1861 “Wood Block”, 4d pale milky blue, light grid cancel huge to close margins all around, deep color for this shadealmost very fine . (Scott 9 SG 14 £2,750 )
1861 “Wood Block”, 4d pale milky blue, neat triangle cancel, excellent margins 2 sides, third skillfully added along the POSTAGE side, extremely fine appearance Ex Dillaway.(SG 14 )
1863-64 “Triangular”, De La Rue printing, The Three Shades of the 1d - deep carmine red, red brown, and brownish red, all large to clear margins all around, bright true colors, the last with certificate Ex L.T. Vowles.Royal Cert. (1944) #26,889 (SG 18,b,c, £1,725 )
A great opportunity to obtain the trio in nice condition.
1863-64 “Triangular”, De La Rue printing, 1d deep carmine red, o.g. hinge remnent. good to large margins all around, tiny toning in bottom margin fresh bright coloralmost very fine . (Scott 12 SG 18 £375)
1863-64 “Triangular”, De La Rue printing, 1d deep carmine red PAIR, l.h., good to very large margins all around, usual gum wrinkles, very fine . Ex Dillaway. (SG 18 £650 +)
1863-64 “Triangular”, De La Rue printing, 4d blue SHEET MARGIN PAIR, o.g., good to large margins all around, fresh and extremely fine Ex Dillaway. (SG 19a £650)
1863-64 4d blue, Vertical Block of Four, pos IX 3B - X 3A variety watermark sideways (reversed), good to large margins three sides, just clear at left neat BONC No 1 cancel (Cape Town) fine and remarkably sound Ex Dillaway. (SG 19d £1,500 +)
1863-64 “Triangular”, De La Rue printing, 6d bright mauve, major re-entry Stevenson II, showing prominent marks in the letters of SIX PENCE, POSTAGE, also others, light cancel, margins close to slightly in. Rare Ex Stevenson (illustrated in his handbook).B.P.A. Cert(1964) (SG 20 £550 +)
1863-64 “Triangular”, De La Rue printing, 6d bright mauve major re-entry, Stevenson II, good margins all around, pen canceled, probably from fiscal usage on check, re-entry shows in letters of "POSTAGE" and "SIX PENCE" Ex. P. Wolf.(SG 20 )
1863-64 “Triangular”, De La Rue printing, 6d bright mauve PAIR, l.h. large margins all around possible sheet margin, fresh and extremely fine Ex Dillaway. (SG 20 £900 +)
1863-64 “Triangular”, De La Rue printing, 1s bright emerald green, PAIR, l.h., small to large margins all around, fresh and very fine Ex Dillaway. (SG 21 £1400)
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 554
Symbol: O
Cat No: Collection
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: 1853-64,the triangular accumulation of 113 stamps on six pages and two large stock pages, all used except where noted, margins all around to margins at places. Some significant faults to be expected, though many are attractive, good to fine. The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value exceeds £39,000 Ex Dillaway.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 555
Symbol: O
Cat No: Collection
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: Balance of Property: Group of 48 triangulars including 3 square pairs, and 48 perforated including a partial reconstructed one sheet corner of the 4d engraved (not checked) with, eight some quite faulty. We note, 1855-63 4d blue on piece cancelled by undated SUNDAY-RIVER-(FERRY) handstamp, another with Rouville, Orange Free State c.d.s., 1855-63 6d, one canceled by Devonport "250" oval of bars, the other by large red triangular obliterator. Fascinating Group Ex Dillaway.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 556
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: 1806 to 1875, the pre-stamp stampless cover accumulation, 20 items including one bearing the oval medallion, two soldier concessionary rate letters, one from 1843 bearing a circular "More to Pay" hand stamp, the other from King Williams Town in British Kaffraria which mentions "the mail was captured by the enemy", one from 184? with red "MISSENT/to ENGLAND" hand\]stamp, another 1851 cover ro England bearing beautiful strike of undated letter stamp and blue "DEAL / SHIP LETTER" handstamp, four with forwarding agents treatment, "India Letter/Hasting" on a much correspondence letter, another ex Goldblatt with THOMPSON WATSON oval on reverse, few small faults, an interesting group worth careful inspection. Ex Dillaway.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 557
