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Lot# 6161 - Auction 244-249

  • Lot# : 6161 Natal

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    1895: British Inland Mail. Covers carried on the 'Donald Currie' Line of Steamers from Vatomandry, Madagascar during the French Fleet's blockade of Tamatave. Combination covers (2) from Antananarivo to the Deutsche Bank in London, the earlier cover franked by British Inland Mail January 1895 rouletted 4 d. black on laid paper tied by BRITISH / MAIL / ANTANANARIVO cds in violet (June 12) with Natal 1891 2½ d. bright blue tied by Durban cds (July 30). Second cover, sent as a duplicate to ensure delivery, franked by March 1895 4 d. rose, perf. 12, cancelled by BRITISH / MAIL / ANTANANARIVO thimble cds in violet (July 9), with Natal 1891 2½ d. bright blue applied for onward transmission and tied by 'Durban' cds (July 30) in black. Reverse of each with London (Aug 26) arrival cds in red. Exceptional quality and a very rare matching pair: the service was only in use from January to 30 September 1895.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,800 CHF