BECHUANALAND
FEATURED ITEM
AB4461
1894 (17th October), long, locally addressed envelope, bearing 34 examples of the 1893 1d carmine-red with overprint reading downwards. Comprising a BLOCK OF 14 (2x7), three horizontal STRIPS OF THREE, two horizontal PAIRS and seven single stamps. All tied by VRYBURG / B.B (17 OC / 94) single circle datestamps. All the stamps appear to emanate from two part right-hand panes and include two examples of the SG listed variety INVERTED ‘u’ FOR 2nd ‘n’ [Row 1/3]. Also showing several unlisted constant varieties: Closed ‘h’ in ‘Bechuanaland’ [Row 3/3], ‘i’ in ‘British almost omitted [Row 8/2] and Damaged ‘B’ in ‘British’ [Row 10/1]. A spectacular franking, if a tad philatelically inspired. Ex the Brian Hurst Collection and beautifully written up on his album page. SG 38, 38d, 38 var.
£275
Recent acquisitions are numbered in blue. Last update: 21st December, 2024
POSTAL HISTORY
AB4158 BECHUANALAND / Forerunner / Incoming Missionary Mail 1822 (Feb) incoming large part entire with the message written in palimpsest. Addressed to ‘Mr. Robert Moffat / Missionary, Lattakoo, South Africa / Care of the Revd. Dr. Philip / Cape Town / Cape of Good Hope’ and endorsed ‘Single’ (sheet) at lower left by the sender. Various manuscript postal endorsements including ‘Paid 1/4½’, ‘2’ and ‘Single’. Two different UK ‘PAID’ transits (17 Feb and 20 Feb) and a large oval POST PAID SHIP Lr / LONDON all struck in red and rectangular INVERKEITHING mileage mark struck in black on reverse. At this date Lattakoo was situated near present day Kuruman. Faults including repaired tear from wax seal. A very rare example of incoming mail and believed to be the earliest recorded, being within a year of Moffat’s arrival in May 1821. £3,250
AB3133 BECHUANALAND / Forerunner / Outgoing Missionary Mail. 1828 (15th February) large part entire written by Robert Moffat at the London Missionary Society mission at Lattakoo in the future Bechuanaland. Addressed to “Mr. G. Hodson / Mission House / London” and endorsed at lower left “Care of Revd. R Miles / church square / Cape Town” and subsequently crossed through when forwarded. Showing two fine strikes of the Cape Town POST OFFICE / GENERAL crowned circle dated 3 April and 12 April representing the arrival and dispatch dates in Cape Town. Various manuscript rate markings on the front, an ‘INDIA LETTER / DOVER’ boxed cachet and a circular ‘F / 23 JU 23 / 1828’ arrival datestamp both struck on the reverse. Endorsed on flap “recd 23 June 1828 / GH” and also “Lattakoo 15 Feb 1828 / Robt. Moffat”. At this date Lattakoo was situated near present day Kuruman and is where Robert Moffat settled in 1821. Faults including piece excised from around wax seal. Extremely rare. Believed to be the earliest recorded item of mail with postal markings emanating from the territory which 57 years later became part of British Bechuanaland. £4,500
AB4161 BECHUANALAND / Forerunner / Incoming Missionary Mail 1840 (12 September). Early Missionary mail from Kuruman. Wrapper addressed to ‘Rev W. Ellis Foreign Secretary / Mission House Blomfield St Finsbury / London’. Endorsed ‘Care of Revd D Philips / Church Square / Cape Town”. The letter was carried privately to Cape Town where Rev Philip arranged for it to enter the official mails and where it received a crowned oval GENERAL POST OFFICE / CAPE OF GOOD HOPE (3 Dec) datestamp. The postage of 2/4 (endorsed in red manuscript) was paid by Rev Philip. At this time neither Stellaland nor British Bechuanaland existed. The Rev Robert Moffat joined the London Missionary Society Mission in Kuruman in 1820 becoming one of the first Europeans to reside in the first European settlement in Bechuana territory. The side flap is endorsed “Kuruman, Sept 12, 1840 / Hamilton & Edwards”. Robert Hamilton and Roger Edwards (believed to be the writer) were artisans working under Robert Moffat who was in England at this time. They were in charge of the mission and also handled the mails. An endorsement shows the letter arrived on 17 March 1841 (transit time of 6 months and 5 days). Horizontal fold, otherwise a fine and very rare example of early Missionary mail. Ex Catterall (2001).
 
Note: Mail from Kuruman at this early date was sent by any available means to Cape Town and thenceforth via Dr. Philips, the representative of the London Missionary Society who would pay postage and arrange for onward transmission. 		£2,750
AB4279 1861 (3rd May) stampless entire addressed to ‘Robbert Moffat Junior’ at the ‘Croe Man Ensutuiet’, a rather quaint phonetic version for ‘Kuruman Institute’. The message, written in Dutch is headed ‘Jakalsvleij Meij de 3rd 1861’ (situated in the Clanwilliam district) and concerns a financial matter. There are no postal markings and the entire would have been carried privately by whatever means were available, possibly by missionaries. At this date, Kuruman had no postal agency. Some stains, not overly detracting from this wonderfully charming early mail to the mission station at Kuruman, which was established in the early 1820s by the missionary Dr. Robert Moffat. £450
AB4496 1879 (24th April) incoming envelope from England bearing QV 6d grey (SG 147, plate 16) tied by Stockwell (24 April) duplex cancellation. Addressed to ‘Revd J. S. Moffat / Molepolole / Via Zeerust / Transvaal / Cape of Good Hope’. Cape Town transit on the front and light Pretoria / Zuid Afrika (May? 30) transit backstamp. The Rev. John Smith Moffat was the fourth son of the Rev. Robert Moffat (founder of Kuruman) and brother-in-law of David Livingstone. A very rare item of early incoming mail which would have travelled into Bechuanaland from Zeerust via Linokana (ZAR) and Kanye utilising a service operated by missionaries based at Linokana and in Bechuanaland. Of the seven letters recorded sent by runner via Zeerust, this is the only one sent by the longer route via Pretoria instead of Potchefstroom. Some peripheral soiling, otherwise fine. £475
AB4160 BECHUANALAND / Forerunner / Incoming Missionary Mail 1879 (1st May), incoming envelope from England bearing a QV 6d (SG 147, plate 16) tied by Huddersfield / 387 (1 May) duplex cancellation. Addressed to “Revd John Smith Moffat / Molepolole / Via Zeerust / Transvaal / Cape of Good Hope”. Showing a Cape Town (26 May) transit struck on the front and a POTCHEFSTROOM / ZUID AFRIKA (4 June) transit backstamp. The flap with repair, otherwise a rare item of early incoming mail which would have travelled into Bechuanaland via Zeerust and Linokana to Kanye utilising a service operated by missionaries based at Linokana in the ZAR and at Kanye in Bechuanaland. A rare example of early incoming mail, over six years before the territory was proclaimed a Protectorate on the 30th September, 1885.
 
Note: John Smith Moffat was born on the 10th March 1835 in Kuruman. He was the fourth son (of ten children) of the missionary Dr. Robert Moffat who had re-established a mission station at Kuruman in the early 1820s. He joined the London Missionary Society in 1858 and married Emily Unwin the same year and was the brother-in-law of David Livingstone. His father settled him at Inyati in 1859, where he lived for six years and helped start the first mission in Matabeleland. In 1865 he took over the running of his father’s mission in Kuruman and was the London Missionary Society's representative amongst the Bechuanas. In 1879 he resigned from the missionary society and joined the British colonial service. In 1884 he became the Assistant Commissioner to Sir Sidney Shippard in Bechuanaland and in early August 1888 he organised the Mafeking-Gubulawayo Runner Post between Bechuanaland and Matabeleland which covered nearly 500 miles. 		£750
AB4163 Cape of Good Hope 1880 (21st September), incoming envelope from Grahams Town, Cape Colony. Bearing Cape 1d carmine-red and ‘3’ surcharge on 3d pale dull rose (SG 29, 37) tied by an unclear ‘3’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller of Grahams Town. Addressed to ‘Rev J. S. Moffat / c/o A Spranger Esquire / Zeerust. Marico / Transvaal’. Backstamped with originating GRAHAMS TOWN (21 Sep) single circle datestamp and POTCHEFSTROOM / TRANSVAAL (30 Sep) transit datestamp. Remarkably fine condition and a rare example of early incoming mail, over five years before the territory was proclaimed a Protectorate on the 30th September, 1885. Note: this item would have travelled into Bechuanaland via Zeerust utilising a service operated by missionaries based at Linokana in the ZAR and at Kanye in Bechuanaland.
 
John Smith Moffat was born on the 10th March 1835 in Kuruman. He was the fourth son (of ten children) of the missionary Dr. Robert Moffat who had re-established a mission station at Kuruman in the early 1820s. He joined the London Missionary Society in 1858 and married Emily Unwin the same year and was the brother-in-law of David Livingstone. His father settled him at Inyati in 1859, where he lived for six years and helped start the first mission in Matabeleland. In 1865 he took over the running of his father’s mission in Kuruman and was the London Missionary Society's representative amongst the Bechuanas. In 1879 he resigned from the missionary society and joined the British colonial service. In 1884 he became the Assistant Commissioner to Sir Sidney Shippard in Bechuanaland and in early August 1888 he organised the Mafeking-Gubulawayo Runner Post between Bechuanaland and Matabeleland which covered a distance of nearly 500 miles. 		£650
AB4494 1887 stampless ‘O.H.M.S.’ entire, signed on front by ‘E C Baxter’ (later Postmaster General of British Bechuanaland) at upper right and endorsed ‘C.C. Office / Vryburg’ at lower left. With printed notice on the reverse in Dutch (translation: NOTICE / OLD STELLALAND DEBT / PROMISSORY NOTES AND TITLEDEEDS TO ERVEN IN VRYBURG) requesting all persons owing unpaid promissory notes to the late Stellaland Government to provide security within 2 months or face legal proceedings. Also, persons holding title deeds to redeem them by 30 June 1887, pay quitrent due, or forfeit such Erven to the Crown. ‘By Order of his Honour the Administrator / P.J. Truter, Civil Commissioner, Vryburg 14th April 1887’. Addressed locally with VRYBURG / BECHUANALAND (18 May) single circle dispatch datestamp, then readdressed to Bloemhof, Transvaal. Showing the scarce ‘GEADVERTEERD EN ONAFGEHAALD.’ (Advertised and Unclaimed) boxed cachet struck in purple, applied in the Transvaal. Backstamped with Bloemhof (23 Jul) and Kimberley (25 Jul) datestamps. The letter never reached the intended recipient and eventually ended up in Cape Town five months later where it received a RETURNED LETTER OFFICE / CAPE TOWN (24 Oct) datestamp, struck on the front. Rare, and in remarkably fine condition A superb end piece to a Stellaland exhibit. £575
AB4307 1887 (18th May), stampless ‘O.H.M.S.’ entire, signed at upper right ‘E C Baxter’ (later PMG of British Bechuanaland) and endorsed ‘C.C. Office / Vryburg’ at lower left. With printed notice on the reverse in Dutch (translation: NOTICE / OLD STELLALAND DEBT / PROMISSORY NOTES AND TITLEDEEDS TO ERVEN IN VRYBURG) requesting all persons owing unpaid promissory notes to the late Stellaland Government to provide security within 2 months or face legal proceedings. Also, persons holding title deeds to redeem them by 30 June 1887, pay quitrent due, or forfeit such Erven to the Crown. ‘By Order of his Honour the Administrator / P.J. Truter, Civil Commissioner, Vryburg 14th April 1887’. Addressed locally, then readdressed to Bloemhof, S.A.R. Showing a light strike of the scarce ‘GEADVERTEERD EN ONAFGEHAALD.’ (Advertised and Unclaimed) boxed cachet struck in purple, applied in the S.A.R. Backstamped with BLOEMHOF / TRANSVAAL (23 Jul) and Kimberley (25 Jul) single circle datestamps. The entire never reached the intended recipient and was eventually forwarded to Cape Town five months later where it received a Returned Letter Office / Cape Town (24 Oct) datestamp, struck on the front. Some faults though rare. A superb end piece to a Stellaland exhibit. £475
AB4284 1888 (27th April), envelope addressed to England, bearing 8d postage comprising four examples of the unappropriated die 1d lilac and black and two of the scarce 2d pale dull lilac and black (SG 10, 11a) tied by ‘555’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers with a proving VRYBURG / BECHUANALAND (27 Apr) single circle datestamp below. Backstamped with G.P.O. Cape Town (2 May) transit and Macclesfield (23 May) arrival datestamps. A few edge faults and odd stain. The postage rate to England was 8d per half ounce, introduced on the 1st December 1885.
 
