LARGE FANCY OVAL "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" ON BATAVIA COVER TO GB POSTED IN MAURITIUS: 19 April 1833 EL (in German) from Batavia to London (14 Sep. red backstamp) "Per John Gaig" via Mauritius with fair large fancy oval "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" (fair; Proud PS4, p.231, 9/5/1831-27/7/1833) on the front along with m/s "3/1" charge. Boxed "DOVER INDIA LETTER" on reverse. Unusual place of origin for a letter posted in Mauritius. Cross Reference: KENT, NETHERLANDS COLONIES (Image)

LARGE FANCY OVAL "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" ON "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" FROM MADAGASCAR TO GB: 2 July 1833 EL (tape remnants & a few tone spots on reverse/inside) from a missionary in Antananarivo, Madagascar to "the London Missionary Society" via Mauritius with fine large fancy oval "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" on the front along with boxed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" & ms "1/-" charge. Rare early Madagascar cover. Cross Reference: MADAGASCAR, SHIP LETTERS, HAMPSHIRE (Image)

LARGE FANCY OVAL "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" ON "INDIA LETTER/FALMOUTH" FROM MAURITIUS TO GB: 27 July 1833 EL (cross-written family letter with interesting contents; some reinforced internal folds) from Mauritius to Lichfield, Staffordshire with fair large fancy oval "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" on the front along with ms "1/5" charge. 18 Nov. 1833 backstamp & boxed "INDIA LETTER/FALMOUTH" both in red on reverse. Cross Reference: INDIA, CORNWALL, SHIP LETTERS (Image)

SMALL OVAL "COL./POST OFFICE/MAURITIUS" ON "LIVERPOOL/INDIA SHIP LR" TO GB: 28 Nov. 1833 EL from Port Louis "P William" to London (10 July 1834 red backstamp) with small oval "COL./POST OFFICE/MAURITIUS" (mostly fine; Proud, UP5, p.257) on the front. Black boxed "LIVERPOOL/INDIA SHIP LR" struck on the join. Small oval COL. mark only recorded used for 8/10/1833 to 15/5/1834. Cross Reference: INDIA, LANCASHIRE - LIVERPOOL (Image)

EARLY INGOING MAIL (EX GB/FRANCE?) - "PAID SHIP LETTER/LONDON" TO "MAURITIUS, AFRICA": 3 Jan. 1834 French legal document with 70c tax hs & albino embossed "TIMBRE ROYAL" inside posted in London (possibly originating from France?) to Mauritius. Mostly very fine red "PAID SHIP LETTER/LONDON" on the front along with red ms "1/6" charge & "Double only" endorsement. Attractive usage of this mark to an uncommon destination at this early date. Cross Reference: FRANCE, OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS, LONDON POSTAL HISTORY (Image)

SMALL OVAL "COL./POST OFFICE/MAURITIUS" ON PAIR OF NANTES "PAYS D'OUTREMER" COVERS TO BORDEAUX: Pair of 1834 Es (one with reinforcing, other with lower flap removed & address inked out) from Mauritius(?) to Bordeaux (both with 24 June Nantes entry marks; one endorsed "Per Courier de Bourbon") with identical marks inc. small oval "COL./POST OFFICE/MAURITIUS" (one very fine) & boxed "PAYS D'OUTREMER" on the front & Bordeaux backstamps. Scarce pair. (2 covers)Cross Reference: FRANCE (Image)

INDIA LETTER PAIR TO GB - ONE ENDORSED "VIA CAPE" WITH RARE MS PORT LOUIS "/3d" CHARGE: 18 Mar. 1837 EL from Port Louis "Via Cape 21/3/27[sic]" to London (16 June 1837 red backstamp) with boxed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" on the front along with ms "1/-" charge. Reverse with very rare "Mauritius/Post Office/21/3/37 /3d" instructional endorsement; the only example recorded by Dave Tarry of this instruction written out in its entirety. 16 Oct. 1837 EL from Port Louis "p Faerie Queen" to London (8 Jan. 1838 backstamp) with black boxed "INDIA LETTER/LIVERPOOL" on the front along with ms "3/1" charge. (2 covers) Cross Reference: INDIA, SHIP LETTERS, HAMPSHIRE (Image)

