1833 (Aug 20): Cover to London endorsed 'via Madras' struck on despatch with JAFFNA POST PAID handstamp in red, on flap with manuscript "Inland and Ship Postage Paid" with superb oval OUT STATION / SHIP LETTER / MADRAS in black (Aug 26) and fine framed INDIA LETTER / DEAL in red and London arrival cds (Feb 14, 1834). A fine and rare cover. (Image 1) (Image 2) (Image)

1857/59: Perkins Bacon Die Proof in black for the 9 d. value, printed on India paper and mounted on thick card, 36 x 39 mm., fresh and very fine. Rare and most appealing Proof.rnrnProvenance: Collection Dr. Fleming (1951); Collection Patrick Pearson RDP (1983); Collection Joseph Hackmey (2009). (Image 1) (Image)

1857/59: Perkins Bacon Die Proof in black for the 2 s. value, printed on India paper and mounted on thick card, 36 x 42 mm., fresh and very fine. Rare and most appealing Proof.rnrnProvenance: Collection Patrick Pearson RDP (1983); Collection Joseph Hackmey (2009). (Image 1) (Image)

1857/59: 1 d. blue, imperforate, wmk. Star, three examples on 1860 cover from Galle to London endorsed 'via Marseilles' used in combination with 6 d. purple-brown and 1 s. slate-violet, all tied by barred obliterators in black, the adhesives with just touched to large margins all round. Reverse with GALLE STEAMER LETTER despatch datestamp in red (July 16) and obverse with 'London / Paid' arrival cds (Aug 13) in red. Minor imperfections but a unique and most appealing three colour franking. Cert. RPS (1999).rnrnProvenance: Collection Joseph Hackmey (2009). (Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image)

1857/59: 1 d. blue, 8 d. brown and 1 s. slate-violet, imperforate, wmk. Star; all used on attractive 1860 cover from Colombo to Glasgow endorsed 'Paid, via Marseilles', all tied by barred obliterator in black. The adhesives lifted for inspection and replaced, each with just touched to large margins all round, the 8 d. with negligible surface rub underneath the 1 d. Reverse with COLOMBO / POST PAID datestamp in red (May 26) and Glasgow arrival cds (June 27) in black. A fine and most attractive three colour franking, believed unique. Cert. RPSL (1999).rnrnProvenance: Collection Joseph Hackmey (2009). (Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image)

1875c. Cover endorsed in manuscript "From J. Potter, Gunner's Mate, HMS Diamond, Trincomalee, Ceylon" mailed to Bridport, Dorset franked at Seamen's concessionary rate by Great Britain 1858/79 1 d. red pl. 178 tied on arrival by London numeral obliterator in black. Endorsed by Commanding Officer at lower left and reverse with Bridport arrival cds (Aug 4). The adhesive with one pulled perf. but a rare usage: the HMS Diamond was on East Indies & China Station service between 1875 and 1879.rn (Image 1) (Image 2) (Image)