Note: the 2d pale dull lilac (SG 11a, which always has a characteristic ‘washed-out’ appearance) is rare on cover, these being the first such examples we have handled. 		£325
AB4287 1888 (11th August), envelope addressed to the USA, bearing 11d postage, comprising five examples of the unappropriated die 1d and one 2d lilac and black (SG 10, 11) all tied by ‘555’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers with a proving VRYBURG / BECHUANALAND (11 Aug) single circle datestamp below. With a large ‘2½d’ accountancy mark struck in red which was applied in Cape Town. Backstamped with G.P.O. Cape Town (15 Aug) and New York (14 Sep) transit and Washington (15 Sep) arrival datestamps. Clear BPA certificate (1975) erroneously states all the adhesives are 2d. The postage rate to ‘Class II’ countries (which included the USA) was 11d per half ounce, introduced on the 1st December 1885. A very fine, attractive and scarce franking. £375
AB466 1888 ½d Postal Stationery Newspaper Wrapper of GB overprinted for British Bechuanaland (H&G 3). Addressed to Kimberley and cancelled BONC '555'. Wrappers are very scarce genuinely used. £145
AB4270 1889 (23rd January), Cape QV 4d registered postal stationery envelope (size G) overprinted in green seriffed capitals (H&G 6 / BBS RE12) addressed to Cape Town. Bearing a single example of the ‘2d.’ surcharge in red on unappropriated die 2d lilac and black (SG 23) tied by a neat VRYBURG / BECHUANALAND (23 Jan) single circle datestamp with a second strike alongside. With manuscript registration number. Backstamped with a light VRYBURG / [dot] datestamp cancelling the embossed stamp and with a Cape Town (28 Jan) arrival datestamp. Unobtrusive flap damage from opening. A rare example showing usage of this provisional, especially as a single franking on a very scarce postal stationery envelope (this being the first used example we have handled). £575
AB4286 1890? (21st March), ½d brown postal stationery wrapper of Great Britain with five lines of instructional text deleted by overprint of ten bars with angled ends. Addressed to the USA and endorsed ‘per book post’. Uprated with the addition of a ‘1d.’ surcharge on unappropriated die 1d lilac and black (SG 22). The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a ‘555’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller and the adhesive is tied by a VRYBURG / [dot] (21 Mar) single circle datestamp. Wrappers are very scarce genuinely used, and especially so with the added 1d surcharge. BBS WR3b, H&G 3 £275
AB4278 1890 (11th June), envelope addressed and sent registered to Cape Town. Bearing a single ‘6d.’ surcharge in black on 6d lilac and black (SG 26) tied by a ‘534’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving KURUMAN / BECHUANALAND (11 Jun) single circle datestamp alongside. With TAUNGS / BECHUANALAND (13 Jun) single circle transit datestamp below. Backstamped with Registered Kimberley (16 Jun) transit and Registered Letter Office Cape Town (18 Jun) arrival datestamps. An annotation by the receiver on the reverse indicates the sender was Barry May who was later appointed Government Secretary, a position he held from 1904 to 1915. A very clean and attractive single franking paying 4d registration fee and the 2d per half-ounce letter rate to the Cape (introduced on the 1st October 1888). The 1888 6d provisional surcharge is very rare on cover, especially in such fine condition. SOLD
AB4489 1890 (29th July), ‘Tamsen’ envelope addressed to the Transvaal bearing a single lower marginal example of the ‘Protectorate / Fourpence’ surcharge on ½d vermilion (SG 53, with 6mm spacing) tied by a KANYE / BECHUANALAND (29 Jul) single circle datestamp. With a MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (30 Jul) transit datestamp struck alongside the adhesive. FOURTEEN STREAMS (2 Aug) and Pretoria (4 Aug) transit backstamps. A few small edge faults including an unobtrusive 13mm tear at top centre, otherwise very fine. A scarce and attractive franking. £375
AB4280 1890 (1st August), envelope addressed to Cape Town, bearing a pair of unappropriated die 1d lilac and black (SG 10) tied by a neat VRYBURG / [dot] (1 Aug) single circle datestamp. G.P.O. Cape Town (5 Aug) arrival backstamp. An annotation by the receiver on the reverse indicates the sender was a P. Dale. A clean and attractive example of the 2d per half-ounce letter rate to the Cape. £225
VV482 1890 (10th September), ‘Tamsen’ envelope addressed to the Transvaal bearing a single ‘Protectorate / Fourpence’ surcharge on ½d vermilion (SG 53, with 6mm spacing) tied by a MOLEPOLOLE BECHUANALAND (SP 9) single circle datestamp. With a MAFEKING (SP 11) transit datestamp struck on the front and backstamped with Fourteen Streams (SP 13) and Pretoria (SP 15) transit datestamps. Very fine. A scarce and attractive franking. £450
AB4281 1890 (30th October), printed envelope headed ‘E. ISAACS, General Merchant, Mafeking, British Bechuanaland.’ Addressed to Germany, bearing four examples of the unappropriated die 2d lilac and black (SG 11, pale and deep shades) tied by MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (30 Oct) single circle datestamps. Backstamped with Cape Town (5 Nov) transit and Ausg (24 Nov) arrival datestamps. A few edge faults and tear through flap from opening. As there is no London transit, it appears this was sent at the 8d per half-ounce rate by direct private ship, introduced on the 1st October 1888. Ex Holmes collection (1981, lot 1308) £325
AB4282 1890 (29th November), envelope addressed to Germany, bearing two examples of the unappropriated die 2d lilac and black (SG 11) tied by ‘638’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers with a proving MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (30 Oct) single circle datestamp alongside. Backstamped with Cape Town (5 Nov) transit and Ausg (24 Nov) arrival datestamps. One 4d adhesive appears to have been lost in transit, which was noticed by the postal authorities who applied the ‘T’ tax marking. This was subsequently cancelled. The flap with printed ‘G. RIESLE / MAFEKING.’ A few edge faults and tear through flap from opening. As there is no London transit, it appears this was sent at the 8d per half-ounce rate by direct private ship, introduced on the 1st October 1888. RPS certificate (1975), which mentions the missing stamp. £225
AB2057 1890 (22nd December), ‘Burmester’ correspondence. Envelope addressed to Cape Town, bearing a single example of the QV 2d unappropriated die (SG 11) cancelled with a ‘555’ BONC with proving VRYBURG (22 Dec) single circle datestamp alongside. Cape Town (25 Dec) arrival backstamp. Contemporary receiver’s notes on the reverse. A remarkably clean cover and scarce usage. £275
AB2287 1891 (10th April), ‘Burmester’ correspondence. Envelope with original letter (ordering “2 lamp chimneys to fit a reading lamp”). Addressed to Cape Town, bearing a single QV 2d unappropriated die (SG 11) tied by two strikes of the ‘555’ BONC and with a proving VRYBURG (10 Apr) single circle datestamp below. Cape Town (13 Apr) arrival backstamp. Contemporary receiver’s notes on the reverse. Some light cover stains, otherwise fine and scarce usage. £175
AB4277 1891 (21st April), envelope addressed to Cape Town, bearing a single unappropriated die 2d lilac and black (SG 11), tied by a neat ‘555’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving VRYBURG / BECHUANALAND (21 Apr) single circle datestamp alongside. With a G.P.O. Cape Town (28 Apr) arrival backstamp. An annotation by the receiver on the reverse indicates the sender was Ernest C. Baxter, who held several official posts, including that of Postmaster General of Bechuanaland. Band of discolouration on reverse and unobtrusive tear at top clear of the adhesive. An attractive example of the 2d per half-ounce letter rate to the Cape. £275
VV484 1891 (9th June), envelope addressed to England bearing a single 1888 unappropriated die 6d lilac and black (SG 14, with a few blunt perforations) tied by a ‘638’ BONC with a proving strike of the MAFEKING BECHUANALAND (AP 13) single circle datestamp on the reverse. Backstamped with a London Paddington (JY 6) arrival datestamp. Part of flap missing which affects part of the Cape Town transit datestamp. Ex Holmes (Harmers, 1981, lot 1312).
 
Note: although the letter rate from Britain to British Bechuanaland was reduced from 6d to 4d per half ounce on 1st January 1891, it appears the reciprocal rate had not been introduced by mid April of that year. 		£275
AB2286 1891 (24th July), ‘Burmester’ correspondence. Envelope with original three page letter (from an attorney giving legal advice on a non-paying client). Addressed to Cape Town, bearing a single QV 2d unappropriated die (SG 11) tied by a ‘555’ BONC and with a proving VRYBURG (24 July) single circle datestamp struck centrally. Cape Town (27 July) arrival backstamp and contemporary receiver’s notes on the reverse. Small edge stain at upper left, otherwise a remarkably clean cover and scarce usage. £275
VV485 1891 (24th August), envelope with original letter addressed to Cape Town. Bearing a single 1888 unappropriated die 2d lilac and black (SG 11) tied by a ‘555’ BONC with a proving strike of the VRYBURG BECHUANALAND (AU 24) single circle date-stamp alongside. Backstamped with a Cape Town (AU 27) arrival datestamp. A fine example of the 2d per half ounce letter rate to the Cape. £325
AB4283 1891 (22nd November), envelope originating at Macloutsie, addressed to Cape Town. Bearing two examples of the unappropriated die 2d lilac and black (SG 11, one damaged before affixing), tied by VRYBURG / BECHUANALAND (30 Nov) single circle datestamps applied in transit. Backstamped with MACLOUTSI (22 Nov) single circle and G.P.O. Cape Town (2 Dec) arrival datestamps. Tear at top and through flap from opening. A most interesting and intriguing item, which prompts the question as to whether the adhesives were applied in Macloutsie or Vryburg. If the former, why were they not cancelled there as the Macloutsie datestamp indicates it entered the postal system there.
 