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: 1864 to 1910 accumulation of about 100 better Rectangular covers in Lighthouse binders, including a few incoming, better destinations with 1866 envelope to Adelaide, South Australia bearing 1864-77 1d, 4d and 1s in three color combination, two pretty envelops, 1866 and 1868 from the De Graaff correspondence to Leiden and Haarlem respectively, Holland from Swellendam and each bearing 1864-77 1d (2), 1s, 1890 cover to Norway from Kynsna with 1s, 1890 cover to Norway from Kynsna with 1d (6) neatly canceled by small rectangular obliterators (late use), two Robben Island to Cape Town and extensive range of postal stationery with many uprated, one to Bavarian, a newspaper wrapper with boxed two lined "RETURNED FOR (1d) POSTAGE, many still on dealer sales sheets, priced sleeves, some with small faults to be expected though many attractive and fine to very fine, A valuable lot worth carful inspection. Ex Dillaway.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 558
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: 1853-54 The Triangular cover accumulation, 19 items, including two 1858 envelopes to Natal from Cape Town bearing singles 1855-63 4d,ex Bill Hart but cut into at bottom, 1859 battered front to Genoa, Italy bearing 1855-63 ed and 6d pale rose lilac, 1959 envelope to London from Gramsstown bearing 6d deep rose iliac, 1861 & 1862 two envelopes to Finland one bearing 6d deep rose-lilacs, the other a 6d pale rose- lilac. 1862 1d soldiers and sailors concessionary rate envelope (missing most of backflap) Wales 1864 front to Port Lewis, Mauritius bearing 1863 64 4d blue, some faults to be expected some fine, worth careful inspection Ex Dillaway.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 559
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: 1961 - 1910, The rectangular cover accumulation, over 200 items, loose or in sleeves, many original invoices, in small box, including 1869 large "On Service" cover to Cape Town from Ceres bearing 1864-77 4d and 6d canceled by red small triangular obliterator, 1879 3d on 4d with variety small "p" in "pence" on envelope to Queens Town, an extensive range of postal stationery many items uprated, practically none unused, many foreign destinations with colorful mixed usages, many items in the $100- $200 range. TPO's, registered. some with POSTED LATE or TOO LATE markings even occasional revenue usage with an 1867 promissory note bearing an 1864-77 6d pen canceled, few book post covers, some Dues with 1867 envelope from Cape Town to London with circular MORE TO PAY, some small faults to be expected, though many fine to very fine, Worth careful inspection. Ex Dillaway.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 560
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: 1856 to 1907, an eclectic group of 30 items, all mounted on exhibition pages including two Post Office Forms, for transmitting a registered letter between Post Office, one 1859 (earliest known) the other 1871 soldier and sailors concessionary rate covers (3), Post Office credits on incoming mail from England, Official Seals, Official Mail and censor marks (3), some small faults to be expected though much attractive and form an unusual grouping. Ex Dillaway.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 561
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: The Anglo-Boer War cover accumulation on stock pages, 33 covers or cards plus one unused post card, including 1901 censored cover to Humaysdorp, Cape Colony, from St. Helena, other incoming to St, Helena to either Deadwood or Broad Bottom, three from Holland, 2 fronts, variety of censor markings, some faults to be expected. Many attractive some fine. .Ex Maisel.
Mostly well written-up and four from Harmers of London auction 1994 as individual lots.
