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Lot# 6001 - Auction 227-233

  • Lot# : 6001 Cape of Good Hope

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    Dutch East India Company 1652: Letter-sheet on watermarked paper endorsed at base "pr. Ship "Walvis, Aan God te bewaren" addressed to "Jan van Rubac, Commander, at Fort de Goode Hope aende Cabo de Bona Esperanca". One of, if not the earliest, of the recorded covers, it was carried by the 'Walvis' which was to have accompanied Van Riebeeck but was delayed. It sailed later with the 'Oliphant' and arrived at the Cape in May 1652, a month after Van Riebeeck's arrival on April 6, 1852, the journey was perilous with 130 passengers and crew being buried at sea. The letter inside has faded and is, sadly, unreadable. Rare and most attractive for such an early cover.rnrnNote: Johan Van Riebeeck was commander at the Cape of Good Hope from 1652-1662, building the initial settlements and planting crops for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) so that ships in transit could call for supplies.rnrnrnrn 
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,500 CHF