Note: Major Arthur G. Leonard, a professional soldier was appointed commanding officer of E Troop and was tasked with holding Fort Macloutsie and later Fort Tuli during the Pioneer Column’s journey to Fort Salisbury. At this date Major Leonard was en-route from Salisbury to Beira by foot, arriving 15th November, from where he boarded the steamer ‘Norseman’. It appears this letter was addressed to Major Leonard care of the shipping / forwarding agents ‘Divine Gates & Co’ to await his arrival. 		£275
AB4274 1891 (8th December), printed envelope addressed to Johannesburg. Bearing two unappropriated dies 1d lilac and black tied by ‘638’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers with a proving MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (8 Dec) single circle datestamp at right. The flap with printed ‘E. GOWER, / General Merchant / MAFEKING, / British Bechuanaland.’ Vryburg (10 Dec) transit and Johannesburg (13 Dec) arrival backstamps. Several edge faults otherwise fine. £125
AB4327 1892 (24th March), part document signed and dated at Vryburg by F.J. Newton, the Colonial Secretary for British Bechuanaland. With red seal of office affixed alongside. Also a letter dated 19th July 1894 with printed heading ‘VRYBURG / B. BECHUANALAND.’ also signed by F.J. Newton who states he was instructed by Mr. Tillard, the Postmaster General of Mafeking to advise the correct form of address for Sir Sidney Godolphin Alexander Shippard, KCMG, LLB. Francis James Newton (1857-1948) went on to an illustrious career becoming a ‘Sir’, CVO and KCMG along on the way. £75
VV489 1892 (21st April), Great Britain QV 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (B&BS PC3 / H&G 4). Addressed to the Cape, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a ‘555’ BONC with a proving VRYBURG (AP 21) single circle datestamp (with dot at base). Backstamped with a Cape Town (AP 23) arrival datestamp. Faults, including vertical crease. £25
AB4516 1892 (14th July), envelope addressed to ‘P.O. Mamoiza / Z A Republiek’ (usually spelt ‘Mamusa’). Bearing four examples in two vertical pairs of the QV ½d vermilion (SG 9), all cancelled with a ‘555’ BONC with a proving VRYBURG [dot] (14 Jul) single circle datestamp alongside. With a CHRISTIANA / Z.A.R. (18 Jul) squared octagon applied on the front in transit with a second strike dated (25 Jul) tying the adhesives. Backstamped Warrenton (15 Jul), Klerksdorp ZAR (16 Jul) and a light strike of a BLOEMHOF / Z.A.R. (18 Jul) squared octagon struck in blue. Part flap missing from opening with resultant piece missing at upper left.
 
Note: the envelope followed a rather tortuous route as Mamusa was then adjacent to Schweizer Reneke which was situated considerably closer than any of the towns it transited. It is unclear why the envelope was apparently redirected back to or never left Christiana a week after its first transit. A wonderful item showing the 2d per half ounce rate to ‘Other Southern African Territories’ introduced on the 1st October 1885. 		£350
AB4187 1892 (18th July), envelope sent registered from Macloutsi to Cape Town. Bearing three examples of the Cape 2d with overprint reading up (SG 32) all cancelled with MACLOUTSI (18 Jul) single circle datestamps with a further strike on the reverse. With manuscript ‘R’ (also tying an adhesive) and registration number. One stamp with small fault and another has been removed or fell off in transit. Vryburg (25 Jul) transit backstamp.
 
Note despite the missing adhesive, the envelope still appears to bear the correct postage (4d registration fee + 2d postage for a half ounce letter to Cape Colony). It is possible it was a double weight envelope. 		£225
AB3313 1892 (25th July), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Envelope addressed to the Cape Colony, bearing a pair of British Bechuanaland 2d ‘Jubilees’ (SG 34) tied by a fine MACLOUTSI (25 Jul) single circle datestamp with a second strike alongside. The reverse with Vryburg (1 Aug), MIDLAND T.P.O. / DOWN (3 Aug) and Uitenhage (3 Aug) transit / arrival backstamps. £275
VV491 1892 (12th September), envelope addressed to the Cape bearing a horizontal pair of 1891 ‘Jubilee’ 1d lilac (SG 33), each tied by neat KEIMOES BECHUANALAND (SP 12) single circle datestamp with an additional strike at lower left. Backstamped with a Cape Town (SP 21) arrival datestamp. Small unobtrusive edge tear at top, not affecting the adhesives. A scarce datestamp and an attractive example of the 2d per half ounce letter rate to the Cape. £350
AB2853 1892 (20th October), Great Britain QV 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (H&G 4 / BBS PC3) addressed to the Cape. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with ‘637’ BONC with a proving strike of TAUNGS BECHUANALAND (20 Oct) single circle datestamp below. Vryburg (20 Oct) transit backstamp and Port Elizabeth (22 Oct) arrival struck on the front. The message concerns an order for a quantity of beer. £85
AB3295 1892 (9th November), envelope with contents addressed to Cape Town. Bearing two examples of the QV ‘Jubilee’ 1d lilac (SG 33), tied by ‘534’ BONCs with a very fine proving KURUMAN / BECHUANALAND (NO 9) single circle datestamp alongside. With Vryburg (11 NO) transit and Cape Town (NO 14) arrival backstamps. A clean and attractive example of the 2d per half ounce rate to the Cape Colony. £325
VV492 1892 (29th November), Great Britain QV 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (B&BS PC3 / H&G 4). Addressed to ‘Schweizer Reinecke / Christiana / Transvaal’, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a ‘637’ BONC with a proving TAUNGS BECHUANALAND (NO 29) single circle datestamp alongside. Backstamped with a Vryburg (NO 29) transit and with Christiana ZAR (5 DEC and 7 DEC) squared octagon datestamps on the front. Some perimeter creasing, otherwise fine. £125
VV493 1892 (30th December), incoming envelope from the Cape addressed to ‘L(ance) Corp(oral) W.A. Atkinson / (G Troop) / Bechuanaland Border Police / Fort Gaberones / Southern Protectorate’. Bearing a pair of Cape 1d carmine-red (SG 49a) tied by East London (DE 30) hooded datestamps. Backstamped Vryburg (JA 1?), Mafeking (JA 9) and Gaberones (10 JA) transit / arrival datestamps. A ‘4d’ in blue manuscript indicates an underpayment of postage as the letter rate from Cape Colony to the Protectorate was 4d per ½ ounce, the ‘4d’ presumably representing double the 2d deficiency. Some cover spotting, though a very scarce example of incoming mail to a member of the Bechuanaland Border Police.
 
Note: the addressee had previously served with the Bechuanaland Border Police (BBP) at Macloutsie and was later stationed at Fort Gaberones. The (BBP) was an Imperial unit raised on 4 August 1885 by Lt. Col. Frederick Carrington of the South Wales Borderers, and comprised 500 men. Approximately 150 men from BBP Troops A, B and C escorted the Pioneer Column into Mashonaland, this force being officially referred to as the ‘British South Africa Company Police’. 		£375
AB4309 1893 (13th March), QV 4d vermilion registered postal stationery envelope (size G, dated ‘28 4 90’, H&G 7 / BBS RE15c). Addressed to England, bearing QV ‘Jubilee’ 2d grey-green and carmine and 6d purple on rose-red (SG 34, 36) tied by VRYBURG / [dot] (13 Mar) single circle datestamps. Backstamped Cape Town (15 Mar) transit and London (4 Apr) arrival datestamps. The envelope could not be delivered and was returned to Cape Town and received a Returned Letter Office / Cape Town (26 Jun) backstamp. The 8d postage paid represents a double weight letter at 4d per half ounce. £175
VV494 1893 (25th March), incoming envelope from England bearing QV ‘Jubilee’ ½d and pair of 1d (SG 172, 197) tied by London (MR 25) hooded datestamps. The printed address reads ‘The Kanya Exploration Company, Limited, / Kanya, / British Bechuanaland, / South Africa.’ and ‘Viâ Cape & Kimberley’. The envelope was apparently re-directed and the printed ‘KANYA’ was overwritten ‘Mafeking’ and a ‘2d’ tax charge was added at left, both in blue manuscript. There is also a large unframed ‘SURCHARGE’ handstamp struck in black, presumably at Kanye. Backstamped with Cape Town (AP 12), Vryburg (AP 15) and Mafeking (AP 17) transit / arrival datestamps. Opened at left and top though a very scarce example of Bechuanaland re-directed mail and a rare instructional marking.
 
Note: despite being addressed to ‘British Bechuanaland’, ‘Kanya’ (Kanye) is situated in Bechuanaland Protectorate. This envelope is correctly franked at the 2½d per half ounce rate introduced on the 1st July 1892 for letters from the United Kingdom to British Bechuanaland or Bechuanaland Protectorate. The 2d surcharge would therefore appear to be a re-direction fee rather than the previously applied 2d surcharge applied to mail addressed to the Protectorate. 		£325
AB3851 1893 (10th March), incoming envelope from England bearing QV ‘Jubilee’ 2½d purple on blue (SG 201) tied by a L-1 / Throgmorton Av (MR 10) duplex datestamp (believed to be a late fee paid). The printed address reads ‘The Kanya Exploration Company, Limited, / Kanya, / British Bechuanaland, / South Africa.’ and ‘Viâ Cape & Kimberley’. The envelope was apparently re-directed and the printed ‘KANYA’ was overwritten ‘Mafeking’ and a ‘2d’ tax charge was added at top, both in blue manuscript. There is also a large unframed ‘SURCHARGE’ handstamp struck in black, presumably at Kanye. Backstamped with Vryburg (AP 8) and Mafeking Bechuanaland (AP 10) transit / arrival datestamps. A very scarce example of Bechuanaland re-directed mail and a rare instructional marking.
 
