Lot 376
"From the Field, Stamps Not Obtainable:" 1878 (3 June) Letter from "No. 88 Private I. Keane, H Comp., 1/24 Reg. Ibeka S. Africa" to Ennis, Ireland, envelope countersigned by the major of the garrison, and bearing KING WILLIAMS TOWN JU 3 78 c.d.s. and CAPE TOWN JU 8 78 CAPE COLONY transit c.d.s. with ENNIS NO 15 79 c.d.s. on front, additionally backstamped the next day, indicating that the letter was delivered after 17 months, taxed 1d (hence handstamp), postmaster notation "Recd. open & sealed at Ennis" on back, a remarkably well-traveled. Rare., ex. Dillaway.
Estimate $300 - 400
The village of Ibeka was renamed Fort Ibeka during the Ninth Frontier War. This was the military camp of the Frontier Armed and Mounted Police and, although records show the opening of a post office February 1878, possibly only a military establishment without cancellers, as no identifiable mail with postmarks has been found from this source. It is remembered for the unsuccessful 3-day siege beginning on 29 October 1877 when the fort was surrounded and attacked by 9,000 Gcaleka warriors.
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| Opening Bid $145 |
