1840 & 1857 Pair of stampless covers; 1840 (Dec 16) Entire written from Chirra, India, written by a soldier in the Indian Army, with postscript stating that he is sending the letter through Sister Young, posted in London unfranked and rated "2", then struck with "Redirected / at Belfast" in red, rated "3" and forwarded to Leamington, reverse with London and Belfast ds, some minor peripheral splitting at top; and 1857 (Aug 1) Printed lettersheet "Enquiry after a Soldier's Effects" with questionnaire removed, sent from Ballymena to London with black "MISSENT TO /BELFAST" hs (M and B under-inked) and cds on reverse, small portion of backlflap missing; a nice duo for an exhibition page (Image)

1888 (Jan 16) Belgium reply paid postcard sent from Belfast back to Belgium, cancelled by Belfast "62" duplex, reverse with Dublin & Belfast railway post office cds, minor soiling, scarce (Image)

DIAMOND CANCELS 1845-85, Specialised group of 128 items showing various diamond cancel usages, mostly on engraved imperforate QV 1d red, each item neatly mounted on pages, noted neat imprints of Mountmellick 338 in blue, Mountrath 340. Portarlington 377, Rathkeale 391, Tuam 435, Kilbeggan 261, Galway 232, Enfield 210, Carlow 97, a good basis for expansion into an exhibition collection

DUPLEX CANCELS 1866-1895: Collection of 115 covers and cards showing a wide range of duplex cancels, all used on GB stamps or postal stationery cards, many letters addressed abroad, gen. fine

SPOON CANCELS 1852-70, Specialised group of 64 items showing various spoon cancel usages, includes five items with 1847-54 embossed issue, then mostly perf. 1d reds with cancels ranging from Ballina to Wexford, all ordered alphabetically, mixed to fine (Image)