Note: despite being addressed to ‘British Bechuanaland’, ‘Kanya’ (Kanye) is situated in Bechuanaland Protectorate. This envelope is correctly franked at the 2½d per half ounce rate introduced on the 1st July 1892 for letters from the United Kingdom to British Bechuanaland or Bechuanaland Protectorate. The 2d surcharge would therefore appear to be a re-direction fee rather than the previously applied 2d surcharge applied to mail addressed to the Protectorate. 		£375
AB3660 1893 (26th April), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Envelope addressed to Johannesburg, ZAR, bearing four QV British Bechuanaland 1d lilac (SG 33) tied by ‘390’ BONCs and with a proving MOCHUDI / B.B. (26 Apr) single circle datestamp alongside. With light Johannesburg (19 Apr) arrival backstamp. A scarce proving item. £325
AB2851 1893 (27th July), small envelope addressed to England bearing a single QV ‘Jubilee’ 6d purple on red (SG 36) tied by a light ‘568’ BONC with a proving GABERONES B.B.P. single circle datestamp alongside. Mafeking (29 July) and Vryburg (31 July) transit backstamps and West Brompton (21 Aug) arrival datestamps on front and reverse. The cover with faults otherwise a fine example of a 6d British Bechuanaland stamp used alone on cover in the Protectorate. £150
VV543 1893 (16th September), incoming envelope from England bearing QV ‘Jubilee’ ½d and pair of 1d (SG 172, 197) tied by London (SP 16) hooded datestamps. The printed address reads ‘The Kanya Exploration Company, Limited, / Kanya, / British Bechuanaland, / South Africa.’ and ‘Viâ Cape & Kimberley’. KANYE / BECHUANALAND (OC 10) single circle datestamp struck on arrival on the front. Backstamped with Cape Town (OC 6) and Vryburg (OC 8) transit datestamps. One 1d with corner damage and the envelope with tear at top
 
Note: despite being addressed to ‘British Bechuanaland’, ‘Kanya’ (Kanye) is situated in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. This envelope is correctly franked at the 2½d per half ounce rate introduced on the 1st July 1892 for letters from the United Kingdom to British Bechuanaland or Bechuanaland Protectorate. 		£175
AB3507 1893 (22nd September), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Envelope addressed to Mafeking bearing a pair of British Bechuanaland QV Jubilee 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 34) cancelled with a ‘568’ BONC with proving GABERONES / B.B.P (SP 22 / 93) single circle datestamp alongside. Backstamped with a MAFEKING BECHUANALAND (SP 23) single circle datestamp struck on arrival and an additional blurred ‘568’ BONC. A few unobtrusive edge faults at top from opening otherwise fine and scarce. The ‘568’ BONC appears to have been rarely used. £225
AB3973 1893 (28th October), Cape of Good Hope 1½d pale dull grey-green postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland, without stop. (H&G 6 / BBS PC7b). Addressed to Macloutsie in the Protectorate, the imprinted stamp is cancelled by a ‘638’ BONC with an originating oval Standard Bank of Mafeking datestamp (28 Oct) struck on the reverse in red. With a MACLOUTSIE (5 Nov) single circle arrival backstamp. £65
AB3943 1893 (12th November), QV 4d vermilion registered postal stationery envelope (size G, dated ‘28 4 90’, H&G 7 / BBS RE15c). Addressed to Mafeking, bearing a single QV ‘Jubilee’ 4d green and purple-brown (SG 35) which was left uncancelled, with a MACLOUTSIE (12 Nov) single circle datestamp alongside. With a MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (18 Nov) arrival backstamp.
 
Note: the 4d adhesive pays the correct letter rate which from 18th November 1892 was 4d per half ounce for letters from the Protectorate to Bechuanaland (Southern African Mails, page 477). It is unclear why the adhesive was not cancelled (there is no evidence of a previously affixed adhesive or any postal markings underneath). 		£225
AB4308 1893 (13th November), envelope addressed to ‘laaidigraai’ (Lady Grey), Cape. Bearing a single QV ‘Jubilee’ 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 34) tied by a very fine GELUK / B.B (13 Nov) single circle datestamp. Backstamped with transit strikes of Vryburg (17 Nov), De Aar (18 Nov), Bloemfontein (19 Nov) and Aliwal North (21 Nov) with a Lady Grey Div Aliwal North (23 Nov) arrival datestamp. Very fine and a scarce and attractive franking from this small agency. £275
VV539 1894 (1st January), Great Britain QV 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (B&BS PC3 / H&G 4). Addressed to the Cape, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a TAUNGS BECHUANALAND (JA 1) single circle datestamp. Kimberley (1 Jan) arrival datestamp struck on the front. The reverse with correspondence to the Standard bank and with oval bank arrival cachet (2 Jan) struck in red. £65
AB4299 1894 (12th January), envelope addressed to Mafeking bearing a single QV ‘Jubilee’ 4d green and purple-brown (SG 35) tied by a GABERONES / B.B.P (12 Jan) single circle datestamp with a second strike below. With a MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (13 Jan) arrival backstamp.
 
Note: the 4d adhesive pays the correct letter rate, which from 9th August 1888 until 1st April 1899 was 4d per half ounce for letters from the Protectorate to ‘Other Southern African Territories’ (‘Southern African Mails’ by Brian Trotter, pages 477 and 481). 		£225
AB4305 1894 (14th January), printed envelope headed ‘E. ISAACS, General Merchant, Mafeking, British Bechuanaland.’ Addressed to Germany, bearing five examples of the QV ‘Jubilee’ 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 34) all tied by ‘638’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers with light proving strike of MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (14 Jan) single circle datestamp additionally tying the two adhesives at right. Backstamped with Vryburg (15 Jan) transit and Mainz (6 Feb) arrival datestamps. A few small edge faults at right otherwise a fine and very attractive franking.
 
Note: assuming the 2½d per half ounce had been adopted at this date, the postage on this letter represents a quadruple rate (4 x 2½d = 10d) 		£275
AB4319 1894 (13th February), ½d postal stationery wrapper of Great Britain with four lines of text deleted by overprint of ten bars. (B&BS WR7b / H&G 7). Addressed to England and endorsed ‘per Moor’. Uprated with a pair of QV ½d vermilion (SG 9), all tied or cancelled with VRYBURG / [dot] (13 Feb) single circle datestamps. Wrappers are scarce genuinely used. £150
AB2730 1894 (26th February), GB QV 1d brown postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland. Addressed to Christiana ZAR. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a ‘637’ BONC and with a proving strike of the TAUNGS BECHUANALAND (FE 26) single circle datestamp below. Kimberley (FE 27) and partial Christiana ZAR squared octagon transit datestamps both struck on the front of the card. £125
VV499 1894 (16th March), Great Britain QV 1d red-brown postal stationery wrapper overprinted for British Bechuanaland (B&BS WR4 / H&G E4). Addressed to Kimberley, Cape Colony, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a TAUNGS BECHUANALAND (Mr 16) single circle datestamp with a second strike above. Some faults, including edge stains, though scarce commercial use. £65
AB4306 1894 (23rd March), part printed newspaper wrapper headed ‘THE BECHUANALAND NEWS / Published at Vryburg every Saturday. Price 6d.’ Addressed to England, bearing a single QV ‘Jubilee’ 1d lilac (SG 33) tied by a light VRYBURG (23 Mar) single circle datestamp. Rather fragile with faults though a rare survivor. £125
AB4518 1894 (25th March), printed circular, folded, addressed and sent to a priest at Padstow in Cornwall, England. Bearing a single QV 1d lilac (SG 33) tied by a ‘638’ BONC with a very fine proving strike of the scarce MAFEKING (25 Mar) single circle datestamp (with dot at base) alongside. Vryburg (26 Mar) transit backstamp. The three printed pages of text comprise a circular letter from the Bishop of Bloemfontein to his Diocese which was presumably sent at a printed matter / open letter rate. Very fine and a scarce example of this rate. £350
AB4188 1894 (26th May), Great Britain QV 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (H&G 4 / BBS PC3) with printed acknowledgement form on the reverse for ‘The Standard Bank of South Africa, Limited.’ Addressed to Cape Town, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a VRYBURG / B.B (26 May) single circle datestamp. With Cape Town (28 May) arrival backstamp and oval bank handstamp. Very fine. £45
AB4320 1894 (13th June), mourning envelope addressed and sent registered to Mossel Bay, Cape Colony. Bearing a QV ‘Jubilee’ 4d green and purple-brown and a 2d bistre with overprint reading up (SG 35, 32) tied by a light MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (13 Jun) single circle datestamp. With partial Mossel Bay arrival backstamp. Flap damaged from, opening otherwise a fine example of the 2d per half-ounce letter from British Bechuanaland to ‘Other Southern African Territories’ with an additional 4d registration fee. £150
VV500 1894 (10th July), Great Britain QV 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (B&BS PC3 / H&G 4). Addressed to the Cape, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a VRYBURG B.B. (JY 10) single circle datestamp. Backstamped with a King Williams Town (JY 13) arrival datestamp. The reverse with printed Standard bank communication. £45
AB4298 1894 (23rd July), QV 4d vermilion registered postal stationery envelope (size G, dated ‘28 4 90’, H&G 7 / BBS RE15c). Addressed to England, bearing a single QV ‘Jubilee’ 4d green and purple-brown (SG 35) tied by a blurry ‘637’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with proving TAUNGS / BECHUANALAND (23 Jul) single circle datestamp struck at lower left. Cape Town (25 Jul) transit and Manchester (14 Aug) arrival backstamps.
 
Note: although the letter rate for mail from England to British Bechuanaland had been reduced from 4d to 2½d per half ounce from the 1st July 1892, it appears a reciprocal rate for mail from British Bechuanaland to England was still considered to be 4d in July 1894 – at least at the Taungs post office. (See ‘Southern African Mails’ by Brian Trotter, page 468). 		£175
AB3952 1894 (27th August), Cape of Good Hope QV 1½d pale dull grey-green postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland WITH STOP (H&G 6a / BBS PC7a). Addressed to London, the imprinted stamp cancelled with a ‘638’ BONC with proving MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (27 Aug) single circle datestamp alongside. Cape Town (29 Aug) squared circle transit backstamp. The message ends with ‘ECB’, the initials of Ernest C. Baxter, who held several official posts, including that of Postmaster General of Bechuanaland. Scarce. £85
AB4303 1894 (13th October), envelope addressed and sent registered to France. Currently bearing 5d postage, comprising a QV unappropriated die 3d lilac and black and a ‘Jubilee’ 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 12, 34) tied by MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (13 Oct) single circle datestamps with a further strike on the reverse. With Cape Town (17 Oct) transit and Dieulefit (Nov) arrival backstamps. Sadly, some philatelic vandal appears to have foreshortened the envelope at right, taking with it an adhesive, probably another 3d. £75
AB4461 1894 (17th October), long, locally addressed envelope, bearing 34 examples of the 1893 1d carmine-red with overprint reading downwards. Comprising a BLOCK OF 14 (2x7), three horizontal STRIPS OF THREE, two horizontal PAIRS and seven single stamps. All tied by VRYBURG / B.B (17 OC / 94) single circle datestamps. All the stamps appear to emanate from two part right-hand panes and include two examples of the SG listed variety INVERTED ‘u’ FOR 2nd ‘n’ [Row 1/3]. Also showing several unlisted constant varieties: Closed ‘h’ in ‘Bechuanaland’ [Row 3/3], ‘i’ in ‘British almost omitted [Row 8/2] and Damaged ‘B’ in ‘British’ [Row 10/1]. A spectacular franking, if a tad philatelically inspired. Ex the Brian Hurst Collection and beautifully written up on his album page. SG 38, 38d, 38 var. £275
AB3312 1894 (18th October), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Envelope addressed to Mafeking bearing a pair of British Bechuanaland 2d ‘Jubilees’ (SG 34) tied by light ‘568’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers with a very fine proving GABERONES (18 Oct, no year) single circle datestamp below. The reverse with a superb MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (20 Oct) single circle datestamp struck on arrival. Scarce. £275
AB4294 1894 (31st October), Great Britain QV 1d brown on buff postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (H&G 4 / BBS PC3b). Addressed to Vryburg, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a neat strike of the distinctive thin 13-bar ‘209’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with proving MARIBOGO / B.B. (31 Oct) single circle datestamp alongside. A superb proving item for this scarce agency. SOLD
AB4523 1894 (18th November), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Cape of Good Hope 1½d pale dull grey-green postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (BBS PC7b / H&G 6). Addressed to Guernsey, Channel Islands and uprated with the addition of a QV ½d vermilion (SG 9) tied by two strikes of the MACLOUTSIE (18 Nov) single circle datestamp. The message on the reverse is dated a week earlier and headed ‘Macloutsie Camp / Disputed Territory’.
 
