Lot 370
"Free On Service in the Field," "On Active Service Stamps not procurable:" 1878 (8 Jan. and 2 July) Two Envelopes from Thomas Busby in King Williams Town to the writer’s wife in London, England, suitably endorsed and correctly countersigned by "W.E.D. Spring Lieut., 24th Regt. Comm. 1st Detacht." and "F.E. Baker Capt., Commg. Baker’s Horse." The first cover) bears KING WILLIAMS TOWN JA 8 78 c.d.s. and CAPE TOWN JA 14 78 CAPE COLONY transit c.d.s., backstamped CAPE PACKET FE 19 78 PLYMOUTH c.d.s. with London receivers of 11 February 1878. The second cover) undoubtedly written immediately the war ended, bears KING WILLIAMS TOWN JY 2 78 c.d.s. and CAPE TOWN JY 8 CAPE COLONY transit c.d.s. with London backstamp receivers of 21 August 1878. Both covers were taxed 6d on arrival due to non prepayment and bear different "6d" handstamps. An incredible pair of covers with both signed Richard Johnson., ex. Dillaway.
Estimate $500 - 750
Thomas Busby was killed at Isandhlwana on 22 January 1878. The Busby letters were the subject of a special monograph by Robson Lowe and also featured in his article in the S. A. Philatelist, Vol. 61, No. 11, November 1985.
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| Opening Bid $240 |