COMBINATION TRIANGULAR / RECTANGULAR COMBINATION C
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 522
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
Used to Holland: 1855-63 1d deep rose red on cream-toned paper PAIR (partially affixed over right edge) good margins to barely touched, together with 1864-77 1s green PAIR and single, with wing margins, all tied or canceled by small triangle cancels on Registered envelop "from SWELLENDAM" banner blue envelope bearing manuscript "Via England p Mail str via Marseille", red "9" and "2/8", and "3" London Registered hand stamps, on reverse red oval SWELLENDAM JA 15 1865 origin. An important combination issue franking Ex Dillaway, Bertolaja.(SG 5b,26a )
This lot and the next Triangular / Rectangular combination covers are from the DeGraft Correspondence to Leiden Holland the covers are among the great rarities of Cape of Good Hope Postal History with only 25 being about noted . Most interestingly there were none found in Grand Prix Collections such as C.E. Emerson, Huston, "Maximus" or Royal Philatelic Collection.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 523
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
Used to Holland:1863-64 “Triangular”, De La Rue printing, 1d brownish red PAIR, enormous margins to just in, together with 1864-77 1s green tied by small triangular cancels on red "from SWELLENDAM" ba, envelope bearing manuscript "Via England by the R.M. St "Saxon" and manuscript "11". CAPETOWN DE 11 65 c.d.s. and red LONDON PAID 19 JAN 66 c.d.s., on reverse oval SWELLENDAM DE 10 1885 and weak London transit. The cover is overpaid by 1d. Another magnificent combination cover. Ex Bertolaja, Dillaway.(SG 18c, 26a )
This lot and the prior Triangular / Rectangular combination covers are from the DeGraft Correspondence to Leiden Holland the covers are among the great rarities of Cape of Good Hope Postal History with only about 25 being noted. Most interestingly there were none found in Grand Prix Collections such as C.E. Emerson, Huston, "Maximus" or Royal Philatelic Collection.
Used to Finland: 1861-77, “Hope Seated” 1d carmine red (2 copies) perforation faults at bottom, 4d blue (2 copies) 1s green (2 copies) all tied by lovely barred oveal "1" BONC, duplex cancels 5 SP 71 on neat blue double rate envelope bearing manuscript "via England" London transit, red boxed "FRANCO", "PD" in oval and red crayon "2/8" credit, on reverse Finish receiver 3 OKT 1871 Ex Dillaway.(SG 23,24 26a )
A beautiful three colour franking to a rare destination.
Barred Oval Numeral Canceller (BONC): 1869 (30 Nov) single rate folded letter from Port Elizabeth to Willowmore bearing 1865, “Hope Seated” 1d carmine red pair and two singles, tied by barred oval "2" handstamps, cover bears PORT-ELIZABETH NO 30 69 CAPE COLONY c.d.s. additionally tying one stamp, backstamped with double oval AVONTUUR DE 2 1869 town datestamp transit (SG 23 )
Used to Australia: 1874 (10 April) single packet rate envelope from Port Elizabeth to Sydney, Australia bearing 1864-77 4d pale blue, 1s green and 1871-76 1d carmine-red with wing margin at right, (slight edge faults at left), all tied by barred oval “2” handstamps, endorsed “Per Str “Roman” to Plymouth and Via Brindisi to Galle” and bears PORT ELIZABETH AP 10 74 c.d.s., CAPE TOWN AP 23 74 CAPE-COLONY transit c.d.s. with red London Paid transit of 22 May 74 also tying the 1s stamp and red manuscript “1/4d” credit to the U.K., backstamped with Sydney receiver of 25 July 1874, blue crest on back flap with motto Honor Virtutis Pr(a)emium (the reward of virtue, honor). Attractive three color franking to a very Rare destination Ex Dale-Lichtenstein.(SG 24, 26a,29 )
Used to Canada: 1864-77, “Hope Seated” 4d blue, 1871-76 1d Carmine-red PAIR, tied by perfect BONC "38" cancel on envelope bearing manuscript "pr next str of Donald Currie & Co, per Windsor Castle" double oval CALVINIA AU 31 1875 date stamp, Cape & London transits, red "1d, 1½d" manuscript "3" on reverse crisp MONTREAL OC 22 75 receiver Ex Bertolaja, Dillaway.(SG 4a, 29 )
Used to England: 1875 (16 May) single packet rate cover from Tarkastad to Leeds, England bearing 1864-77 4d blue pair and single with wing margin at left, small faults, canceled by double oval TARKASTAD MY 16 1875 datestamp, bears CAPE TOWN MY 20 75 CAPE COLONY c.d.s. alongside, backstamped CAPE PACKET PLYMOUTH JU 22 75 and Leeds next day receiver, very rare, Ex Dale-Lichtenstein.Signed Richard Johnson(SG 24a )
One of only two covers extant showing the Tarkastad handstamp, the other example being dated 1873. The lettering on these handstamps was normally in serifed capitals and this was the only sans serif type in use on the Eastern Frontier. The village was established by the Dutch Reformed Church on the farm Boschfontein. Its name was derived from the Khoikhoi, meaning “a place of many women.” It was some 50 miles from Cradock; the post office was opened in 1858.