Note: Macloutsie was established as a colonial outpost in 1890. At the time, the Motloutse River was the border of what was a disputed territory between the Bangwato and AmaNdebele states. The ruler of the Bangwato, Khama III and Lobengula of the AmaNdebele both claimed sovereignty over the area. Macloutsie became the gateway to Mashonaland for Rhodes’ Pioneer Column. The British South Africa Company Police used Macloutsie as a base camp and training area. [Acknowledgements to Geoff Quick and Rob Burrett] 		£325
AB4317 1894 (23rd November), incoming envelope from England bearing a QV ‘Jubilee’ 2½d purple on blue (SG 201) tied by a London (23 Nov) squared circle datestamp. The printed address reads ‘The Kanya Exploration Company, Limited, / Kanya, / British Bechuanaland, / South Africa.’ and ‘Viâ Cape & Kimberley’. With a KANYE / BECHUANALAND (18 Dec) single circle arrival datestamp struck on the front.
 
Note: despite being addressed to ‘British Bechuanaland’, ‘Kanya’ (Kanye) is situated in Bechuanaland Protectorate. This envelope is correctly franked at the 2½d per half-ounce rate introduced on the 1st July 1892 for letters from the United Kingdom to British Bechuanaland or Bechuanaland Protectorate. 		£175
AB4490 1895 (3rd January), Cape of Good Hope 1½d pale dull grey-green postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland, WITH STOP (H&G 6a / BBS PC7a). Addressed to Cape Town, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a clear ‘568’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller (BONC) with a proving GABERONES / B.B.P. (3 Jan) single circle datestamp struck below. Cape Town (9 Jan) arrival backstamp. Some edge faults and the heavy ink penetrating the card in places. This card with stop is scarce used and proving items for Gaberones / BONC ‘568’ are remarkably uncommon. £150
VV501 1895 (7th January), Great Britain QV ½d red-brown postal stationery wrapper overprinted for British Bechuanaland (B&BS WR7a / H&G E7). Addressed to Germany and uprated with the addition of a ½d vermilion (SG 9), cancelled or tied by VRYBURG B.B. (JA 7) single circle datestamps. Philatelically inspired, though the Ulm (28 Jan) backstamp shows scarce postal use. £65
AB4520 1895 (9th January), stampless ‘O.H.M.S.’ official mail addressed to the ‘Administrators Office / Vryburg’ with a fine despatch strike MOLEPOLOLE / BECHUANALAND (9 Jan) single circle datestamp struck at upper right. Comprising a folded document originally forwarded under cover from F.J. Newton, the Colonial Secretary for British Bechuanaland in Vryburg requesting the Deputy Postmaster at Molepolole to forward a 2/- stamp in respect of a ‘Guarantee Policy’ with various official cachets and endorsements. MAFEKING / [dot] (16 Feb) and VRYBURG / B.B. (18 Feb) transit / arrival backstamps. Clean vertical fold, otherwise a fine and scarce example of official mail which surprisingly took over a month to be delivered. £225
AB4189 1895 (11th January), Great Britain QV 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (H&G 4 / BBS PC3) with printed acknowledgement form on the reverse for ‘The Standard Bank of South Africa, Limited.’ Addressed to King William’s Town, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a VRYBURG / B.B (11 Jan) squared circle datestamp. With a King Williams Town (14 Jan) arrival backstamp. Very fine. £45
AB4302 1895 (6th February), envelope addressed to Mafeking bearing a single QV ‘Jubilee’ 4d green and purple-brown (SG 35) tied by a ‘390’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving MOCHUDI / B.B. (6 Feb) single circle datestamp alongside. With a MAFEKING / B.B. (3 Mar) squared circle arrival backstamp. Very clean and attractive.
 
Note: it is not immediately apparent why this letter took nearly a month to travel what usually took one or two days. 		£225
VV610 1895 (22nd February), Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed letters (B&BS PC8 / H&G 5). Addressed locally to ‘”Hassforth” / Vryburg Dist’. With the imprinted stamp cancelled with a VRYBURG (22 Feb) squared circle datestamp. The reverse with printed bank correspondence. Very fine and unusually fresh. £35
AB3530 1895 (13th March), incoming envelope from Cape Colony, bearing a 4d blue (SG 51) tied by a ‘232’ BONC with proving BARKLY WEST (MR 13 / 95) single circle datestamp at left. Addressed to ‘Miss Hargreaves / Palapye / B. Protectorate’. Kimberley (13 Mar) and Mafeking (17 Mar) transit backstamps. The envelope with faults though scarce incoming mail. £35
AB3323 1895 (1st April), envelope sent registered to Johannesburg. Bearing three examples of the QV Jubilee 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 34) tied by VRYBURG (1 Apr) single circle datestamps. The reverse with W.T.P.O. DOWN (2 Apr) and boxed Johannesburg registration cachet (4 Apr). The flap with senders name ‘HERMANN ABT, / GELUK, / DISTRICT VRYBURG’. Two adhesives affixed just overlapping the edge and some mainly peripheral staining, otherwise fine.
 
Note: the initials 'W.T.P.O.' stand for 'Western Travelling Post Office'.		 £55
VV503 1895 (18th April), ‘Wirsing Bros.’ printed envelope addressed to the Cape, bearing two QV ‘Jubilee’ 1d lilac (SG 33) tied by two of the distinctive thin-barred ‘209’ BONCs with a proving MARIBOGO B.B. (AP 17) single circle datestamp alongside. Backstamped Midland Down (TPO) (AP 19) and Port Elizabeth (19 AP) transit / arrival datestamps. A scarce postmark on cover, especially with the proving BONC. £325
AB4290 1895 (13th June), Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed capital letters (H&G 5 / B&BS PC8). Addressed to Beaconsfield, Cape, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a light ‘181’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving GELUK / B.B (13 Jun) single circle datestamp alongside. Beaconsfield (14 Jun) arrival datestamps struck on the front and reverse. The message, headed ‘Geluk June 13th 1895’ is written by Geluk resident Hermann Abt and advises the addressee he is sending “22 dozen eggs, 1 parcel 46 Reins (?) to sell to best advantage & return empties”. £125
AB4300 1895 (14th June), envelope addressed to Sweden. Bearing 7d postage comprising QV ‘Jubilee’ 1d lilac and 2d grey-green and carmine strip of three (SG 33, 34) all tied by ‘568’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers with a proving GABERONES / B.B.P (14 Jun) single circle datestamp alongside. With MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (15 Jun) and Cape Town (19 Jun) transit backstamps. A rare proving item for this agency as the BONC is rarely seen on cover.
 
Note: the letter rate from the Protectorate to ‘All Countries’ from the 17th November 1892 was 6½d per half ounce, which suggests this letter was overpaid ½d (‘Southern African Mails’ by Brian Trotter, page 481). 		£325
VV550 1895 (12th August), Great Britain QV 1d dull scarlet postal stationery card surcharged ‘THREE / HALF PENCE’ (B&BS PC12 / H&G 8). Sent by the postmaster of Vryburg to the ‘Imperial German Administrator of Posts’ in Germany. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a VRYBURG (AU 12) single circle datestamp. Some light creasing at left, otherwise fine. A scarce card correctly used.
 
Note: the interesting message reads: “Dear Sir, Your card dated 16th January [!] received. Please send me money order for 7s/5d at once as annexation to the Cape Colony will soon have effect & Bechuanaland stamps will no longer be issued – I have so many applications that I am sorry I cannot send the stamps first & then get the money order ! Stamps in issue ½d 1d 2d 4d 6d 1/- 2/- 2/6 x stamps 6s/7½ postage & registration 9d = 7s/4½d J.E. Symons Postmaster”. 		£125
VV508 1895 (15th October), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. QV 4d registered postal stationery envelope (B&BS RE15a, dated ‘28.2.89’ / H&G 7). Addressed to Cape Town, bearing a QV Jubilee 4d green and purple-brown (SG 35) tied by a very light ‘758’ BONC with a proving strike of the PALLA (OC 15) single circle datestamp below. With registration number ‘180’ in blue manuscript. Backstamped with a Mafeking (OC 18) squared circle transit on the flap and a Cape Town (OC 20) arrival datestamp. Vertical crease, though a rare postmark on cover and a fine example of the 4d per half ounce letter rate from the Protectorate to the Cape. £375
VV537 1895 (14th November), Great Britain QV 1d red-brown postal stationery wrapper overprinted for British Bechuanaland (B&BS WR4 / H&G E4). Addressed to the OFS and cancelled with a VRYBURG B.B. (NO 14) single circle datestamp. Philatelically inspired, though scarce used. £45
AB4497 1895 (17th December), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Great Britain QV 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (H&G 4 / BBS PC3). Addressed to the Cape and uprated with the addition of a ½d vermilion (SG 9) tied by ‘676’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellations with a proving PALACHWE / KHAMAS TOWN (17 Dec) single circle datestamp alongside. The card arrived in Cradock on Christmas day and five days later was readdressed and reposted to the OFS and an additional Cape 1d was affixed and tied by Cradock (30 Dec) datestamps. The reverse with Cradock (25 Dec) and Bethlehem (1 Jan) arrival datestamps. £75
VV510 1896 (21st January), British Bechuanaland used after annexation. Envelope addressed to England bearing two 1891 ‘Jubilee’ 4d green and purple-brown (SG 35) tied by MAFEKING (JA 21) squared circle datestamps. With a Derby (FE 18) arrival datestamp on the front and backstamped with Birmingham (FE 17), Derby (FE 17) and Mackworth (FE 18) transit datestamps. The envelope somewhat grubby, though an interesting example of Bechuanaland stamps being accepted for use after annexation to the Cape.
 
Note: the 8d franking does not appear to conform to any postal rate, which was 2½d per half ounce at this date. 		£325
AB3659 1896 (7th February), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Envelope addressed to Switzerland and endorsed ‘Europe / (Via England)’. Bearing QV ½d vermilion and 6d purple on rose-red (SG 9, 36) each tied by a ‘676’ BONC with a proving PALACHWE KHAMAS TOWN (FE 7) single circle datestamp alongside. Mafeking (14 Feb, squared circle), London (7 Mar), Zurich (8 Mar and 9 Mar) transit / arrival datestamps struck on the reverse. A clean and attractive franking. £475
AB2845 1896 (10th February), Cape of Good Hope QV 1½d postal stationery card. Addressed to Germany and cancelled with a superb ‘172’ BONC with a fine strike of the TAUNGS STATION (10 Feb) single circle datestamp alongside. Although three months post-annexation, an exceptional proving item for Taungs Station. SOLD
AB4192 1896 (11th April), envelope addressed to Finland, bearing a horizontal strip of three 2d bistre (SG 39) tied by light ‘758’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers with proving PALLA (11 Apr) single circle datestamp below. Backstamped with Mafeking (14 Apr) transit and Turku (14 May) arrival datestamps. Very fine condition and a very scarce example of mail from Palla, and to an unusual destination. £475
AB4491 1896 (23rd May), envelope addressed to England bearing a single QV 6d purple on red (SG 36) tied by a GABERONES / B.B.P (23 May) single circle datestamp with a second strike below. Mafeking (26 May) transit and London (22 Jun) arrival backstamps. A fine and attractive use of a British Bechuanaland adhesive used in the Protectorate. £175
AB3315 1896 (30th July), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Great Britain QV 1d vermilion postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland and surcharged ‘THREE HALF PENCE’ (H&G 8 / B&BS PC12). Addressed to Kimberley, the imprinted stamp is cancelled by a GABERONES / B.B.P (30 Jul) single circle datestamp with a second strike alongside. With a Kimberley (1 Aug) arrival datestamp struck on the front. Scarce usage. £125
AB4271 1896 (2nd September), envelope addressed to France where it was readdressed. Bearing ½d vermilion and 6d purple on rose-red (SG 9, 36) each tied by GABERONES / B.B.P. (2 Sep) single circle datestamps with a further strike below. With Mafeking (3 Sep), Dieulefit (30 Sep), Montelimar (30 Sep) transit / arrival backstamps. A fine example of the 6½d per half-ounce letter rate to ‘All countries’ (introduced 17th November 1892). £275
AB4193 1896 (7th September), envelope addressed and sent registered to Germany. Bearing three examples (pair and a single) of the 2d bistre in combination with a ½d vermilion and 4d green and purple-brown (SG 9, 34, 39) tied by GABERONES / B.B.P. (7 Sep) single circle datestamps with additional strikes alongside. With manuscript registration number. Cape Town (16 Sep) transit and Stuttgart (5 Oct) arrival backstamps. A very fine, attractive and colourful example of the 6½d per half ounce letter rate to ‘All countries’ (introduced on 17th November 1892) plus the 4d registration fee. Ex ‘Greca’ (2021). £650
VV511 1896 (12th October), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Great Britain QV 1 dull scarlet postal stationery card surcharged ‘THREE / HALF PENCE’ (B&BS PC12 / H&G 8). Addressed to Cape Town, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a ‘674’ BONC overstruck with a proving MOLEPOLOLE BECHUANALAND (OC 12) single circle datestamp, with a second strike alongside. Backstamped with a Cape Town (OC 14) arrival datestamp. A very fine and scarce card correctly used and proving item for the ‘674’ BONC. SOLD
AB2968 1897 (19th January), Cape QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (BBS PC8 / H&G 5). Addressed to Kimberley and uprated with the addition of a QV ½d vermilion (SG 9). The imprinted stamp and adhesive are each cancelled or tied by a ‘1003’ BONC, with a LOBATSI R.S. / SOUTH AFRICA (19 Jan) single circle datestamp alongside. With a MAFEKING (19 Jan) squared circle transit backstamp and a Kimberley (20 Jan) arrival datestamp struck on the front. No message, though a very scarce proving item for Lobatsi Railway Station. £160
AB3316 1897 (19th January), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Great Britain QV 1d+1d vermilion reply paid postal stationery card overprinted for use in British Bechuanaland (H&G 7, B&BS PC6). The outward half is addressed to Kimberley (no message) and uprated with the addition of a ½d vermilion (SG 9), tied by a very fine ‘1003’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellation with an equally fine strike cancelling the imprinted stamp. With a proving strike of the LOBATSI R.S. / SOUTH AFRICA (19 Jan) single circle datestamp at left and a Kimberley (20 Jan) arrival also struck on the front. The reply half is still attached and bears a Mafeking (19 Jan) squared circle transit on the reverse. A few edge creases. A scarce proving item for BONC ‘1003’ and a scarce card used. SOLD
AB4291 1897 (3rd February), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. 1d dull scarlet postal stationery card surcharged ‘THREE HALF PENCE’ (H&G 8 / B&BS 12). Addressed to the Hermannsburg mission in Natal and uprated with a ½d vermilion (SG 9), tied by RAMOUTSA (3 Feb 91, error for ‘97’) single circle datestamps. Mafeking (35 Feb) transit struck on the front and G.P.O. Natal (10 Feb) and Hermannsburg (12 Feb) transit / arrival backstamps. £125
AB4296 1897 (11th April), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Great Britain QV 1d brown on buff postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (H&G 4 / BBS PC3b). Addressed to Mafeking in the distinctive hand of W.H. Harbor, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a clear ‘390’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving MOCHULI (11 Apr) single circle datestamp alongside. The reverse with a Mafeking (11 Apr) squared circle arrival backstamp. Very scarce proving card with the uncommon alternative spelling of Mochuli for Mochudi. £150
AB3318 1897 (12th April), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. QV 4d registered postal stationery envelope (H&G 7 / BBS RE15a, dated ‘28.2.89’). Addressed to Germany, bearing a pair of QV Jubilee 4d green and purple-brown (SG 35) tied by a light ‘896’ BONC with a proving strike of the MACLOUTSI (12 Apr) single circle datestamp below (with error of year ‘96’ for ‘97’). The reverse with a superb MAFEKING / C.G.H. (17 Apr) single circle, Cape Town (21 Apr) and Schwelm (8 May) transit / arrival backstamps. £275
AB3311 1897 (16th June), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Great Britain 1d vermilion postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland and surcharged ‘THREE HALF PENCE’ (H&G 8 / B&BS PC12). Addressed to Mafeking, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a clear ‘390’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving MOCHULI (16 Jun) single circle datestamp below. The reverse with a MAFEKING (16 Jun) squared circle arrival backstamp. The message confirms a reservation for seats on the Zederberg & Co coach. Very scarce proving card with the uncommon alternative spelling of Mochuli for Mochudi. SOLD
AB3944 1897 (25th August), QV 4d vermilion registered postal stationery envelope (size G, dated ‘28 2 89’, H&G 7 / BBS RE15a). Addressed to Mafeking, bearing four QV ‘Jubilee’ 1d lilac (SG 33) all tied by PALAPYE STATION / B.P (25 Aug) single circle datestamps. With a MAFEKING / (dot) (27 Aug) arrival backstamp. Some staining, mainly confined to the reverse.
 
Note: the section of railway between Palapye and Mafeking opened in May 1897 and a post office was opened at Palapye Station (about ten miles from the village). This allowed swifter transport of commercial goods. 		£175
AB2728 1897 (16th September), GB 1d vermilion postal stationery card overprinted ‘British Bechuanaland’ and surcharged ‘THREE HALF PENCE’ (H&G 8). Addressed to Mafeking and cancelled with a ‘390’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with proving strike of MOCHULI (SP 16) single circle datestamp below. Also showing Mafeking (SP 17) single circle arrival datestamp struck at lower left. Very scarce proving card with the uncommon alternative spelling of MOCHULI for Mochudi. £250
AB237 1897 (September), Incoming ZAR ½d stationery postcard from Johannesburg (additional stamp removed) addressed to Vryburg. Presumably forwarded with GELUK B.B (19 Sep) transit? and KURUMAN BECHUANALAND (20 Sep) cds's. Message (re subscription) is headed with 'THE TRANSVAAL CRITIC' handstamp in red. Unusual routing. £125
AB4289 1898 (2nd March), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed capital letters (H&G 5 / B&BS PC8). Addressed to Italy and uprated with Cape overprinted 1d carmine-red and ½d yellow-green (SG 38, 56) tied by ‘676’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers, also cancelling the imprinted stamp with a proving PALACHWE KHAMAS TOWN (2 Mar) single circle datestamp below. A Torino (28 Mar) arrival datestamp also ties the adhesives. Very fine and rare usage of the ½d yellow-green.
 
Note: the writer, the Reverend Auguste Coïsson was an Italian missionary based at Kazungula from 1897 and later at the Old Drift (Livingstone). As the message is headed ‘Palapye’ presumably he was travelling to or from the mission station at the time of writing. 		£325
Ab3826 1898 (19th March), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed capital letters (H&G 5 / B&BS PC8). Addressed to England and uprated with a pair of QV Jubilee 1d lilac (SG 33) tied by light ‘676’ BONCs (also cancelling the imprinted stamp) and with a proving PALACHWE / KHAMAS TOWN (19 Mar) single circle datestamp. London (8 Apr) arrival struck on the front. The message appears to be from the postmaster at Palapye post office (‘W. Jennings’) and refers to an order of stamps and postcards. Very fine. £85
AB3814 1898 (1st April), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed capital letters (H&G 5 / B&BS PC8). Addressed to ‘Rev. Ferd. Jensen / Linokana / Transvaal’. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a LOBATSI R.S. / SOUTH AFRICA (1 Apr) single circle datestamp (‘R.S.’ = Railway Station). No message and small corner fault, otherwise very fine.
 
Note: the addressee, Ferdinand Jensen, was the son of Thomas Jensen, a missionary based in Linokana from 1863, who died in 1908 after 45 years in the service of the Hermannsburg Missionaries. Ferdinand followed in the footsteps of his father to become Mission Superintendent. He also completed 45 years of service, and died in 1941. (from an article titled “Thomas Jensen of Linokana - Missionary and Post Agent” by Werner Seeba, published in ‘The Transvaal Philatelist’ issue 123, August 1992.) 		£45
AB3163 1898 (3rd July), Great Britain QV 1d dull scarlet postal stationery card overprinted ‘British Bechuanaland’ and surcharged ‘THREE HALF PENCE’ (H&G 8 / B&BS PC12). Addressed to France and cancelled with a neat GABERONES / B.B.P (3 July) single circle datestamp. With Mafeking (4 July) transit and Rheim (25 Aug) arrival datestamps, both struck on the front. Corner crease, otherwise very fine and A scarce card correctly used. £125
AB3661 1898 (22nd July), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. British Bechuanaland QV 4d registered postal stationery envelope, the flap with imprinted 4d vermilion registration stamp dated ‘28 2 89’ (size G, H&G C7, B&BS RE15a). Addressed to Johannesburg, ZAR and bearing a British Bechuanaland QV 4d green and purple-brown and TWO examples of the 1/- dull green (SG 35, 37), all tied by ‘390’ BONCs with a proving MOCHUDI / B.B. (22 Jul) single circle datestamp alongside. With Registered Kimberley (24 Jul) oval and R.P.K. TERUG (2? Jul) transit backstamps. Flap torn through, otherwise a scarce proving item and a very rare commercial franking with two 1/- adhesives. £750
AB3346 1898 (10th September), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. British Bechuanaland QV 4d registered postal stationery envelope addressed to the Cape, the flap with imprinted 4d vermilion registration stamp dated ‘28 2 89’ (size G, H&G C7, B&BS RE15a). Bearing two examples of the Protectorate 4d green and purple-brown (SG 64) each tied by a PALAPYE (SP 10 / 98 with dot at base) single circle datestamp with an additional strike alongside. Backstamped with Registered Kimberley (13 Sep) and Eastern T.P.O. Down (14 Sep) transits and an East London (15 Sep) arrival datestamp. £150
AB3308 1898 (6th October), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed letters (H&G 5 / B&BS PC8). Addressed to Mafeking, the card was used in the Protectorate and the imprinted stamp was left uncancelled, the postage being paid by the addition of a Protectorate 1d lilac (SG 61) which was tied by a FRANCESTOWN / S. AFRICA (6 Oct) single circle datestamp. The reverse with a MAFEKING (8 Oct) squared circle backstamp. The message is headed ‘J.A.G. Harrison Esq / Assist. Engineer / Shashi’ and concerns a grocery order and irritation about missing items. £45
AB4194 Cape of Good Hope 1898 (16th November), Cape of Good Hope QV embossed 1d rose postal stationery envelope. Addressed to Johannesburg, the embossed stamp is cancelled with a neat KURUMAN / BECHUANALAND (16 Nov) single circle datestamp. With Vryburg (18 Nov) transit and Johannesburg (21 Nov) arrival backstamps. Flap damaged from opening, otherwise very fine.
 
