Lot 228
Missent to Grahamstown: 1871 (17 Aug) envelope from Post Retief at the correct 1d rate to Fort Beaufort bearing 1864-77 1d carmine red (small edge placement faults) tied by large triangular obliterator, bears double oval POST RETIEF AU 17 1871 town datestamp and double oval FORT BEAUFORT SP 8 1871 town datestamp with "7d More to pay" endorsement at top (3d for the balance of the inland rate plus 4d postage due). The explanation is fascinating: the cover was missent to Grahamstown arriving there after 15 days (hence GRAHAMS-TOWN AU 31 71 CAPE-COLONY c.d.s. backstamp), it ultimately reached Fort Beaufort nine days later and was inexplicably marked "7d More to pay." Post Retief was only 30 miles from Fort Beaufort and the mishandling had resulted in a demand for additional postage and delivery 24 days after posting. The addressee refused acceptance resulting in Postmistress Mrs M. E. Browning adding the manuscript notation to the cover at left "Refused by Mr T. Quin on account of excessive postage and having been sent to G. T. before coming to Fort Beaufort" and returning the cover to Cape Town (hence CAPE-TOWN SP 11 71 CAPE-COLONY c.d.s.). Cover with back flap missing but nevertheless an incredibly well traveled cover. Rare., Ex Goldblatt, Dillaway. SG 23.
Estimate $300 - 400.
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| Opening Bid $145 |
