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Malta

Catalogue 267: BRITISH POST OFFICES ABROAD - The DUBOIS collection (part II)
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  • Lot# : 4258 Malta

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    1856: Cover probably mailed either from the Crimea or, more likely from Constantinople and addressed to London; franked by 1855 1 d. red-brown, wmk. Small Crown perf. 14 and 2 d. blue pl. 4, single example lettered PD and a horizontal strip of four OD-OG all cancelled by ink manuscript from the Crimea/Constantinople to London. Reverse with Malta double arc cds in black (Jan) and London arrival (Jan 21, 1856 but faint strike) in red alongside embossed flap reading "Soyez Ferme" (Be Steadfast) with Dragon vignette of the Hyde family. One 2 d. with small fault but a wonderful and extremely rare cover.rnNote: Robson Lowe article accompanies the lot stating January 1855, we however feel the date of the letter to be 1856. The letter was correctly franked with 11d. for the British Packet letter rate to Britain and handed directly to the packet at Constantinople leaving for Malta. The Contract packet employed in conveying the Mails did not, in 1856, have their own numeral cancellator on board, the Mail officer cancelled the adhesives with a wavy pen stroke. Unfortunately the letter missed the P.&O. packet  'ALMA'  at Malta (9 January 1856) en route from Alexandria to Southampton by one day. In order not to wait two weeks for the next P.&O. packet leaving Malta for Southampton, the letter was mailed on from Malta on 10 January 1856  by 'Closed Mail' via Marseilles by French Packet which required 1s. 9d. postage. The 11d. prepaid was not accepted as part payment when conveyed by French Packet (Moubray states "Underpaid: As unpaid"), and therefore taxed as unpaid with '1/9' in black ink to be paid by the recipient on delivery in London.    rnAnother cover dated 31 July 1855 which may confirm the practise of pen-cancelling late letters directly handed to the Mail packet is recorded bearing POST OFFICE BRITISH ARMY (code 'B' / Balaklava) datestamp on reverse addressed to Gibraltar. The five 1d. adhesives are also pen-cancelled (on board the Mail Packet from Constantinople?) and charged additional 5d. for the deficient amount for a letter by British Packet to Gibraltar. The address on both pen-cancelled letters may or may not be from the same sender. Copy with the lot.rnWe do concur that the address to the Union Bank of London, 4 Pall Mall, London with "A & N Club" at lower left was probably a request from the writer to the Bank to pay his annual dues for membership of the Army & Navy Club.rnrnProvenance: Collection T.V. Roberts, RL, London, 26 April 1989, lot 2164.rn 
    Starting bid : 3,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 4296 Malta

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    1855 (April 9): France 1853 20 c. blue imperforate, used example with large margins all round tied to 1855 cover from Malta to Blois, France by large part "MALTA" double arc datestamp in black (April 9) with repeated strike above displaying well on reverse flap. 'Poss. Angl. / Marseille' entry marking in red (April 15) and reverse with Paris and Blois cds's in black. An extraordinary usage - the sole such recorded on a French adhesive.rnProvenance: Collection Plastiras Foster, Jamet, Paris, 26 March 1990, lot 141; Lugdunum, Lyon, 9 Dec 2002, lot 231.rnNote: The British Administration of the Malta Post Office commenced, somewhat unsuccessfully from late August 1857. Prior to this date all letters posted with adhesive stamps in Malta were those carried there by the sender.rn 
    Starting bid : 3,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,500.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4297 Malta

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    1883 (June 20): Great Britain 1881 2½ d. blue pl. 23, the famous single example used on 1883 cover from Malta to Vizzini, Sicily boldly tied by double arc "MALTA" datestamp (June 20) in black. Reverse with Siracusa cds (June 22) and Vizzini arrival (June 23). One or two closed opening tears at top of no significance, this being the sole recorded usage of this datestamp as a cancellation device. Mentioned in Parmenter & Gordon on page 1/15. An exhibition item and stunningly attractive.rnProvenance: Collection André Bollen, Köhler, Wiesbaden, 8 Feb 1983, lot 145; Collection 'De Boer', Corinphila sale 100, Zurich, 16-21 June 1997, lot 4780.
    Starting bid : 5,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,000.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4298 Malta

