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Lot# 4151 - Auction 218-221

  • Lot# : 4151 India

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    1801 (July 10): Entire letter written from Calcutta to Madeira, during the Napoleonic Wars, mailed via London and struck with fine circular FOREIGN OFFICE / 1802 struck in red with manuscript notation on reverse 'Forwarded by Messrs. J. Coutts & Co.' and manuscript prepaid '2/2d.' in red. Thence to Lisbon where struck with fine LISBOA handstamp in black and rated at '280' reis in manuscript, arriving on March 2, 1802. A fine and extremely rare entire to a most unusual destination at this date.rnrnNote: Just prior to this letter being mailed, Spanish Forces, instigated by Napoleonic France, invaded Portugal (May 20, 1801 until June 9, 1801). This short conflict was known as 'The War of the Oranges'. Britain occupied Madeira to protect the islands from falling into French or Spanish hands.rnrn 
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF