India Used in Labuan; 1865 Cover Front to England via Sarawak, From the Bishop of Labuan (endorsed «F.J.Labuan» lower left) and addressed to London, franked with India 1856/64 4a black horizontal pair tied in transit by black «B/172» numeral handstamps of Singapore, red ms. «11», a fine strike of the rare «POST OFFICE / SARAWAK» circular handstamp in black with ms. «17/1/65» inserted (the latest recorded date of use of this handstamp), red London / Paid MR 7 65 arrival cancel on face, a major rarity of Asian postal history
Note: Carried on the P&O S.S. Carnatic leaving Singapore Jan 21, 1865 arriving Galle (Ceylon) on January 27, transhipped to S. S. Bengal on February 1, arriving Suez on February 15. Overland to Alexandria and carried on the S. S. Syria arriving Southampton March 7, 1865. (Image)

CV. Starting Price 2,000