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    1856 (April 23): France 1853 20 c. blue imperforate, used example with ragged but near complete margins all round, on 1856 entire letter written from Malta to Paris tied by superb strike of the Malta "Wavy Lines" handstamp applied at Valletta in black. Double arc despatch datestamp (April 23) displaying well on the reverse in black, 'Poss. Angl. / Marseille' entry marking in red (April 28) and Paris arrival (April 29) on reverse. Taxed as unpaid with '8' décimes charge marking, double the correct 40 centimes rate and not taking into account the prepayment. One of the the most important items of Maltese, French and Mediterranean Postal History. A wonderful and extremely rare entire, the sole recorded usage of this handstamp on an adhesive of any country other than Great Britain and a unique usage on letter. Cert. J. Robineau & V. Pothion.rnNote: The British Administration of the Malta Post Office commenced, somewhat unsuccessfully from late August 1857. Prior to this date all letters posted with adhesive stamps in Malta were those carried there by the sender.rnProvenance: Collection Dubus, Druout, Paris, 6-7 Oct 1988, lot 179.
    Starting bid : 17,500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 4299 Malta

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    1855 (Oct 7): Great Britain 1855 1 d. red-brown, wmk. Large Crown, perf. 14, lettered MD, a single example tied by fine strike of the Malta "Wavy Lines" handstamp applied at Valletta in black to Soldier's concessionary rate cover to Bedford, endorsed at top "From No. 4857 Pte. Wm. Roe, 57th K.O.L.I" (King's Own Light Infantry - the "Die Hards") and countersigned by Commanding Offficer at left. Reverse with double arc MALTA datestamp of despatch (Oct 7) in black, London transit in red and Bedford arrival in green (Oct 25). Two examples are known of this Soldier's Letter usage (the other ex Alcock), this being undoubtedly the finer. A dramatic and famous cover. Cert. RPSL (1963).rnProvenance: Collection Grant Glassco, RL, London, 25-27 Nov 1969, lot 1180; RL, Basel, 25 Oct 1977, lot 31; Collection Dr. Gordon Latto, Phillips, London, 28 Oct 1993, lot 87.
    Starting bid : 6,500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 19,000.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4300 Malta

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    1856 (Feb): Great Britain 1855 2 d., wmk. Large Crown, perf. 14, plate 5, lettered EA, a single example tied by good strike of the Malta "Wavy Lines" handstamp applied at Valletta in black to Sailor's concessionary rate cover to Chatham, Kent endorsed at top "From George Francis, Seaman / HMS Viper, Malta" and countersigned by his Commanding Officer "H.R.Harris" below; the reverse with London cds (Feb 20) and double arc Chatham arrival (Feb 21) struck in blue. A great rarity - the 2 d. adhesive is listed but unpriced by Stanley Gibbons, this being the sole recorded example used on letter, being used to pay the concessionary rate and the Captain's gratuity. Wonderful and unique.rnProvenance: Robson Lowe, Geneva, 30 April 1976, lot 1029.
    Starting bid : 15,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 15,000.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4301 Malta

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    1855 (July 3): Great Britain 1847 Embossed 1 s. green, a single example with large margins on three sides and barely shaved at left, used with 1855 1 d. red-brown, Die II, wmk. Large Crown, perf. 16 lettered RI, each tied by the superb strikes of the Malta "Wavy Lines" handstamp applied at Valletta in black to 1855 cover endorsed 'via Marseilles' and mailed to Market Harborough. Carried by French Packet at rate of 1/1d. for a letter under ½ ounce. Reverse with double arc MALTA despatch cds (July 3) in black, London transit cds in red and 'Market Harbough' arrival cds in green (July 10). Small imperfections of absolutely no significance. One of the the most important items of both Maltese and Mediterranean Postal History. A stunning cover of great rarity. Unique.rnProvenance: Plumridges, London, 1 Nov 1917; Article by Bertram McGowan in 'The British Philatelist', April 1930, page 12; Exhibited at the Royal Jubilee Exhibition, Royal Philatelic Society, London, 1935; Collection H.A. Cann, Harmers, London, 15 June 1970, lot 3; Collection Francisco, Christie's, London, 22 March 1989, lot 2093.
    Starting bid : 20,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 20,000.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4302 Malta

