tradition and experience in classic philately since 1919

Lot# 1869 - 196-201 Auction

  • Lot# : 1869 Australia

    1 / 1
    Download main picture Share
    Ceylon 1837 (June 28): Entire letter from Colombo to James Charles White at Port Stephens, New South Wales endorsed 'per Trincomalee' at top, struck on despatch with superb framed COLOMBO / POST PAID Shield handstamp in black with partial Crown, with, at left equally fine Crowned GENERAL POST OFFICE / SYDNEY (Sept 6) in black. Carried by Naval Ship 'HMS Conway' and charged 1/4 d. for double Ship Letter (8d.) and double Intercolonial letter (8d.) in manuscript on front. Slight aging at base but a remarkably attractive and scarce entire.

    Note: The addressee, James Charles White, had a chequrered career in Australia from 1830. He fought a duel against a fellow magistrate and refused to return his opponent's fire as he had been drinking all night and was not 'fair game'. He died on October 28, 1894 in the wreck of the New Zealand bound Steamer 'Wairarapa' which struck Great Barrier Island with the loss of 124 lives.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold