The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1891 (Jan. 6) fine early C.M.S. envelope addressed by J.A. Bailey, accountant at the Freretown mission to Wisconsin at 41/2a. rate bearing 1/2a. and 4a. tied by Mombasa c.d.s's and blue pencil line, carried on the S.S. "Madura" with Milwaukee Feb. 7 arrival on reverse. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1891 (Jan. 7) envelope addressed by Gustav Denhardt to Germany at 6a. double rate bearing 2a. and 4a. tied by Lamu c.d.s's, carried on the S.S. "Madura" with Aden Jan. 14 transit, Jlmenau arrival and three line personal handstamp "GUSTAV DENHARDT/LAMU UND WANGE/(OSTAFRIKA)." in violet on reverse. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1891 (Jan. 7) envelope addressed to Clemens Denhardt in Zeitz, Germany, endorsed from trader Emil Tostat franked at 3a. rate to Europe bearing 1a. and 2a. tied to reverse by Lamu c.d.s's and carried on the S.S. "Madura" with Denhardt's receiving notations. Illustrated in "British East Africa: The Stamps and Postal Stationery" by Minns (first edition, 1981), p. 22. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1891 (Mar. 30) 3a. single franking on first known date of use, just tied by Mombasa c.d.s. to I.B.E.A. Co. envelope addressed by Capt. Frederick G. Dundas, R.N. to his son, midshipman Lawrence Dundas on "H.M.S. "Edinburgh"/Mediterranean Squadron" normally based at Malta and with Apr. 20 receiving c.d.s. below, further blue pencil redirection to "Smyrna" and showing Aden Apr. 6 transit on reverse. Capt. Dundas was attached to the staff of the I.B.E.A. Co. and in command of their stern wheel steamer "Kenia". Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1891 (May 6) rare early cover from the interior addressed to Scotland by A. Thomson Brown whilst engaged in survey work, franked at 41/2a. rate by 1/2a., 1a. (2) and 2a. with endorsement "Stamped/4 1/2 as" alongside, tied by Mombasa c.d.s's over initial ink line ms. cancellation (this applied to prevent removal of adhesives by native runners during transmission to the coast) and showing sender's initials (twice), Aden May 18 transit and Perth June 2 arrival on reverse, minor cover faults. Illustrated in "British East Africa: The Stamps and Postal Stationery" by Minns (ed. Krieger, 2006), p. 22. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: The Tana River Expedition, 1891 cover sent from the upper reaches of the Tana on Aug. 2 and brought to the coast by native runner, addressed by Capt. Frederick G. Dundas, R.N. to his son, midshipman Lawrence Dundas on "H.M.S. "Edinburgh"/Mediterranean Squadron" normally based at Malta, franked by single 41/2a. tied by "LAMU/A/SP 16/91" c.d.s. additionally struck as receiving mark on reverse. Ex Danson. Illustrated in "British East Africa: The Stamps and Postal Stationery" by Minns (ed. Krieger, 2006), p. 25. Following retirement from the Royal Navy, Capt. Frederick George Dundas (1845-99) was, in 1891, appointed Commissioner and Principal Naval Officer to the Imperial British East Africa Company, and successfully explored and surveyed in the Company's Steamer "Kenia" the rivers Tana and Juba, successfully ascending the Tana for 200 miles and landing alone among the threatening Somalis, winning over the hostile chiefs by "a mixture of audacity and jolliness". In Aug. 1892 Dundas read his resulting paper "The Exploration of the Tana" to the Royal Geographical Society. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1892 (Jan. 4) rare 71/2a. treble rate franking on I.B.E.A. Co. envelope addressed by Capt. Frederick G. Dundas, R.N. to his son, midshipman Lawrence Dundas on "H.M.S. "Edinburgh"/Mediterranean Squadron", franked by 21/2a. strip of three tied by Lamu c.d.s's with Aden Jan. 12 transit and Malta Jan. 24 receiving c.d.s. on reverse. Capt. Dundas was attached to the staff of the I.B.E.A. Co. and in command of their stern wheel steamer "Kenia". Following his exploration of the River Tana in 1891, he commenced his exploration of the navigability of the Juba in July 1892, this cover sent during his period of preparation in Lamu and an early example of the 21/2a. rate change for mail to Europe. