BORDEAUX": 29 Dec. 1829 EL (in French) from "Port Louis Isle Maurice" to Bordeaux "Par l'Europe" with a partly fine "MAURITIUS/===/POST-OFFICE" on the front (filing crease; very similar to the unrecorded? mark of the previous two lots) along with a very fine boxed "PAYS D'OUTREMER/PAR BORDEAUX" (with matching 24 Apr. 1830 cds on the flap) charged "2" decimes on delivery. The contents concern the recent death of "Madame Kebalanec [?]" from an attack of apoplexy. Cross Reference: FRANCE, SHIP LETTERS | 2 | $130 |
32 | LARGE FANCY OVAL "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" ON BATAVIA COVER TO GB POSTED IN MAURITIUS: 19 April 1833 EL (in German) from Batavia to London (14 Sep. red backstamp) "Per John Gaig" via Mauritius with fair large fancy oval "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" (fair; Proud PS4, p.231, 9/5/1831-27/7/1833) on the front along with m/s "3/1" charge. Boxed "DOVER INDIA LETTER" on reverse. Unusual place of origin for a letter posted in Mauritius. Cross Reference: KENT, NETHERLANDS COLONIES | 2 | $130 |
33 | LARGE FANCY OVAL "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" ON "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" FROM MADAGASCAR TO GB: 2 July 1833 EL (tape remnants & a few tone spots on reverse/inside) from a missionary in Antananarivo, Madagascar to "the London Missionary Society" via Mauritius with fine large fancy oval "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" on the front along with boxed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" & ms "1/-" charge. Rare early Madagascar cover. Cross Reference: MADAGASCAR, SHIP LETTERS, HAMPSHIRE | 2 | $200 |
34 | LARGE FANCY OVAL "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" ON "INDIA LETTER/FALMOUTH" FROM MAURITIUS TO GB: 27 July 1833 EL (cross-written family letter with interesting contents; some reinforced internal folds) from Mauritius to Lichfield, Staffordshire with fair large fancy oval "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" on the front along with ms "1/5" charge. 18 Nov. 1833 backstamp & boxed "INDIA LETTER/FALMOUTH" both in red on reverse. Cross Reference: INDIA, CORNWALL, SHIP LETTERS | 2 | $130 |
35 | SMALL OVAL "COL./POST OFFICE/MAURITIUS" ON "LIVERPOOL/INDIA SHIP LR" TO GB: 28 Nov. 1833 EL from Port Louis "P William" to London (10 July 1834 red backstamp) with small oval "COL./POST OFFICE/MAURITIUS" (mostly fine; Proud, UP5, p.257) on the front. Black boxed "LIVERPOOL/INDIA SHIP LR" struck on the join. Small oval COL. mark only recorded used for 8/10/1833 to 15/5/1834. Cross Reference: INDIA, LANCASHIRE - LIVERPOOL | 2 | $130 |
36 | EARLY INGOING MAIL (EX GB/FRANCE?) - "PAID SHIP LETTER/LONDON" TO "MAURITIUS, AFRICA": 3 Jan. 1834 French legal document with 70c tax hs & albino embossed "TIMBRE ROYAL" inside posted in London (possibly originating from France?) to Mauritius. Mostly very fine red "PAID SHIP LETTER/LONDON" on the front along with red ms "1/6" charge & "Double only" endorsement. Attractive usage of this mark to an uncommon destination at this early date. Cross Reference: FRANCE, OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS, LONDON POSTAL HISTORY | 2 | $65 |
37 | SMALL OVAL "COL./POST OFFICE/MAURITIUS" ON PAIR OF NANTES "PAYS D'OUTREMER" COVERS TO BORDEAUX: Pair of 1834 Es (one with reinforcing, other with lower flap removed & address inked out) from Mauritius(?) to Bordeaux (both with 24 June Nantes entry marks; one endorsed "Per Courier de Bourbon") with identical marks inc. small oval "COL./POST OFFICE/MAURITIUS" (one very fine) & boxed "PAYS D'OUTREMER" on the front & Bordeaux backstamps. Scarce pair. (2 covers)Cross Reference: FRANCE | 2 | $100 |