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    1858 (Feb 1): Great Britain 1855 1 d. red-brown on blued, Die II, wmk. Large Crown perf. 14 and 2 d. blue wmk. Large Crown, perf. 14, pl. 5 used on 1858 cover from Malta to Rome tied by "M" obliterators in black with fair only 'P.' in red and fine VIA DI MARE in red alongside and rated '24' bajocchi to pay upon receipt (Feb 11). Two cover bends away from the adhesives but an attractive cover.
    Starting bid : 150.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 480.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4303 Malta

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    1858 (March 20): Great Britain 1855 1 d. red-brown on blued, wmk. Large Crown, perf. 14 and rare 1854 2 d. blue, wmk. Small Crown, perf. 16, pl. 4 in two  vertical pairs (MI/NI and OJ/PJ), used on 1858 cover from Malta to Rear Admiral Robert Smart in London endorsed 'Royal Albert' tied by five strikes of the "M" obliterator, paying the 9d. rate via Marseilles for an under ¼ ounce letter. Reverse with doube ring 'MALTA / PAID' despatch in red (March 20) and London arrival (March 26) in red. Lower pair over the edge of the base of envelope but most attractive and extremely rare.rnProvenance: Collection E.E. Yates, RL, London, 31 July-1 Aug 1940, lot 585; Harmers, London, 27 Oct 1941, lot 14; Collection Edward Tresoldi Granger, Harmers, London, 26-27 Jan 1959, lot 4; Collection H.A. Cann, Harmers, London, 15 June 1970, lot 19; Collection Francisco, Christie's, London, 22 March 1989, lot 2163.rnrn 
    Starting bid : 1,500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4304 Malta

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    1857 (Nov 27): Great Britain 1857 1 d. red star, perf. 14 and 1857 4 d. rose in a horizontal pair used on 1857 cover from Malta to Newbury, Berks., endorsed 'Paid 9d. via Marseilles', tied by three fine strikes of the "M" obliterator with reverse showing double arc 'Malta' in black (Nov 27), London cds in red and 'Newbury' arrival cds in blue (Dec 3). Small closed tear in flap otherwise fine.
    Starting bid : 120.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 240.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4305 Malta

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    1858 (Jan 9): Great Britain 1857 1 d. red star, perf. 14, 1857 4 d. rose in a horizontal pair and 1856 1 s. green used on 1858 cover from Malta to Edinburgh at 1/9 d. rate for between ¾ oz. to 1 ounce rate, all tied by four bold strikes of the "M" obliterator. 'London / Paid' cds in red of transit at left (Jan 14) and reverse with seal renoved and faint double arc 'Malta' cds (Jan 9) and Edinburgh (Jan 15) arrival. Slight crease and perforations slightly off the edge of the cover but a rare and appealing three colour franking.
    Starting bid : 250.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 600.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4306 Malta

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    1858 (Dec 18): Great Britain 1858 2 d. blue pl. 7, a horizontal pair used on 1858 cover from Malta addressed to "HMS Wanderer" care of the British Consul in Constantinople, tied by two strikes of thee "M" obliterator with 'British Post Office / Constantinople' arrival cds on reverse (Dec 27) in red. Flap missing but an attractive cover.rnrn 
    Starting bid : 120.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 360.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4307 Malta