EARLY USAGE 2-RING "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" DATESTAMP IN BLACK ON INDIA LETTER TO GB: 2 April 1838 EL from Mauritius to Edinburgh (20 July backstamp) with boxed "INDIA LETTER/LIVERPOOL" & ms "2/2" on the front. Reverse with 2-ring "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" (fine; Proud, UP6, p.257) which was issued 1st Jan. that year, probably the earliest recorded example. Cross Reference: LANCASHIRE - LIVERPOOL, SHIP LETTERS, INDIA (Image)

EARLY USAGE 2-RING "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" DATESTAMP IN RED ON INDIA LETTER TO GB: 19 June 1838 EL (in French; some tone spots) carried by the "Sesostris" from Port Louis to London (2 Oct. backstamp) with ms "1/8" charge on the front. Reverse with red boxed "INDIA LETTER/SOUTHAMPTON" & mostly fine 2-ring "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" datestamp in red; early usage for this cds which was issued at the beginning of that same year. Cross Reference: INDIA, HAMPSHIRE (Image)

SIMILAR "INDIA LETTER" PAIR WITH RED CDS TO GB OR FRANCE: 6 July 1838 (posted 14 July) EL carried by "H.M.Brig Zebra" from Port Louis to London (15 Oct. backstamp) with ms "1/-" charge, boxed "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" & fair "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" datestamp in red on the front; plus 13 Feb. 1838 EL (in French) from "Maurice" to Bordeaux with fair red "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" datestamp on the front along with ms "32" decimes & "1/6" charges, having various backstamps among which is a scarce "INDIA LETTER/DARTMOUTH" London mark in red (overstruck and across the join; Rob.In3). (2 covers) Cross Reference: INDIA, SHIP LETTERS, DEVON (Image)

INGOING MAIL GROUP EX INDIA (INC. 1st PACKET VOYAGE), FRANCE OR GB: 7 Jan. 1848 EL from London and carried by the 'Legere' on the return voyage of the first monthly packet to Mauritius (Oct. backstamp) via Marseilles and unusually India, bearing black boxed "CALCUTTA/1848 Sept [inverted] 5/Bearing" across the join; plus 1848/49 group inc. 1838 (year of cds issue) EL with fine red "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" across the join & without postal rate, and 21 Jan. 1849 EL with early very fine crowned "MAURITIUS/GPO" ds. (6 covers) Cross Reference: INDIA, FRANCE (Image)

1840s "SHIP/PACKET LETTER" GROUP TO/VIA GB INC. "MARGATE/SHIP-LRE", ETC.: 1840-49 group inc. 8 Oct. 1840 part EL from Mauritius "p.Isabella Blyth" to Bordeaux via GB with fair red "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds, 20 Sep. 1848 EL from Port Louis to Bordeaux with a Mauritius Forwarding Agent endorsement in French "C.D[evau]x & Co." & 1849 E (faults) from Port Louis "p Jane Stanley" to London with fine "MARGATE/SHIP-LRE" slightly off the edge. (5 covers) Cross Reference: SHIP LETTERS, FORWARDING AGENTS, FRANCE, KENT (Image)

RARE EARLY LETTER TO BELGIUM VIA REUNION WITH RED MAURITIUS CDS & NUMEROUS TRANSIT MARKS: 15 Mar. 1841 EL (in French) from Port Louis to Belgium via Reunion & France with numerous transit marks inc. "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" datestamp in red, black "ST DENIS/ILE BOURBON" cds, fine "FRANCE PAR QUIEVRAIN/BRUXELLES" cds, French orange "T.F" & Belgian red boxed "SR" as well as red oval "DEBOURSE/LIEGE" postage not paid mark among others. Much-travelled and rare early letter to Belgium from Mauritius. [Inc. 1890s map of Belgium & research notes.] Cross Reference: BELGIUM, FRANCE, REUNION (Image)