Used to England: 1876 (27 Nov.) private ship single rate cover (at the newly increased 6d rate) from King Williams Town to London, England bearing 1864-77 4d blue and 1871-76 1d carmine-red (2), cancelled by barred oval “4” handstamps, endorsed “Per ‘Dunrobin Castle’ Via Dartmouth” and bears KING WILLIAMS-TOWN NO 27 76 c.d.s., CAPE TOWN DE 2 76 CAPE COLONY c.d.s. and faint red London Paid arrival c.d.s. of 23 December 1876, with faint vertical fold at center not affecting the stamps or markings, scarce (SG 24a, 29 )
The “Dunrobin Castle” established both outward and homeward records from Table Bay to Plymouth in 1876 and 1877 respectively.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 532
Symbol: Cat No: 24A o.f.s.4
Cape and Orange Free State combination usage: 1871 (4 Jan.) envelope from King Williams Town to Pniel Klipdrift (Diamond Fields) bearing Cape 1864-77 4d blue and Orange Free State 1868-94 6d pale rose, tied by barred oval “4” handstamp and oval of bars handstamp respectively, carmine double oval KING WILLIAMS TOWN JA 4 1871 town datestamp and two unclear straight-line handstamps on front with straight-line UNCLAIMED handstamp on reverse some perf. faults. Rare., (Scott 24A o.f.s.4 )
The letter originated on the Eastern Frontier (Cape, formerly British Kaffraria) with the Orange Free State 6d added to pay postage through that territory and is addressed to a town that played an important role in the history of the Diamond Fields – it was from Pniel that the rush to the dry diggings at Kimberley started. The issue of ownership over the Diamond Fields was only resolved in March 1871, and the opening of the first Griqualand West post offices probably date from that time. Despite the protests of local residents, in March 1871 the Orange Free State Post Office ordered that the wood and corrugated iron shed, which housed the post office at Pniel, should be dismantled and removed to Jacobsdal, in the Orange Free State. The letter appears to have remained undelivered.
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 533
Symbol: Cat No: 25b, 29, 30
Used to the United States: 1877 (25 May) single packet rate envelope from Port Elizabeth to Chicago, Illinois bearing 1864-77 6d violet, 1871-76 1d carmine-red and 4d dull blue (Four copies), all tied by barred oval “2” handstamps, cover bears PORT ELIZABETH MY 25 77 c.d.s., CAPE TOWN MY 29 77 CAPE COLONY and red London Paid transits, also tying four stamps, red manuscript crayon “2½” 2½d credit on fully paid single rate letters from the Cape to the U.K. on mail to U.P.U. countries transiting the U.K., no backstamps, Chicago lined through in pencil and Evanston added, envelope is a little fragile, a scarce four color combination. Purportedly Ex Dale-Lichtenstein, possibly from lot 635.(Scott 25b, 29, 30 )
Used to London: 1864, “Hope Seated” 1s green PAIR and Single tied by small circular numberless barred handstamp on 1873 (27 July) large blue triple rate long envelope, from De Beers New Rough to London bearing DEBEERS NR JY 27 1873 double arc c.d.s., red manuscript "8" Cape Town transit, red Paid Ship letter London receiver 28 AUG 73, and additional on reverse, scarce and attractive G.G. 26a Ex Bertolaja, Dillaway.(SG 26a; Scott 19 )
Used to Belgium: 1871-76 ½d grey-black, 1d carmine red and 1864-77 1s green all tied by mini-bar "1" Cape Town duplex cancel 4 March 76, on envelope manuscript "per SS European" manuscript "1/0 1/2", London PAID transit stamp 30 MR 76, on reverse Blue company oval Anvers receiver and transit Ex Dillaway.(SG 6a, 28, 29 )
Used to Finland: 1864-77 1s green two PAIRS and 1871-76 4d dull blue PAIR, all tied by min-bar "1" Cape Town duplex cancel, 10 SE 74 on large linen backed blue septuple rate envelope from Cape Town to Helsingford, Finland via England by private ship, bearing manuscript "Colonial Steamer" "3/6" in red crayon (credit to the U.K.), London PAID transit c.d.s., 4 OC 1874 on reverse, St. Petersburg transit 6 OC 1874 and ANK 18/10 arrival in blue on front. Ex P. Pearson, Dillaway.(SG 26a, 30 )
Used to Germany:1864-77 1s blue-green and 1871-76 carmine-red wing-margin PAIR, tied by BOCE "2" hand stamp, manuscript "P.R.M. Str Danbe" and PORT ELIZABETH FE 20 76 c.d.s. with Cape Town & London, transits and manuscript "1/0 1/2" in red crayon Ex Bertoloja, Dillaway.(SG 26b, 29 )
Postmaster's Letter to Post Master General: 1873 stampless folded letter bearing internally used, 1871-76 “Hope Seated” 1d carmine - rose STRIP OF SIX and PAIR, tied by thin bar "1" BONC cancels on "settlement of letters" not included in the "Returns of Postage", bearing CAPETOWN JY3 73 arrival Ex Dillaway.(SG 29 )
A unique letter from the Riebeek Kasteel P.O. reading, "I remit 8 stamps in settlement of the letters of Joubert and Pepoler. Your obedient etc.. A novel important item. Further analysis accompanies.
Cape Newspaper: 1872, “Hope Seated” 1d carmine red tied by BONC handstamp cancel to the Saturday, December 21 1872 edition of The Cape Argus in Cape Town., The four page newspaper is endorsed "By Mail Steamer" at top and sent to Mr. Canning, Boys School, Leek Staffordshire, England and advertises the sailing dates of eight ships, some as far afield as Boston and amongst other matters the need for a doctor for the residents of Schiettontein in the district of Victoria West, some small toning spots and edge wear, but never the less in remarkable condition considering its age. Ex Dillaway.(SG 29 )
Burns Hill via Alice to England: 1878 (17 Apr.) Campaign letter written just before the battle of Makabalele Ridge, a signed officer’s letter erroneously bearing 1871-76 1d carmine-red (wing margin at, tied by small triangular obliterator on cover to his father, Revd. W. Smith, Petersfield, Hampshire, England, countersigned “Free, F. Smith, Lieut, Commanding, Burns Hill” and bears double oval ALICE AP 17 1878 town datestamp and CAPE TOWN AP 25 78 CAPE COLONY c.d.s., backstamped CAPE PACKET PLYMOUTH MY 24 78 c.d.s. and next day receivers of Diss and Petersfield, Rare (SG 29 )
The letter was delivered from the field to Alice, 15 miles west of Burns Hill and forwarded to Cape Town on postcart route No.28.
The seeds of battle had been sown many years before but the war erupted between the Xhosa and Fingo tribes when a minor Gcaleka Chief was injured during a brawl at a beer party held by the Fingo Ngcafull-scaleyecibi. Against his will the Xhosa Paramount Chief Sandile became involved and a full scale war between the tribes started. The Cape Government used both Imperial Troops and Colonial Forces consisting of 5,000 infantry, 200 mounted troops and the assistance of 3,700 Fingo tribesmen to finally end the war with the death of Sandile, who was killed on 29 May 1878 in the Perie Bush 12 miles from King Williams Town. The death of the Paramount Chief heralded the end of an era and a legend spread over 50 years.
So much for “Beer Diplomacy”.
Used to England: 1875 (3 June) private ship single rate from Panmure (East London Division) to Carlisle, England bearing 1871-76 1d carmine-red BLOCK OF FOUR with wing margin, tied by large triangular obliterator endorsed "Via Donald Currie Line" and PANMURE JU 3 &% c.d.s. CAPE TOWN JU 10 75 CAPE COLONY transit c.d.s. with large red fancy "2d" handstamp alongside, on reverse Carlisle JY 6 75 c.d.s. receiver. A very rare origin (SG 29; Scott 24 )
Frescura records this cover as being the latest recorded date for Panmure
Cape Money Letter: 15 Feb 1881 letter from Postmaster Jno. Somerville at Middelburg to the Postmaster General in Cape Town bearing 1871-76 4d dull blue, CORNER STRIP of THREE, canceled by light violet Postmaster - General's date stamp sending a "1/- silver coil" which had been found by the postmaster though unknown orgin. An unusual 4d 15 Oct 1885 letter showing the method of transmitting money and a unique item from the Post Office. On exhibit page Ex Bertolaja, Dillaway.(SG 30 )
Used to Germany: 1871-76 5s yellow-orange (hinged in place) tied on 1855 4d 15 Oct 1885 4d registered envelope (trimmed) by, VENTERSTAD OC 15 85 c.d.s. flap stamp and "R" handstamp, on reverse LEIPZIG receiver 12-11-85. Ex Dale-Lichtenstein, Bertolaja, Dillaway.(SG 31; Scott 28 )
1882 (30 May): envelope from Grahamstown to Port Alfred bearing 1880 “3” on 3d pale dull rose, error SURCHARGE INVERTED, canceled by barred oval “3” handstamp, cover (back flap missing, small tears) bears GRAHAMS TOWN MY 30 82 c.d.s. with Port Alfred next day receiver backstamp. Very Rare Ex Dale-Lichtenstein.,.(SG 37a )
Used to Germany: 1886 (23 Aug.) single rate envelope from Port Elizabeth to Berlin, Germany bearing 1884-90 ½d black, 1d rose-red and 6d purple, all tied by squared circle PORT ELIZABETH AU 23 86 c.d.s., bears large red “2½d” handstamp alongside stamps, backstamped CAPE TOWN AU 25 86 CAPE-COLONY transit c.d.s., red LONDON SP 15 86 transit c.d.s. with Berlin next day receiver, back cover flap with black PORT ELIZABETH/ED. LIPPERT & Co./CAPE OF GOOD HOPE merchant’s oval, very attractive (SG 48,49,52a )
Used to England: 1893 (14 May) single rate envelope (½d overpaid) from Port Alfred to London, England bearing 1884-90 1d rose-red (3, one with small piece missing, pre-use), tied by octagonal “51” handstamps, PORT ALFRED MY 14 93 c.d.s. backstamped with Cape Town transit and red Paddington receiver of 6 June 1893, docketed at left, scarce. (SG 49 )
Mail Service Suspended: 1899 (22 Nov.) envelope from Grahamstown to Johannesburg bearing 1893-1902 Standing “Hope” 1d carmine (creased at right), tied by GRAHAMSTOWN NO 22 99 C.G.H. c.d.s., bears violet boxed MAIL SERVICE SUSPENDED handstamp whereupon the sender attempted to resend the envelope care of Mr. Ross British Consul Lourenco Marques (endorsement at top) which was neutral territory. Again, delivery was refused this time with the red manuscript endorsement “Mail Service Suspended” and also bearing GRAHAMSTOWN NO 30 99 C.G.H. squared circle c.d.s. Eventually the cover made it to the Cape Town returned letter office and bears faint red RETURNED LETTER OFFICE MY 28 00 CAPE TOWN (RLO 4) backstamp. Scarce and fascinating. (SG 59a )