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    1859 (Jan 15): Great Britain 1856 6 d. lilac used on 1859 cover to Naples tied by "M" obliterator with Maltese oval "P." in red, reverse with single ring 'Malta' despatch cds (Jan 15) in red. Naples scrolled arrival handstamp in red and rated '31' grana to pay. A fine cover.
    Starting bid : 100.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 240.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4308 Malta

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    1879 (May 28): Great Britain 1870 ½ d. pl. 13 used on unsealed Printed Matter rate cover from Malta to Livorno tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (May 28), reverse with Siracusa transit (May 30) and Livorno arrival (June 1). A fresh and fine cover.
    Starting bid : 150.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 320.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4309 Malta

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    1879 (March 4): Great Britain 1870 ½ d. rose-red pl. 15, a single and a block of four used on 1879 cover from Malta tied by two strikes of the horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (March 4) with London arrival on reverse (March 12). A few wrinkles to the envelope but a charming and scarce usage.
    Starting bid : 200.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 340.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4310 Malta

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    1864 (March 1): Great Britain 1857 1 d. red star, wmk. Large Crown, perf. 14, two horizontal strips of three lettered NG-NI and OG-OI, used on 1864 cover to York endorsed "At Sea March 1st." and "via Marseilles", tied by three strikes of the horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex with octagonal framed "MALTA / MB" Mobile Box datestamp below (March 2) in black. 'London / Paid' transit in red on front and reverse with York arrival cds (March 8). A delightful and rare cover.
    Starting bid : 600.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 600.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4311 Malta

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    1862 (Feb 14): Great Britain 1857 1 d. red star, wmk. Large Crown, perf. 14, tied to 1862 outer wrapper of Prices Current used from Malta to Alexandria by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Feb 14). A very rare stamp, especially so on letter. Ex collection Lloyd-Lowles.
    Starting bid : 400.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 420.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4312 Malta

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    1874 (Dec 29): Great Britain 1864/79 1 d. red pl. 173, two horizontal pairs used on 1874 entire letter from Malta to Corfu, Ionian Islands endorsed 'via Brindisi' tied by three strikes of the horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Dec 29). Underpaid and struck with straight line INSUFFICIENTLY-PREPAID handstamp in black (later than the recorded use in Parmenter & Gordon page 1/16) and struck with '12½' credit mark to Italy in black above. Reverse with datestamps of Siracusa, Messina and Brindisi (Jan 2, 1875). Taxed on arrival at full rate of 65 lepta from Brindisi with Greek Large Hermes 1872/75 5 l. green on greenish, 20 l. deep blue and 40 l. pale rose on blued tied in black. A rare cover.
    Starting bid : 1,250.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,800.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4313 Malta

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    1879 (Feb 3): Great Britain 1864/79 1 d. red pl. 195 and 1876/79 2½ d. rosy mauve pl. 13 used on 1879 cover from Malta to London each tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Feb 3). Struck at right with the rare circular "F.L." in black - the transposed LATE FEE marking (unlisted by Parmenter & Gordon) borne out by the additional 1 d. paid above the normal UPU rate. A rare cover.rnProvenance: Collection Francisco, Christie's, London, 22 March 1989, lot 2250.
    Starting bid : 300.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 600.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4314 Malta

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    1869 (Nov 16): Great Britain 1864/79 1 d. red pl. 124, 1865 4 d. vermilion pl. 11 and 1867 6 d. violet pl. 8 used on 1869 entire letter from Malta to New York endorsed 'via Southampton' tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Nov 17) with 'London / Paid' transit cds (Nov 27) and carried on the Cunard Steamer 'Cuba'. Red '2 / Cents' credit marking under 'New York / Paid All' cds of arrival in red (Dec 9). Small imperfections with piece missing from face panel and file folds but an attractive three colour usage.rn Provenance: Collection Leslie Wheeler, RL, London, 25 March 1986, lot 959.
    Starting bid : 300.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 400.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4315 Malta

