Lot 362
Convicts Mail: 1875 (9 Aug.) Folded letter sheet from an inmate at the Kowie Convict Station to Grahamstown, cover with no postage being paid is endorsed in red ms. at left "Convict’s Letter, A. (Alexander) W.H. Aitchison" (appointed station Superintendent 1861), backstamped with double oval PORT ALFRED AU 9 1875 town datestamps (2 strikes) and Grahamstown same day receiver, Rare., ex. Dillaway.
Estimate $300 - 400
Dr Dillaway’s research has identified only two additional convict letters known, both of which fall outside the scope of this collection. This special mail class is not detailed in current Cape literature. Interestingly, all three items show no postal charges; two of the three are clearly marked in red manuscript and officially countersigned as per this example.
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| Opening Bid $145 |
