Pacific Steam Navigation Co. 1874 (July 17) Entire letter from Bordeaux to Valparaiso, the 1f rate paid by 1872-76 5c, 15c and 80c (the 15c and 80c both with faults prior to use) each cancelled by Anchor in retta obliterator with superb "PAQ. ANGL. B.M / BORDEAUX" c.d.s alongside, red boxed "PD" and "15" local delivery charge, endorsed by the Steamer "Aconcagua" via the Magellan Straits. Posted into the Boite Mobile located on the Quai Des Chartrons intended for prepaid mail to the west coast of South America, the mail despatched by courier to Pauillac and sent by Pacific Steamer Navigation Co steamer from Pauillac to South America via Cape Horn. An early example of this scarce datestamp, this special Boite Mobile service operating from 1874 until 1878, stamps cancelled by the Anchor obliterator until 1875 and thereafter by the c.d.s. A most attractive example of this scarce datestamp. Photo on Inside Back Cover. (Image1)

Post Offices in the Levant. 1874-1901 Covers and a card all with oval "BM" handstamps comprising 1874 entire from Constantinople to France with France 80c cancelled "5098" at Smyrna; 1896 cover to England with Cavalla 25c cancelled at Constantinople; 1901 cover to France with France 25c cancelled at Constantinople, also handstamped boxed "MER NOIRE"; and 1901 picture postcard to France with France 10c cancelled at Dardanelles, the last three with a little creasing, also a single 1pi on 25c stamp with oval "BM" cancel, unusual. (5).

Indo-China. 1892-1905 Covers with oval framed "BM" handstamps comprising 1892 red band envelope to Tayninh (arrival c.d.s) with French Colonies 15c (surface faults) cancelled by "VAPEUR No 6 / COCHINCHINE" c.d.s with a further strike on the reverse, and 1904-05 covers to France cancelled at Haiphong or Viettri. A scarce early example of the "Vapeur No 6" c.d.s (this type used from 1891), No 6 not recorded by Salles or Antonini & Grasset. (3).

Madagascar. 1932-49 covers (8), pieces (2) and stamps (9) with various boxed "B.M" handstamps, used to cancel the stamps on two covers (also on ten stamps/pieces), various places of use including Fianarantsoa, Inosy, Majunga, etc. (19).

Army of Spain. 1823-29 Entire letters from French soldiers, handstamps comprising "(I) / ARM. D'ESPAGNE" on 1823 letter from Vitoria to another Officer in Madrid, 1827 "ABIS / ARM. D'ESPAGNE" on 1827 letter from San Sebastian, and "(A) / ARM. D'ESPAGNE" on 1829 letter from Barcelona. French forces were sent to Spain in 1823 following a revolt against the despotic King Ferdinand VII, and remained until 1829. Three fine letters. (3).

Army Officials. 1905 1m Watermark Star and Crescent, small type A2 Army Official overprint with "ARMY" reading down, unused without gum, a little minor perf soiling; and 1906 5m pair with horizontal Army Service overprints, variety overprint double, one diagonal, mint, light toning. Three scarce stamps, good appearance. S.G. A3b, A9ab, £2,100. (3). Photo on Page 142. (Image1)