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    1870 (March 16): Registered cover from Malta to Livorno endorsed 'col Vapore postali Italiano' franked by Great Britain 1864/79 1 d. red pl. 111 in a horizontal pair and 1865 1 s. green pl. 4, all cancelled by neat "A25" obliterators in black. Superb strike of circular "REGISTERED / MALTA" datestamp in red alongside - the earliest recorded usage of this marking. The cover endorsed as weighing "gr. 6½" (below a ¼ of an ounce) and strangely treated as double rate (note '2' in red at top) alongside Too Late 'DOPO LA / PARTENZA' handstamp in black. Manuscript '5½' (55 centesimi) credit to Italy on front. Reverse with Siracusa cds, Napoli Ferrovia cds and Livorno arrival (March 21). A charming and rare cover.rnProvenance: Collection 'Disraeli', Cavendish, 11 June 1994, lot 153; Cavendish, Derby, 8 March 2017.
    Starting bid : 1,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4316 Malta

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    1863 (April 4): Great Britain 1858/69 2 d. blue pl. 9, a vertical pair used on 1863 cover from Malta to Messina, tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex in black (April 4). Underpaid for double rate with '2' at upper left and struck with INSUFFICIENTLY-PAID handstamp in black as shortpaid 2 d. and manuscript alteration alongside '2½' and red '1¼' equate to the '4¾' pence to be credited to the Italian Post Office; struck with fine PIROSCAFI / POSTALI / FRANCESI in black and '14' centesemi to collect on arrival in Messina (April 6). A charming and rare cover.
    Starting bid : 750.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 750.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4317 Malta

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    1859 (Sept 3): Great Britain 1858/69 2 d. blue pl. 7, 1857 4 d. rose and 1856 1 s. green used on triple rate cover from Malta to London endorsed 'via Marseilles', all tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Sept 3). 'London / Paid' arrival in red (Sept 8) alongside. The adhesives applied slightly towards the edge but a charming cover, addressed to the Lord Chief Justice of Malta, the Honourable Sir Adrian Dingli, and a most attractive three colour franking.
    Starting bid : 350.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 480.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4318 Malta

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    1864 (Dec 31): Great Britain 1858/69 2 d. blue pl. 9 and 1862 1 s. green used on cover with full contents from Malta to 'Hooker Post Office', Wisconsin, USA tied by light strike of horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex and by neat strike of 'London / Paid' transit in red (Jan 8). Carried on the Inman Line Steamer 'Glasgow' in closed bag with 'CHICAGO AM PKT / 5' datestamp (Jan 31) in blue on obverse and rated '16' cents credit to USA in manuscript. Some edge wear to envelope but a scarce and delightful cover.
    Starting bid : 300.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 300.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4319 Malta

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    1876 (April 14): Great Britain 1875/76 2½ d. rosy mauve, pl. 2, a used example with variety "LH / FL" error of lettering on 1876 envelope from Malta to Pangbourne near Reading tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (April  14) with reverse showing Reading (April 19) and Pangbourne datestamps in black. The rare adhesive with some age spots and the cover sensibly restored at top for display, the extent of which can be seen on the original certificate. The sole recorded usage of this stamp on letter in Malta. Unique. Cert. RPSL (1928) Gi = £ 3'500 off cover.rnProvenance: Collection H.S. Damsell, RL, London, 16 Nov 1955, lot 79; Collection George Coates, RL, London, 7 Nov 1990, lot 1284.
    Starting bid : 1,500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4320 Malta

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    1881 (Feb 10): Great Britain 1880 2½ d. blue pl. 20, single and vertical pair, used with 1880 1 d. venetian red in a horizontal pair, on registered triple rate cover from Malta to Naples tied by five strikes of the "A25" obliterator. Oval sender's cachet in violet at left and, alongside, the earliest recorded oval "REGISTERED / MALTA" datestamp in red (Feb 10). Reverse with Naples arrival (Feb 12). File fold well away from the adhesives, a very scarce cover. Ex Cole & Abrahamson.rnProvenance: Collection Leslie Wheeler, RL, London, 25 March 1986, lot 941.
    Starting bid : 400.00 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 4321 Malta

