Nigeria: Republic of Biafra: Postage Paid Handstamps, “BIAFRA/4D/POSTAGE PAID” handstamp device, withdrawn from use on 1968 (Feb. 5). Believed to be a unique survivor from this challenging conflict. Photo. Provenance: Recovered from a shelled and half-burnt post office by Lt. Col. Hawkins in the latter stages of the Biafran War whilst following the advance of Nigerian government forces in order to establish the extent of foreign aid needed. Lieutenant Colonel John Vivian Hawkins, O.B.E. (1914-1977) served as overseas director of the Save the Children Fund for twelve years to 1973. (Image1)