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1892 (Apr. 24) cover from the Bishop Alfred Tucker missionary correspondence with episcopal initials at lower left, addressed to Rev. John Walker in Bradwell, Norfolk with single 41/2a. franking tied by Mombasa squared circle, with Great Yarmouth May 16 receiving c.d.s. on reverse. Ex Rossiter. Until 1893 C.M.S. mail was usually despatched by bulk posting by agents Boustead Ridley & Co. to limit cost and danger to the special runners. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1892 (May 2) Imperial British East Africa Co. printed cheque for the sum of 23r.7a. written and signed (overwritten) by postmaster Thomas E.C. Remington, bearing 1a. with dated ms. cancellation. Also 1897 (June 4) letter on letterhead of Postmaster General, Zanzibar signed by Remington. (2 items) Thomas Edward Crew Remington (1867-1903) departed from England for East Africa as an employee of the Imperial British East Africa Company in 1890 and after an initial posting to Taveta, he took charge of the postal department in Mombasa in 1891. In 1895, when the British Government took over the territory, he became postmaster-general and in 1895 oversaw the agreement to merge the postal administrations of East Africa and Uganda. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1892 (May 24) underpaid registered cover to Egypt bearing 1/2a. (3) and 21/2a. tied by Mombasa squared circles, carried on the S.S. "Mecca" with M & D Persica, naval contractors dated cachet, Aden Reg. May 30, Suez June 7 and Cairo arrival of May 9 all on reverse, the cover roughly opened with part flap missing. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1892 (May 24) cover from the Bishop Alfred Tucker missionary correspondence with episcopal initials at lower left, addressed to his son in London at 41/2a. rate with 1/2a. tied by Mombasa squared circle and replacement 4a. hinged in place of missing adhesive, red West Kensington June 14 arrival c.d.s. on reverse. Ex Dunstan. Until 1893 C.M.S. mail was usually despatched by bulk posting by agents Boustead Ridley & Co. to limit cost and danger to the special runners. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1892 (Sept. 14) cover from the Bishop Alfred Tucker missionary correspondence with episcopal initials at lower left, addressed to his son in London, redirected to Surbiton, with single 41/2a. franking tied by neat Mombasa squared circle and with Oct. 1 arrival backstamps. Ex Dunstan. The latest known use of the 41/2a. single letter rate to the United Kingdom, sent a few days before the Bishop began his second journey into Uganda and carried on the S.S. "Malda" to Aden. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1893 (Jan. 10) the earliest recorded cover at reduced 21/2a. rate to the United Kingdom addressed by Rev. Thomas Watson of the East Africa Scottish Mission to Rev. Stewart at Kilcreggan, Scotland and redirected to Edinburgh, initialled at lower left, single 21/2a. franking tied by Mombasa squared circle, with Aden Jan. 20 and Feb. 2 arrival backstamps, some ink and climatic staining. Rev. James Stewart had led the party which founded a Scottish Industrial Mission at Kibwezi, around 180 miles from the coast, which opened on Oct. 16 1891 after which Stewart had returned to Scotland leaving Rev. Watson in charge. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1893 (June 23) Denhardt & Co. envelope addressed by manager Richard Tiede to Richter & Co. in Zanzibar endorsed "paid" with single 21/2a. franking tied by fine Lamu squared circle, showing next day Mombasa transit and June 26 arrival datestamps with large three line "G. Denhardt & Co./Lamu/(East-Africa)" cachet in violet. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1893 (Sept. 5) cover from the Bishop Alfred Tucker missionary correspondence with episcopal initials at lower left, addressed to his son in Surbiton franked by marginal 21/2a. just tied by Mombasa squared circle and with Sept. 24 arrival backstamp. Ex Dunstan. Written by the Bishop shortly after after his return to the coast from his second journey into Uganda and carried on the S.S. "Purulia" to Aden. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1893 (Oct. 28) cover addressed to Rev. Stewart at Edinburgh and redirected to Kilcreggan, initialled "J.C." at lower left by the sender, John Cook but overstruck to be replaced by "E.A.S.M." initials of the Mission, single 21/2a. franking tied by Mombasa squared circle, carried on the "Purulia" to Aden with Nov. 17 receiving backstamp, some slight staining. Ex 'Shivani'. Rev. James Stewart had led the party which founded a Scottish Industrial Mission at Kibwezi, around 180 miles from the coast, which opened on Oct. 16 1891 after which Stewart had returned to Scotland. Master builder John Cook had been based for many years at the Scottish Mission at Blantyre and advised on the building of the Kibwezi Mission from 1891-92. His endorsement was likely rejected as he was not recognised among the permanent staff of the mission. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1894 (May 26) Denhardt & Co. envelope addressed by Gustav Denhardt to brother Clemens in Jlmenau, redirected to Berlin with receiving notations, bearing 8a. and thus overfranked at the old registered double rate, tied by Lamu squared circle with octagonal "LA REUNION A MARSEILLE/3/JUIN/94/L.V. No.4" datestamp of S.S. "Ava" below, and showing large three line "G. Denhardt & Co./Lamu/(East-Africa)" cachet in blue, transit and arrival marks on reverse. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1894 (May 31) large envelope registered by Gustav Denhardt to brother Clemens in Jlmenau, redirected to Berlin with receiving notations, bearing 2a. and 8a., a trifle soiled, tied by Lamu squared circle, with Zanzibar June 3, Aden June 11 transit and arrival backstamps. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1894 (June 21) Karl Perrot & Co. of Tanga, G.E.A. merchant mail cover addressed to Germany, franked 1/2a., 1a. pair tied by fine Wasin squared circles without code letter, octagonal "LA REUNION A MARSEILLE/5/JUIL/94/LV No. 1" of the S.S. "Irouaddy" below and backstamped Zanzibar June 30 transit, Wiesbaden July 24 arrival. Very few covers or cards with Wasin squared circle cancellations sent during the B.E.A. period have been recorded. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1894 (Sept. 29) commercial cover but slightly overfranked, bearing 3a. tied by Mombasa c.d.s., addressed unusually to Guernsey by Rev. Thomas Samuel England of C.M.S., carried on the S.S. "Purulia" to Aden and with Oct. 23 arrival backstamp. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1894 (Nov. 10) envelope to U.S.A. franked at 21/2a. rate by 1/2a. and 2a., 3a. tied by Mombasa c.d.s's, carried on the R.P.D. "General" from Zanzibar to Aden with Zanzibar Nov. 12, Aden Nov. 23, London Dec. 10 and New York Dec. 21 backstamps. Ex Rowell. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1895 (Jan. 1) cover from the Bishop Alfred Tucker missionary correspondence with episcopal initials at lower left and endorsed "By French Mail", addressed to his son in Surbiton, single 21/2a. franking tied by Mombasa c.d.s. Zanzibar Jan. 2 transit and Jan. 21 arrival backstamps. Written by the Bishop whilst convalescing at Mombasa Hospital following a bout of fever. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1895 (Feb. 7) Clemens Denhardt printed envelope to Germany, franked at 5a. double rate by 1/2a. pair and 4a. tied by fine Lamu squared circles with Denhardt's annotated receiving handstamp at left, sent by trader Emil Tostat with endorsement on flap and fancy paper seal, backstamped Mombasa, Zanzibar, Aden Feb. 21 and Jlmenau Feb. 7 arrival. Ex Rossiter and 'Shivani'. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1895 (Mar. 16) envelope to England addressed to Rev. Herbert Knott, C.M.S. Association Secretary for South Wales, Herefordshire & Monmouthshire, franked 1/2a. and 2a. tied by Mombasa c.d.s's, carried on the S.S. "Purulia" to Aden and with Hereford Apr. 5 arrival backstamp. Photo. (Image1)

The John Minns East Africa: 1890-95 I.B.E.A. Co. Definitives: 1895 (Mar. 27) envelope to Italy bearing 2a. used with 1/2a.handstamped "INLAND/REVENUE" in purple, both tied by Mombasa c.d.s's and showing on the reverse Zanzibar Apr. 1 c.d.s., octagonal "LA REUNION A MARSEILLE/2/AVRIL/95/LV No.2" datestamp of S.S. "Djemnah" and Milan Apr. 10 c.d.s. A very rare item, the only known cover bearing an Inland Revenue adhesive, as recorded in "British East Africa: The Stamps and Postal Stationery" by Minns (ed. Krieger, 2006), p. 36. Photo. •ÈÀSee also lot 102. (Image1)