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    1882 (Jan 27): Great Britain 1881 2½ d. blue pl. 22, a single example used on 1882 cover from Malta to Vizzini, Sicily tied by first vertical "MALTA / A25" duplex (Jan 27, code D), missing that day's post and struck with perfect "TOO-LATE" in black alongside. Backstamped Siracusa (Jan 29) and Vizzini (Jan 30). Charming and rare.
    Starting bid : 500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 600.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4322 Malta

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    1881 (May 9): Great Britain 1881 2½ d. blue pl. 21 in a horizontal pair used with 1880 1 d. venetian red, this last paying the Late Fee, on cover from Malta to Naples tied by first vertical "MALTA / A25" duplex (May 9, code C). Circular transposed "F.L." struck in black alongside and reverse with Naples arrival and distribution handstamp (May 11). Central file fold well away from the adhessives, trivial aging around perfs. but a very rare handstamp.rnProvenance: Collection Leslie Wheeler, RL, London, 25 March 1986, lot 903. 
    Starting bid : 500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 500.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4323 Malta

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    1866 (Jan 30): Great Britain 1865 3 d. rose pl. 4 and 1862 4 d. vermilion, three examples on 1866 entire letter at triple rate from Malta to Barcelona endorsed 'via Marseilles', tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Jan 31). Oval framed 'P-F' below and Marseille transit on obverse with "8Rs." due marking applied on arrival. Reverse with 'Tarascon à Carcassonne' TPO, 'Espana / La Junquera' cds in blue and Barcelona arrival (Feb 7). A few imperfections but a most appealing entire.rnProvenance: Collection Francisco, Christie's, London, 22 March 1989, lot 2303.
    Starting bid : 350.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 350.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4324 Malta

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    1868 (July 23): Great Britain 1867 3 d. bright rose pl. 5, 6 d. lilac pl. 6 and 1 s. green pl. 4, used on 1868 registered cover from Malta via Messina to Constantinople, tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (July 23) with "♚ / REGISTERED" in red alongside. Reverse with 'British Post Office / Constantinople' arrival cds (Aug 7) on reverse. Minor wrinkles but a delightful three colour registered usage.
    Starting bid : 350.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 420.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4325 Malta

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    1862 (Feb 14): Great Britain 1857 4 d. rose-carmine in a horizontal strip of three and 1856 1 s. green in a vertical pair, used on six times rate cover from Malta to London endorsed 'via Marseilles' tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Feb 14) in black with 'London / Paid' arrival datestamp in red (Feb 18) alongside. Faults to the 4 d. strip of three but a rare rate and not unattractive.rnProvenance: Collection Francisco, Christie's, London, 22 March 1989, lot 2308.
    Starting bid : 350.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 400.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4326 Malta

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    1862 (Nov 24): Great Britain 1862 4 d. vermilion-red used on 1862 cover from Malta to Catania tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Nov 24) with fine circular Forwarding Agent's cachet AGENCE GENERALE DE NAVIAGTION A VAPEUR / AGENCE DE  MALTE / BAZIN, LEON GAY & CIE cachet in black at left and oval 'P-D.' in red at right. Catania arrival cds (Nov 25) on reverse of a fine cover.rnProvenance: Collection Dr. Camillery, Christie's, London, 14 May 1991, lot 178.
    Starting bid : 300.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 380.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4327 Malta

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    1873 (May 20): Great Britain 1865/73 4 d. vermilion pl. 13 used on 1873 entire letter from Tripoli, Libya to Genova endorsed 'via Messina' at base, tied by neat horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (May 23) with sender's cachet at left and unlisted Forward Agent's cachet "Received & Forwarded / by R. SOLER / Malta" in black alongside. Framed "P.D. / 2¾" credit marking also on front of a rare and charming entire.rnProvenance: Collection Francisco, Christie's, London, 22 March 1989, lot 2058.
    Starting bid : 1,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4328 Malta