38 | INDIA LETTER PAIR TO GB - ONE ENDORSED "VIA CAPE" WITH RARE MS PORT LOUIS "/3d" CHARGE: 18 Mar. 1837 EL from Port Louis "Via Cape 21/3/27[sic]" to London (16 June 1837 red backstamp) with boxed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" on the front along with ms "1/-" charge. Reverse with very rare "Mauritius/Post Office/21/3/37 /3d" instructional endorsement; the only example recorded by Dave Tarry of this instruction written out in its entirety. 16 Oct. 1837 EL from Port Louis "p Faerie Queen" to London (8 Jan. 1838 backstamp) with black boxed "INDIA LETTER/LIVERPOOL" on the front along with ms "3/1" charge. (2 covers) Cross Reference: INDIA, SHIP LETTERS, HAMPSHIRE | 2 | $200 |
39 | EARLY USAGE 2-RING "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" DATESTAMP IN BLACK ON INDIA LETTER TO GB: 2 April 1838 EL from Mauritius to Edinburgh (20 July backstamp) with boxed "INDIA LETTER/LIVERPOOL" & ms "2/2" on the front. Reverse with 2-ring "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" (fine; Proud, UP6, p.257) which was issued 1st Jan. that year, probably the earliest recorded example. Cross Reference: LANCASHIRE - LIVERPOOL, SHIP LETTERS, INDIA | 2 | $130 |
40 | EARLY USAGE 2-RING "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" DATESTAMP IN RED ON INDIA LETTER TO GB: 19 June 1838 EL (in French; some tone spots) carried by the "Sesostris" from Port Louis to London (2 Oct. backstamp) with ms "1/8" charge on the front. Reverse with red boxed "INDIA LETTER/SOUTHAMPTON" & mostly fine 2-ring "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" datestamp in red; early usage for this cds which was issued at the beginning of that same year. Cross Reference: INDIA, HAMPSHIRE | 2 | $100 |
41 | SIMILAR "INDIA LETTER" PAIR WITH RED CDS TO GB OR FRANCE: 6 July 1838 (posted 14 July) EL carried by "H.M.Brig Zebra" from Port Louis to London (15 Oct. backstamp) with ms "1/-" charge, boxed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" & fair "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" datestamp in red on the front; plus 13 Feb. 1838 EL (in French) from "Maurice" to Bordeaux with fair red "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" datestamp on the front along with ms "32" decimes & "1/6" charges, having various backstamps among which is a scarce "INDIA LETTER/DARTMOUTH" London mark in red (overstruck and across the join; Rob.In3). (2 covers) Cross Reference: INDIA, SHIP LETTERS, DEVON | 2 | $100 |
42 | INGOING MAIL GROUP EX INDIA (INC. 1st PACKET VOYAGE), FRANCE OR GB: 7 Jan. 1848 EL from London and carried by the 'Legere' on the return voyage of the first monthly packet to Mauritius (Oct. backstamp) via Marseilles and unusually India, bearing black boxed "CALCUTTA/1848 Sept [inverted] 5/Bearing" across the join; plus 1848/49 group inc. 1838 (year of cds issue) EL with fine red "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" across the join & without postal rate, and 21 Jan. 1849 EL with early very fine crowned "MAURITIUS/GPO" ds. (6 covers) Cross Reference: INDIA, FRANCE | 2 | $130 |
43 | 1840s "SHIP/PACKET LETTER" GROUP TO/VIA GB INC. "MARGATE/SHIP-LRE", ETC.: 1840-49 group inc. 8 Oct. 1840 part EL from Mauritius "p.Isabella Blyth" to Bordeaux via GB with fair red "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds, 20 Sep. 1848 EL from Port Louis to Bordeaux with a Mauritius Forwarding Agent endorsement in French "C.D[evau]x & Co." & 1849 E (faults) from Port Louis "p Jane Stanley" to London with fine "MARGATE/SHIP-LRE" slightly off the edge. (5 covers) Cross Reference: SHIP LETTERS, FORWARDING AGENTS, FRANCE, KENT | 2 | $130 |
44 | RARE EARLY LETTER TO BELGIUM VIA REUNION WITH RED MAURITIUS CDS & NUMEROUS TRANSIT MARKS: 15 Mar. 1841 EL (in French) from Port Louis to Belgium via Reunion & France with numerous transit marks inc. "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" datestamp in red, black "ST DENIS/ILE BOURBON" cds, fine "FRANCE PAR QUIEVRAIN/BRUXELLES" cds, French orange "T.F" & Belgian red boxed "SR" as well as red oval "DEBOURSE/LIEGE" postage not paid mark among others. Much-travelled and rare early letter to Belgium from Mauritius. [Inc. 1890s map of Belgium & research notes.] Cross Reference: BELGIUM, FRANCE, REUNION | 2 | $110 |