RED "COLONIES/&c.ART.12." WITH BLACK "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" CDS ON COVER TO FRANCE: 19 July 1843 EL (some tone spots within) from "Port Louis, Ile Maurice" to Bordeaux with clear "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds (somewhat doubled strike) on the front along with very fine red boxed "COLONIES/&c.ART.12." accountancy mark, m/s "20" decimes charge & Boulogne entry (with French & British backstamps). Cross Reference: FRANCE (Image)

THE RARE GIANT BOXED "MAURITIUS/INWD SHIP POSTAGE PD/INLAND/STEAMER" MARK ON COVER FROM REUNION TO FRANCE: 29 July 1844 EL from "St Denis", Reunion endorsed "Helen via Bombay[...] voie de Maurice" to Marseilles (29 Sep. arrival) with the gigantic & rare boxed "MAURITIUS/INWD SHIP POSTAGE PD/INLAND/STEAMER" mark (fine, struck on join) on the reverse beside fair "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds. "10" decimes charge. Attractive example of this unique mark recorded used for 26/7/1843-20/8/1844 only (Proud, A4, p.251). Cross Reference: REUNION, FRANCE, INSTRUCTIONAL MARKS (Image)

THE RARE GIANT BOXED "MAURITIUS/INWD SHIP POSTAGE PD/INLAND/STEAMER" MARK ON COVER FROM REUNION(?) TO FRANCE: 29 Nov. 1844 E from Reunion or Mauritius(?) to Nantes with giant boxed "MAURITIUS/INWD SHIP POSTAGE PD/INLAND/STEAMER" mark (mostly fine) on the reverse beside "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds & French backstamps. Plus 19 Jan. 1844 EL from Mauritius to Bombay & forwarded "Care of [... ...]sche & co/Bombay" ms (not in Rowe) to Bordeaux with fine "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds on reverse, and 1838 duplicate EL from Mauritius to Bordeaux "par 'Bourbon'". (3 covers) Cross Reference: REUNION, INSTRUCTIONAL MARKS (Image)

RARE TRIO VIA LONDON TO MADEIRA INC. LONDON RED BOXED "No./Detained/For/Postage": 1844 plus pair of 1848 ELs all from Mauritius to Madeira inc. 24 Oct. 1844 EL (repair on reverse) with "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds beside partly fine scarce red boxed London "No./Detained/For/Postage" on the front along with ms "2/6" & hs "160" charges; plus 24 Nov. 1848 EL carried privately to London & posted there "P. Brazil Packet" at "3/8" rate, and one totally privately carried EL. Very unusual destination from Mauritius. (3 covers) Cross Reference: PORTUGAL, MADEIRA, INSTRUCTIONAL MARKS (Image)

RARE M/S "Inw. Ship Postge Pd 4½" ON COVER FROM SHIP AT SEA TO GB "OVERLAND VIA MARSEILLES": 7 Mar. 1845 EL (plus contents; some reinforcing with archival tape within) written at sea & sent 10 Mar. (noted at end of letter) from Mauritius to Dunfermline, Scotland endorsed "Par Bombay & overland via Marseilles" on the front & (uniquely?) "Inw Ship Postge Pd 4½" ms accountancy marking on the reverse. Also having ms "2/3" charge, faint "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds & GB backstamps. Stated by Dave Tarry to be the only recorded example of a ms Accountancy Marking on a letter written at sea and then sent from Mauritius P.O. Cross Reference: ACCOUNTANCY MARKS, FRANCE, INSTRUCTIONAL MARKS (Image)

SPECTACULAR COVER TO FRANCE VIA CEYLON WITH INTAGLIO "OVERLAND." PLUS RARE SMALL "MAURITIUS./STR.POSTAGE PAID/INLD. Do/SHIP Do": 26 April 1845 E (reinforced inner fold) from Mauritius "overland [...] via Ceylon" to Bordeaux with "PURIFIE AU LAZARET/MALTA" hs (fine; disinfected in Malta), very fine "OVERLAND." intaglio (Proud, I1, p.262) on the front and fine rare "MAURITIUS./STR.POSTAGE PAID/INLD. Do/SHIP Do" hs (A5, p.253), "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" & Alexandria cds's. Both this intaglio mark & the special 'paid' hs are only recorded for 1845/6 by Proud. Truly attractive cover and a rare combination of marks seldom seen. Cross Reference: DISINFECTED MAIL, MALTA, CEYLON/SRI LANKA (Image)