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    1861 (May 10): Great Britain 1856 6 d. lilac in a horizontal pair, one stamp with closed tear at base, used on 1861 registered cover from Malta to Grantown, Scotland at single rate (6 d. plus 6 d. registration) tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (May 10) in black with "♚  / REGISTERED" applied on despatch and extremely rare unframed "MALTA / ♚ / REGISTERED" applied at the Foreign Branch on arrival in London. Oval 'Registered / London' datestamp also on obverse (May 16) with all three markings in red. Reverse with Aberdeen cds, Craicellachie and Grantown cds's (May 17). Edge wear and horizontal creases of no great significance to a cover of the utmost rarity, showing the latest recorded usage of the "MALTA / ♚ / REGISTERED".
    Starting bid : 750.00 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 4329 Malta

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    1861 (May 17): Great Britain 1856 6 d. lilac used on cover from Malta to London endorsed 'via Marseilles', tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (May 17). 'London / Paid' arrival in red (May 22) on front and re-addressed to Alton, Hampshire with 1 d. red tied by 'London / W11' sideways duplex (May 23). A fresh and fine cover.rnProvenance: Collection Baron Jacob von Uexkull, DF, 19 Nov 1997, lot 20885.
    Starting bid : 175.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 175.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4330 Malta

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    1870 (Aug 30): Great Britain 1867 6 d. violet pl. 8 and 1 s. green pl. 4 used on registered 1870 cover from Malta to Naples carried at triple rate, tied by three strikes of the "A25" obliterator with manuscript Italian credit '8½' alongside. Fine circular "REGISTERED / MALTA" datestamp below (Aug 30) in red with 'P.D.' also on obverse. Reverse with Naples arrival (Sept 2). A delightful and very rare cover. Ex Cole and Abrahamson.
    Starting bid : 500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 500.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4331 Malta

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    1873 (Aug 12): Great Britain 1867 10 d. red-brown, a horizontal pair used on 1873 cover from Malta to Livorno endorsed 'Col Postali Italiano' paying the quintuple rate tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Aug 12). Red 'P.D.' at left and reverse with Siracusa transit cds and Livorno arrival (Aug 16). A high rate and a scarce and attractive franking.
    Starting bid : 300.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 440.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4332 Malta

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    1862 (March 28): Great Britain 1856 1 s. green, single and horizontal strip of three tied to 1862 cover from Malta to London endorsed 'Via Messina', carried at eight times the 6 d. rate and tied by neat strikes of horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex in black (March 28). 'London / Paid' arrival cds (April 3) in red at left. Two ironed file folds do not detract from the rarity or beauty of the cover.rnProvenance: Collection "Disraely", Cavendish, Derby, 11 June 1994, lot 66.
    Starting bid : 500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4333 Malta

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    1865 (Feb 4): Great Britain 1862 1 s. green, lettered KD and showing "K in Circle Variety", used on 1865 cover from Malta to Messina carried at triple rate, tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Feb 4) leaving the variety clear. Credit marking '3¾' in red crayon manuscript below the adhesive and Messina arrival cds (Feb 5) on reverse. The adhesive with slight age spot and corner perf. missing below the variety and perfs. trimmed at right but a great rarity on or off cover. Cert. RPSL (1947) Gi = £ 2'250 off cover / Gi 90a = £ 2'750 off cover.rnProvenance: Collection H.S. Damsell, RL, London, 16 Nov 1955, lot 55.
    Starting bid : 1,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4334 Malta

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    1882 (July 22): Great Britain 1880 ½ d. pale green and 1881 1 d. lilac horizontal pair, used on 1882 mourning cover to Tunbidge Wells tied by two strikes of the vertical "MALTA / A25" duplex (July 22). Reverse with Tunbridge Wells arrival cds (July 27) and manuscript notation '11th letter from darling H. from Alexandria'. Some small edge wear but a scarce cover.rnNote: On July 11, 1882 Admiral Sir Frederick Beauchamp Seymour bombarded Alexandria with a fleet of eight battleships. On July 17, the fleet was joined by ships of the Channel Squadron. The addressee, Mrs. Howard Hay, was the wife of Lieutenant Howard Hay who was serving on the HMS Northumberland.
    Starting bid : 300.00 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 4335 Malta