Note: a few post offices in the northern Cape continued to use the old Bechuanaland datestamps long after British Bechuanaland was annexed to the Cape on 16th November 1895. 		£85
VV514 1898 (26th November), envelope addressed to Germany (address partly deleted). Bearing QV Protectorate ‘Jubilees’ ½d vermilion, 2d grey-green and carmine and 4d green and purple-brown (SG 59, 62, 64) all tied by LOBATSI R.S. SOUTH AFRICA (NO 26) single circle datestamps with an additional strike at left. Backstamped with a Mafeking (NO 26) squared circle transit and a German (19 Dec) arrival datestamp. The envelope with trimmed corners, otherwise a fine example of a 6½d per half ounce letter rate to Europe. £175
AB3658 1898 (23rd December), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed letters (H&G 5 / B&BS PC8). Addressed to Cape Town, with an additional Protectorate ½d vermilion adhesive (SG 59) tied by a KANYE (23 Dec) single circle datestamp. Cape Town (27 Dec) squared circle arrival backstamp.
 
Note: although this card was used in the Protectorate, the Protectorate ½d adhesive is surprisingly scarce paying the additional postage, as the British Bechuanaland ½d (SG 9) was usually employed. 		£225
AB4297 1898 (23rd December), envelope addressed to England endorsed at top ‘Card Only’. Bearing a single QV 1d ‘Jubilee’ lilac (SG 61) tied by KANYE / BECHUANALAND (23 Dec) single circle datestamp with an additional strike below. Backstamped with Mafeking (24 Dec) squared circle transit and London (16 Jan) arrival datestamps. A scarce and unusual franking.
 
Note: it is unclear why this letter was not taxed. Assuming it was accepted as a ‘card’, the postcard rate from the 18th November 1892 was 2d, only dropping to 1d from 1st April 1899 (see ‘Southern African Mails, page 483, by Brian Trotter). 		£275
AB4519 (British Bechuanaland stamps used in the Protectorate) 1899 (4th March), British Bechuanaland QV 4d registered postal stationery envelope (H&G 7 / BBS RE15a) addressed to the USA. Bearing a single 1891 QV 2d bistre and a pair of 1891 6d purple on rose-red (SG 32, 36), all tied by fine strikes of PALAPYE (4 Mar) single circle datestamps (with dot at base) with an additional strike alongside. Cape Town (9 Mar) transit and New York (1 Apr) arrival backstamps. Very attractive.
 
Note: British Bechuanaland was annexed to the Cape on 16th November 1895, though the stamps remained in use in the Protectorate for some years. 		£325
AB3309 1899 (24th March), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed letters (H&G 5 / B&BS PC8). Addressed to Mafeking, the card was uprated with the addition of a British Bechuanaland QV ½d vermilion (SG 9) and tied by a RAMOUTSA (24 Mar, no year) single circle datestamp. The message, from a missionary, Revd. G. Behrens, has been partly erased. £45
AB3966 1899 (30th March), Cape 1d+1d brown on buff outgoing half of a reply paid postal stationery card (H&G 7 / BBS PC6). Addressed to England, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a neat PALAPYE (30 Mar) single circle datestamp with trace of a second strike below where two adhesives have been removed by a philatelic vandal. The message on the reverse is dated ‘8-2-99’ and is headed ‘KaiKai Pan’ (precise location unknown but believed to be north-west of Lake Ngami). The reverse also bears a large oval cachet BLACKBEARD BROS. / GENERAL DEALERS. / Cattle and Ostrich Feathers / BOUGHT AND SOLD. / PALAPYE, BECHUANALAND struck in blue-black. Presumably Blackbeard Brothers acted as forwarding agents. Mail to and from this expedition is rare.
 
Note: the writer was Charles Frederick Minchin who is believed to have been second in command of the British West Charterland Expedition to the Lake Ngami area from 1897 to 1899. The Expedition had an agreement with Chief Khama to provide runners to maintain contact with Palapye where mail from the expedition officially entered the postal system. The 50 day transit to Palapye gives some indication of how isolated the expedition was.
 
Mr Minchin had a distinguished military career in India and southern Africa and at one time was Lieutenant-Colonel of the 18th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry. 		£250
AB3307 1899 (1st May), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed letters (H&G 5 / B&BS PC8). Addressed to Mafeking, the card was used in the Protectorate with the imprinted stamp cancelled with a FRANCESTOWN / S. AFRICA (1 May) single circle datestamp. The reverse with a MAFEKING / C.G.H. (3 May) single circle arrival backstamp and bank correspondence and cachets of branches in Francistown, Tati and Mafeking. £45
AB4323 1900 (26th June), envelope addressed to England. Bearing a single QV ‘Jubilee’ 4d green and purple-brown (SG 35) tied by a ‘95’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller and also tied by a FRANCESTOWN / S. AFRICA (26 Jun) single circle datestamp. With ‘TATI’ printed on the flap in red. Newcastle-on-Tyne (21 Jul) arrival backstamps. The envelope rather battered and with heavy vertical crease, though unique, being the sole recorded proving item for BONC ‘95’, which is rare even on a loose stamp.
 
Note: the addressee was Sir John Swinburne who had originally been granted a concession by Lobengula to mine gold at Tati. He was later a director and major shareholder in the Tati Mining Group. The writer appears to have been his son, Lieutenant Umfreville Percy Swinburne who was instrumental in preparing Boer War defences for Francistown and the nearby mine at Tati. 		SOLD
AB4515 1900 (3rd September), envelope addressed to ‘The Diamond Fields Advertiser’, Kimberley, Cape Colony. Bearing a single QV 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 62) tied by a neat FRANCESTOWN / S. AFRICA (3 Sep) single circle datestamp with a second strike alongside. Kimberley (7 Sep) arrival backstamp. The flap with a TATI CONCESSIONS, LIMITED / FRANCISTOWN / TATI oval cachet printed in black. Flap damaged from opening, otherwise a fine and attractive franking showing the 2d per half ounce rate from the Protectorate to ‘Other Southern African Territories’ introduced on the 1st April 1899. £175
AB4312 1900 (21st September), ‘Antilles’ type 4d registered postal stationery envelope (size G, B&BS RE26, H&G C7b) addressed to the USA. Bearing four examples of the QV ‘Jubilee’ 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 62) tied by PALAPYE STATION / B.P. single circle datestamps, additionally cancelling the imprinted stamp on the flap. With Cape Town (25 Sep) and New York (21 Oct) transits and Chicago (23 Oct) arrival backstamps. The 8d postage paid represents a double weight letter at 4d per half ounce. A scarce postal stationery envelope in used condition. £175
AB4521 1900 (23rd October), QV ‘Antilles’ type 4d registered postal stationery envelope (size G, B&BS RE26, H&G C7b). Addressed to Gaberones and bearing a single example of the 1897 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 62) tied by a neat ‘1159’ BONC with a superb proving strike of the LOBATSI / B.P single circle datestamp alongside with the date ‘23/10/00’ inserted in manuscript. Backstamped with GABERONES (24 Oct) and GABERONES STATION (24 Oct) arrival datestamps. Very fine and a rare proving item for the ‘1159’ BONC.
 
Note: from 1st April 1899 the internal Protectorate rate was 1d per half ounce implying this was a double weight letter.		 £375
AB3506 1901 (7th December), Anglo-Boer War period. Envelope addressed to Scotland, bearing a pair of QV Jubilee 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 62) tied by a GABERONES / B. P (DE 7 / 01) single circle datestamp with a second strike alongside. With large PASSED PRESS CENSOR / KIMBERLEY cachet struck in black at left. Backstamped with a light GABERONES STATION / B.B (DE 7) single circle transit and Edinburgh (9 Jan) arrival datestamps. Overall ageing otherwise fine.
 