COVER TO FRANCE VIA INDIA WITH RARE SMALL RED "MAURITIUS./STR.POSTAGE PAID/INLD. Do/SHIP Do" + BOMBAY OVAL "INDIA": 2 Aug. 1845 EL from Port Louis to Bordeaux with rare mostly fine "MAURITIUS./STR.POSTAGE PAID/INLD. Do/SHIP Do" hs (Proud A5, p.253) & "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds (both in red & struck across the join), having the red Bombay "INDIA" oval & ms "28" decimes charge on the front. Fine pair to the previous lot. Cross Reference: POSTAGE DUE STAMPS & COVERS, INSTRUCTIONAL MARKS (Image)

UNPAID PAIR TO FRANCE - WITH RED BOXED "ADEN/Paid" (RARE ROUTING) OR "OUTRE-MER/NANTES" CDS: 31 Dec. 1846 EL from Mauritius to Bordeaux (22 Mar. 1847 backstamp) "Via Aden & Marseilles" with mainly fine red boxed "ADEN/Paid 8as" mark & ms "19" decimes charge on the front along with Marseilles PAQ.ANG. cds, Alexandria cds & "PURIFIE AU LAZARET/MALTE" hs on reverse. Plus 5 July 1848 EL from Port Louis to Nantes with mostly fine red "OUTRE-MER/NANTES" cds on the front & "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" backstamp. (2 covers) Cross Reference: ADEN, DISINFECTED MAIL, FRANCE (Image)

FIRST MONTHLY PACKET VOYAGE - COVER TO FRANCE VIA CEYLON & EGYPT ENDORSED "Paid 2/-", ETC.: 23 Aug. 1848 EL (printed circular with handwritten message; dusting on front) from Port Louis "via Ceylon" to Bordeaux and carried on the first voyage of the monthly Packet service (established on 18 Aug. 1848). Having ms "19" decimes charge on front with Marseilles PAQ cds & "PURIFIE AU LAZARET/MALTE" disinfection hs; the reverse has "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE", Bordeaux & Alexandria backstamps plus "COLOMBO/STEAMER LETTER" cds & ms "Paid 2/". Rare and attractive. Cross Reference: DISINFECTED MAIL (Image)

INGOING MAIL FROM INDIA INC. FIRST RETURN VOYAGE OF MONTHLY PACKET SERVICE: 1848/49 E/ELs ingoing mail from India all but one having fair to fine boxed "CALCUTTA/G.P.O./SHIP LETTER" & either crowned circle "MAURITIUS/GPO" or "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds; incl. 8 Sep. 1848 (boxed Calcutta d.s.) to Mauritius endorsed "per First Ship" of the very first monthly packet's return voyage, and 30 Sep. 1849 EL from Negapatam with mostly fine red boxed "NEGAPATAM/29-9-49/Paid. 2as." next to green boxed "CALIMERE/Bearing" mark. (6 covers) Cross Reference: INDIA, SHIP LETTERS (Image)

CYCLONE SEASON PACKET SERVICE COVER "VIA CEYLON" TO GB MUCH DELAYED IN TRANSIT: 20 Feb. 1849 EL from Port Louis to London (31 May 1849 backstamp) "Via Ceylon" with "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds & ms "2/-" charge on the front; rare cover carried by the 'Charles Carter' one of the extra vessels drafted to assist the monthly packet service in cyclone season. (Image)

BOXED "PACKET" - EARLIEST RECORDED EXAMPLE - ON INGOING COVER FROM INDIA VIA CEYLON: 7 Mar. 1849 EL from Calcutta to Mauritius "Pr. 'Bentinck'" with the earliest recorded example (Proud SL2, p.267; 24/4/1849-19/10/1850 usage) of the boxed "PACKET" (fine) on the front along with "MAURITIUS/POST OFFICE" cds (24 April; fine); with Calcutta red boxed "PAID" plus "G.P.O." backstamp. Very attractive. Cross Reference: INDIA (Image)