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    1880 (Dec 24): Great Britain 1880 1 d. venetian red, three examples used on 1880 cover to Brighton endorsed 'via Italy', either overpaid ½ d. or with Late Fee charge of same, tied by horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex (Dec 24) with Brighton arrival on reverse. Minor imperfections but an attractive cover.
    Starting bid : 100.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 200.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4336 Malta

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    1870 (Jan 22): Great Britain 1865 4 d. vermilion pl. 11 in a horizontal pair, used on 1870 entire letter at double rate from Malta to Genova, tied by manuscript pen crosses with framed "PIROSCAFI / POSTALI / ITALIANI" in black alongside and scarce late use of framed "*MALTA*" oval origin marking in black below. Taxed on arrival with newly issued Italy 1870 Postage Due 10 c. pair and 1 lire tied by 'Genova' arrival datestamps (Jan 23). A splendid and rare entire.
    Starting bid : 1,500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,700.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4337 Malta

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    1860 (July 7): Cover to Drummond & Co. in Charing Cross, London, struck on reverse with four line italic instructional marking "Posted unpaid and opened / in due course, but having / originated out of Malta / forwarded charged with fine" in black. Malta single ring cds (July 7) and London arrival cds (July 12) in red, the cover being charged '6' pence in manuscript. The sole recorded cover from Malta with this marking and mentioned in the Malta handbook. See Parmenter & Gordon page 1/17. The cover is "twinned" with the Proof strike of the same marking beautifully struck in red on horizontally creased piece of paper (95 x 50 mm.). A wonderful pairing with both unique and of the utmost importance for both Maltese and Mediterranean Postal Historians.rnCover Provenance: Collection E.E. Yates, RL, London, 31 July-1 Aug 1940, lot 579.rnProof Provenance: Collection Dr. Camillery, Christie's, London, 14 May 1991, lot 230; Harmers, London, 18 Dec 2001, lot 1262.     
    Starting bid : 5,500.00 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 4338 Malta

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    1871 (April 18): France 1870/71 Bordeaux 20 c. blue (Yvert 46), two horizontal pairs with large to enormous margins all round, used on 1871 cover from Marseille to Malta, tied by bold strikes of the horizontal "MALTA / A25" duplex with octagonal framed "MALTA / MB" Mobile Box datestamp below (April 18) and red 'P.D.' below. Ironed file fold affects first stamp but does not affect the appearance of this famous and startlingly attractive cover. Cert. J. Robineau & V. Pothion.rnProvenance: Collection Dubus, Druout, Paris, 6-7 Oct 1988, lot 182.
    Starting bid : 5,000.00 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,000.00 CHF

    Lot# : 4375 Malta

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    Mail Boat Obliterations / Mediterranean Packets 1860 (Dec 9): Great Britain 1857 1 d. rose-red, wmk. Large Crown, perf. 14, a vertical strip of three rather muddily tied to Sailor's Concessionary rate cover from Malta to London by Mailboat "A81" obliterator ("Handed to Mr. Douglas for use on board, 18 March 1859") endorsed at top "From Hy Humber, Ship's Corpl. HMS Caesar, Malta" and counter-signed by Commanding Officer below. Carried back on the P&O Steamer 'Vectis' which left Malta on December 9 and arrived at Marseille on Dec 13; (rated at 3 d. pr ¼ ounce via Marseilles) with 'London / Paid' arrival cds (Dec 15) in red. An unusual franking.rnProvenance: 'Mailboat Covers & Cancellations', Spink, 7 March 2007, lot 1007; Collection Gerald Ellott, Prestige Philately, 16 Dec. 2011, lot 59.rnrnrn 
    Starting bid : 350.00 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold
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