1862 (30 Jan.) front from Galle to London, marked ''via Marseilles'', bearing 4d. dull rose, two superb large-margined examples, with 1d. blue on blued paper and neatly tied by light oval of bars, showing ''GALLE/POST-PAID'' and London Paid arrival (25.2) date-stamps, both in red. Irrefutably the finest of the three known ninepenny rate covers to England bearing this franking. A gem and the most important franking in Ceylon philately as well as being one of the world's great philatelic rarities. B.P.A. Certificate (1983). Sc#3 & 4. SG#2 & 4. PROVENANCE : Michael Stephens, October 1937 Dr. Fleming, February 1951 Dale-Lichtenstein, February 1969 P.C. Pearson, April 1983. (Image)

4p. dull rose. SUP. (Image)

8d. brown. The top of the sheet. SUP. (Image)

Telegaph stamps. 50R. brown rose. Filigrane W2 (HISCOCKS 47). VF. (Image)