Sale No: 13
Lot No: 550
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
1890 1d black post card, The Mysterious "Black Post Card", used in Port Elizabeth, sent by John George Kirby, the Port Elizabeth Postmaster and surveyor for the Midland District with the message, "Found at Lady Frere P.O. retain this as a great curiosity" written on the reverse. Ex Wilhelm Grutter and the subject of an article by Mr. Grutter in the South African Philatelist, Vol 74 13 June 1998, where he came to the conclusion that this black postcard was the only one found so far, printed on lighter board stock than the red cards issued in 1878. It is a machine proof issued unintentionally. ALSO four examples of normal card used between 1887 and 1893 on exhibition page. Ex Dillaway.
The "Dead Horse" Letter: 1856, 29 April Official letter (postal waybill) from Craddock to Capetown which accompanies the mail, accounting for the movement of the mail items, and strictly recording the times taken and reasons for delay by the post contractor. Ex Dillaway.
The postmaster at Burgher's Dorp notes, "The cause of my delay between Craddock and this was owing to one of the Post horses dropping dead on the road and the contractor himself compelled to walk six hours in order to reach his second station to obtain another horse". The letter at top bears six strikes of the varying dates of the double oval CRADOCK town datestamp from AP 23 1856 to AP 29 1856, five of which have been cancelled by the small triangular obliterators and also red double oval CAPE TOWN MY 10 1856 town handstamp receiver on front. Some slight edge wear and soiling. A fascinating document on exhibition page
Vryburg Z.A.R., 1899, ½d on ½d green, 1d rose, 2d mauve, 2½d blue surcharged, each tied by VRYBURG 25 NO 99 c.d.s. strikes on piece, signed on reverse by W.R. Ashford 25.11.99 fine to very fine . Royal Cert (1988 numbers corrected) in G. Holschauer's name (SG 1,2,3,4 £1,125 )
Middelburg, Transvaal to Tarkastad, Cape: 1901 (10 June) registered envelope bearing Transvaal 1901-02 1d rose-red and green (Five copies), tied by divided circle MIDDELBURG 10 JUN 01 TRANSVAAL c.d.s., bears violet Pretoria Passed Press Censor, backstamped violet oval BURGHER CAMP 10 JUN 1901 MIDDELBURG datestamp signed in the center by the Superintendent C. A. Gardner, N. E. T. P. O. DOWN JU 15 01 c.d.s. with Pretoria, Vogelstruisnek and Tarkastad transit and arrival datestamps of 23 June 1901, scarce. (SG 39 )
In June 1901 the infamous Middelburg Burgher Camp had 7,751 inmates and in that month there were 416 deaths, of which 347 were from an outbreak of the measles.
Cape of Good Hope: Used to Rhode Island, United States: 1809 pre-stamp double letter-sheet showing a fine strike of manuscript oval "SHIP LETTER CAPE OF GOOD HOPE" with Crown in center (Goldblatt SL1), used as a transit mark and very rare manuscript. The letter is datelined 30 April 1809 in Calcutta, India, to Providence, Rhode Island, America. The reverse is endorsed "Forward home Rio de Janeiro, March 10, 1810" and "received May 8, 1810. The front bears red "ship" in a red hand stamp., "19" in red manuscript below '6' erased as a "1/-" notation. The letter-sheet has been endorsed on the front at lower left "per ship Silvanus New York" an unusual and interesting item. very fine . Ex Huston, Dillaway.
