SG9. 1853.
2d. Deep blue.
Beautiful small entire cover from 'POUDRE D'OR' to Surbiton, redirected to London, bearing, on the reverse, a horizontal strip of three Early Impression 2d. Deep blue (Positions 10/12) (paying the 6d. overseas letter rate), cancelled with the intaglio '9' in 12 bars handstamp and framed two-line 'village/date' despatch handstamp 'POUDRE D'OR' with manuscript '7/5/53' inserted (listed in J.O. Barnard's estimate - British Library - dated 12th November 1846, as one of the '12 letter stamps with moveable dates and Names of stations').
On the front, crowned 'G.P.O. MAURITIUS MY 9 1853' and manuscript 'Clancy May 6th/53' (and mailed via the Cape route). Also, manuscript re-direction 'Church of England Club, London'. On the reverse London 'SP 13 1853' (transit) and 'KINGSTON 13 1853' (arrival) handstamps.
(The intaglio '9' handstamp is unrecorded by Ibbotson and Kanai).
David Brandon Certificate.
WONDERFUL QUALITY AND A UNIQUE FRANKING. ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE AND IMPORTANT COVERS OF MAURITIUS, BRITISH AFRICA AND OF WORLD PHILATELY.
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