45 | RED "COLONIES/&c.ART.12." WITH BLACK "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" CDS ON COVER TO FRANCE: 19 July 1843 EL (some tone spots within) from "Port Louis, Ile Maurice" to Bordeaux with clear "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds (somewhat doubled strike) on the front along with very fine red boxed "COLONIES/&c.ART.12." accountancy mark, m/s "20" decimes charge & Boulogne entry (with French & British backstamps). Cross Reference: FRANCE | 2 | $200 |
46 | THE RARE GIANT BOXED "MAURITIUS/INWD SHIP POSTAGE PD/INLAND/STEAMER" MARK ON COVER FROM REUNION TO FRANCE: 29 July 1844 EL from "St Denis", Reunion endorsed "Helen via Bombay[...] voie de Maurice" to Marseilles (29 Sep. arrival) with the gigantic & rare boxed "MAURITIUS/INWD SHIP POSTAGE PD/INLAND/STEAMER" mark (fine, struck on join) on the reverse beside fair "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds. "10" decimes charge. Attractive example of this unique mark recorded used for 26/7/1843-20/8/1844 only (Proud, A4, p.251). Cross Reference: REUNION, FRANCE, INSTRUCTIONAL MARKS | 2 | $260 |
47 | THE RARE GIANT BOXED "MAURITIUS/INWD SHIP POSTAGE PD/INLAND/STEAMER" MARK ON COVER FROM REUNION(?) TO FRANCE: 29 Nov. 1844 E from Reunion or Mauritius(?) to Nantes with giant boxed "MAURITIUS/INWD SHIP POSTAGE PD/INLAND/STEAMER" mark (mostly fine) on the reverse beside "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds & French backstamps. Plus 19 Jan. 1844 EL from Mauritius to Bombay & forwarded "Care of [... ...]sche & co/Bombay" ms (not in Rowe) to Bordeaux with fine "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds on reverse, and 1838 duplicate EL from Mauritius to Bordeaux "par 'Bourbon'". (3 covers) Cross Reference: REUNION, INSTRUCTIONAL MARKS | 2 | $200 |
48 | RARE TRIO VIA LONDON TO MADEIRA INC. LONDON RED BOXED "No./Detained/For/Postage": 1844 plus pair of 1848 ELs all from Mauritius to Madeira inc. 24 Oct. 1844 EL (repair on reverse) with "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds beside partly fine scarce red boxed London "No./Detained/For/Postage" on the front along with ms "2/6" & hs "160" charges; plus 24 Nov. 1848 EL carried privately to London & posted there "P. Brazil Packet" at "3/8" rate, and one totally privately carried EL. Very unusual destination from Mauritius. (3 covers) Cross Reference: PORTUGAL, MADEIRA, INSTRUCTIONAL MARKS | $100 | |
49 | RARE M/S "Inw. Ship Postge Pd 4½" ON COVER FROM SHIP AT SEA TO GB "OVERLAND VIA MARSEILLES": 7 Mar. 1845 EL (plus contents; some reinforcing with archival tape within) written at sea & sent 10 Mar. (noted at end of letter) from Mauritius to Dunfermline, Scotland endorsed "Par Bombay & overland via Marseilles" on the front & (uniquely?) "Inw Ship Postge Pd 4½" ms accountancy marking on the reverse. Also having ms "2/3" charge, faint "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds & GB backstamps. Stated by Dave Tarry to be the only recorded example of a ms Accountancy Marking on a letter written at sea and then sent from Mauritius P.O. Cross Reference: ACCOUNTANCY MARKS, FRANCE, INSTRUCTIONAL MARKS | 2 | $200 |
50 | SPECTACULAR COVER TO FRANCE VIA CEYLON WITH INTAGLIO "OVERLAND." PLUS RARE SMALL "MAURITIUS./STR.POSTAGE PAID/INLD. Do/SHIP Do": 26 April 1845 E (reinforced inner fold) from Mauritius "overland [...] via Ceylon" to Bordeaux with "PURIFIE AU LAZARET/MALTA" hs (fine; disinfected in Malta), very fine "OVERLAND." intaglio (Proud, I1, p.262) on the front and fine rare "MAURITIUS./STR.POSTAGE PAID/INLD. Do/SHIP Do" hs (A5, p.253), "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" & Alexandria cds's. Both this intaglio mark & the special 'paid' hs are only recorded for 1845/6 by Proud. Truly attractive cover and a rare combination of marks seldom seen. Cross Reference: DISINFECTED MAIL, MALTA, CEYLON/SRI LANKA | $340 |