Note: the Gaberones Station datestamp has ‘B.B’ as the territorial designation despite being situated in the Protectorate. 		£75
AB4493 190? (28th march), envelope addressed to the Postmaster, Mafeking, Cape Colony. Bearing a single QV 2d grey-green and carmine (SG 62) tied by a neat MOLEPOLOLE / BECHUANALAND (28 Mar) datestamp, without year slugs. Mafeking (1 Apr) arrival backstamp. The flap with printed ‘R.C. LEE & CO., / MERCHANTS / GABERONES STATION & MOLEPOLOLE’. A fine and attractive franking. £150
AB3531 1902 (5th November), Cape of Good Hope QV ½d green postal stationery wrapper cancelled with a Kimberley (5 Nov) single circle datestamp. Addressed to Gaberones with pre-printed address label. Scarce incoming mail. £30
AB3317 1902 (15th November), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Cape of Good Hope QV 1d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ in seriffed letters (H&G 5 / B&BS PC8). Addressed to Cape Town, the card was used in the Protectorate with the imprinted stamp cancelled with a FRANCESTOWN / S. AFRICA (15 Nov) single circle datestamp. With a Cape Town (18 Nov) arrival struck on the front. The sender’s address is given as ‘Somerset Mine. Francistown’. The reverse with some discolouration, otherwise fine. £45
VV530 1903 (2nd May), ‘CAMEL POST’. Envelope bearing a single Cape of Good Hope KEVII 1d carmine (SG 71) tied by a very fine strike of the ‘938’ BONC with equally fine proving datestamp of MIER (MY 2 with ‘2’ inverted) struck below. Upington (10 May) arrival backstamp. Cover roughly opened and repaired at left, otherwise a fine and very scarce example of mail from the period when camels were used to transport mail between Mier (or technically the village of Rietfontein where the agency was situated) and Zwartmodder. Although this datestamp carries the territorial designation ‘B.B.’ for British Bechuanaland, the agency at Mier / Rietfontein did not open until after annexation to the Cape. A rare proving card for Mier and BONC ‘938’ with very few recorded. £450
AB4310 1903 (11th August), ‘Antilles’ type 4d registered postal stationery envelope (size F, B&BS RE25, H&G C7) addressed to Cape Town. Bearing 3d in postage comprising a horizontal strip of three QV ‘Jubilee’ 1d lilac (SG 61) tied by MOCHUDI / B.B (11 Aug) single circle datestamps. With Cape Town (Aug) arrival backstamp. A scarce postal stationery envelope to find in used condition. £175
AB3482 1903 (5th September), incoming envelope from the Cape of Good Hope (with ‘Spes Bona’ embossed crest on the flap) bearing a 1d ‘Table Mountain’ (SG 69) tied by a Cape Town (SP 5) double circle datestamp. Addressed to the ‘Mervyn Williams Esq / Resident Magistrate / N’gamiland / Via Palaype’ with a SEROWE / B.P. (SP 1?) / 03) single circle datestamp, being the only Bechuanaland postal marking. Serowe would have been the last postal agency from where the envelope would have been transported (probably by runner) westward towards Tsau in N’gamiland where it is believed Mr Williams was based. A scarce incoming example of mail to this remote area. £110
AB4522 1904 (29th January), envelope sent registered to London. Bearing a combination of QV ‘Jubilee’ issues comprising British Bechuanaland 6d and 1/- and Protectorate ½d, 1d, 2d, 3d and 4d (SG 36-37, 60-64), each tied by a LOBATSI / B.P (29 Jan) single circle datestamp. Cape Town RLS (1 Feb) transit and London (20 Feb) arrival backstamps. A tad philatelically inspired though the 1/- is scarce on cover and shows a malformed ‘B’. £125
VV545 1904 (10th June), envelope sent registered to the Cape bearing six examples of the QV ‘Jubilee’ 1d lilac (SG 61) all tied by LOBATSI B.P. (JU 10) single circle datestamps. One stamp crossed by blue registration line and another at far left partly overlaps the reverse. Part of flap missing, not affecting the Registered Kimberley (11 JU 04) arrival backstamp.
 
Note: the 6d postage paid indicates the envelope weighed between ½ and 1 ounce (1d x 2) plus 4d registration. 		£125
AB2848 1904 (29th September), Cape of Good Hope KEVII embossed 1d rose postal stationery envelope. Addressed to Germany and uprated with the addition of Cape ½d, 1d and 2½d adhesives (SG 58, 63, 71). The embossed stamp is cancelled with a neat KEIMOES BECHUANALAND (29 Sep) single circle datestamp while the adhesives are all tied by Upington (30 Sep) squared circle datestamps, with an additional strike on the reverse. With an Osnabruck (23 Oct) arrival backstamp. A vertical crease affects the ½d and some light cover staining. Although the adhesives were affixed at Keimoes, it is unclear why they were only cancelled at Upington. An interesting franking. £85
AB3302 1905 (11th April), QV Protectorate 4d registered postal stationery envelope (size F, BBS RE23 / H&G C6), addressed to Cape Town. Bearing an unappropriated die 3d lilac and black (SG 12) tied by a very fine large part FRANCISTOWN BECHD PROTECTORE (11 Apr) double circle datestamp with an additional strike alongside, with a further strike cancelling the imprinted stamp on the flap. Backstamped with oval Cape Town (15 Apr) arrival datestamp. A scarce stationery envelope with an uncommon Francistown datestamp combined with late use of this stamp in the Protectorate. Attractive. £375
AB4499 1905 (28th May), GB QV ½d chestnut postal stationery card overprinted ‘BRITISH BECHUANALAND’ (printed on thin buff card, BBS PC9 / H&G 2) used in the Protectorate after annexation of British Bechuanaland to the Cape. Addressed to Cape Town, the impressed stamp is cancelled with a MOCHUDI / B.B. (28 May) single circle datestamp. Three Anchor Bay (30 May) arrival datestamp struck on the front. Very fine. This card is scarce mint and very rare used, this being the first example we have handled. £225
AB4072 1905 (1st November), registered envelope addressed to England bearing horizontal strip of three 2½d ultramarine, the centre stamp showing the variety STOP AFTER ‘P’ IN PROTECTORATE (SG 69, 69a) tied by very fine strikes of LOBATSI / B.P. (1 Nov) single circle datestamps with a further strike on the reverse. With boxed registration cachet at upper left struck in violet (possibly applied by the addressee, the stamp dealers Whitfield King). With Registered Cape Town (4 Nov), Registered London (25 Nov) and Registered Ipswich (25 Nov) oval transit / arrival backstamps. RPS certificate (1991). Very rare and believed to be unique usage of this variety. £1,100
VV516 1905 (11th November), envelope addressed to England. Bearing a combination of a QV ½d and KEVII 1d and 2½d (SG 60, 68, 69) tied by FRANCISTOWN BECHD PROTEC. (NO 11) single circle datestamps. Backstamped with a Leeds (DE 2) arrival datestamp.
 
Note: it is unclear why 4d was affixed as the Protectorate letter rate to Britain was reduced from 4d to 2½d per half ounce on the 1st April 1903. It may be a result of confusion as Francistown was previously considered being within the ‘Trans-Protectorate’ where different rates applied. 		£225
AB3936 1906 (10th December), KEVII 2d+1d chestnut registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size G, H&G 8b / BBS RE28). Addressed to Bloemfontein, O.R.C., bearing a pair of KEVII ½d blue-green and a single 1d scarlet (SG 66, 68) all tied by FRANCISTOWN BECHD PROTEC (10 Dec) single circle datestamps. With Registered Kimberley (14 Dec) transit and Bloemfontein (15 Dec) arrival backstamps. Lower left corner clipped, otherwise very fine. £175
AB4073 1906 (19th December), envelope addressed to the USA in the distinctive hand of W. Harbor, bearing a single upper marginal example of the KEVII 2½d (SG 69) tied by a MOCHUDI / B.B (19 Dec) single circle datestamp. The flap with printed ‘W.A.H. HARBOR, / MOCHUDI, / Bechuanaland Protectorate.’ A fine single franking example of this stamp paying the foreign mail rate. £150
AB2840 1906 (February), envelope sent registered to the USA “c/o Adams Express Co.”. Bearing a Protectorate QV 4d and KEVII 2½d (SG 64, 69) tied by what appears to be negative bag seal cancellations of Mochudi. With fine sender’s cachet of ‘W.A.H. Harbor’ at upper left, Harbor’s imprint on the flap and addressed in his distinctive hand. Cape Town (17 Feb) transit and Boston (20 Mar) arrival backstamps. £125
AB4129 1906 (31st October), colour picture postcard (‘The Pont at Modder River near Kimberley’) addressed to Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony. Bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a SEROWE / B.P. (31 Oct) single circle datestamp with a PALAPYE STATION / BECHUANALAND PROT (1 Nov) triple circle transit datestamp alongside. Port Elizabeth (4 Nov) arrival. Apparently overpaid ½d as the postcard rate to Cape Colony from 1st April 1903 was reduced to ½d. £45
AB4131 1906 (2nd December), KEVII 4d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size F, H&G C8 / BBS RE27). Addressed to Holland in the distinctive hand of W. Harbor, bearing a single KEVII 2½d ultramarine (SG 69) tied by a MOCHUDI / B.B. (23 Dec) single circle datestamp with a second strike on the reverse. The registration number ‘415’ has been recorded in manuscript With ‘WH’ wax seal on front and W.A.H. HARBOR, / MOCHUDI / S. AFRICA’ boxed cachet struck in violet on the reverse. Amsterdam (23 Dec) arrival backstamp. Very fine. ( £225
AB4082 1906 (18th December), black and white picture postcard (‘Alexandersfontein Hotel. Lake and Grounds.’) addressed to Kimberley, Cape Colony. Bearing a single KEVII ½d blue-green (SG 66) tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTEC (18 Dec) single circle datestamp with a Kimberley (20 Dec) arrival datestamp alongside. A fine example of the Protectorate ½d postcard rate to ‘Other Southern African Territories’. £45
AB4128 1906 (23rd December), colour picture postcard (‘On the Road to the Mealie Field.’) addressed to Holland in the distinctive hand of W. Harbor. Bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a MOCHUDI / B.B. (23 Dec) single circle datestamp. With W.A.H. HARBOR, / MOCHUDI / S. AFRICA’ boxed cachet struck in violet on the view side. Groningen (13 Jan) arrival datestamp. The card with some unobtrusive creasing, otherwise very fine. £45
AB4311 1907 (1st January), Cape of Good Hope KEVII embossed 1d rose postal stationery envelope. Addressed to Germany and uprated with Cape KEVII 1d and ½d adhesives (SG 70,71), all cancelled / tied by KEIMOES / BECHUANALAND (1 Jan) single circle datestamps. Upington (2 Jan) transit and Osnabruck (27 Jan) arrival backstamps. A very fine example of late use of this Keimoes datestamp. Although British Bechuanaland was annexed to the Cape in 1895, the datestamps of some postal agencies, including Keimoes, were not immediately altered and continued to show the previous territorial name for some time, in this case over 11 years after annexation. £85
VV553 1907 (15th April), incoming picture postcard from the Cape (colour view of Swakopmund, GSWA). Bearing Cape KEVII 1d carmine (SG 71) tied by Cape Town (AP 15) datestamp. With a PALAPYE STATION (18 APR) triple circle datestamp struck on arrival. £45
AB4080 1907 (12th May), Cape Government Railways colour picture postcard (‘STREET IN CERES. WESTERN SYSTEM’) with CGR circular crest in lower right corner. Addressed to Lodz, Russia and bearing a vertical pair of KEVII ½d blue-green (SG 66) tied by a GABERONES STATION / B.B. (12 May) single circle datestamp. With unclear arrival datestamp. The card with light corner crease, otherwise very fine and an unusual destination showing the Protectorate 1d postcard rate to overseas countries. £65
VV552 1907 (24th May) incoming picture postcard from Rhodesia (colour view of Victoria Falls ‘Western Cataract or Leaping Water’). Bearing BSAC Arms ½d yellow-green (SG 75a) tied by Victoria Falls (23 May) with Bulawayo (24 May) transit below and PALAPYE STATION (MY 26) single circle datestamp struck on arrival. £45
AB4079 1907 (28th August), envelope addressed to the USA in the distinctive hand of W. Harbor, bearing a single KEVII 2½d ultramarine (SG 69) tied by a MOCHUDI / B.B. (28 Aug) single circle datestamp. The flap with printed ‘W.A.H. HARBOR, / MOCHUDI, / Bechuanaland Protectorate.’ Amsterdam (23 Dec) arrival backstamp. A fine single franking example of this stamp paying the foreign mail rate. £150
VV554 1907 (5th September), incoming picture postcard from GSWA (colour view of a military fort in Otjimbingwe). Bearing a GSWA 10pf tied by Windhuk (5. 9. 07) datestamp. With a PALAPYE STATION (19 SEP) triple circle datestamp struck on arrival. £45
AB4130 1907 (28th December), colour picture postcard (‘View of the World’ Matopos, Rhodesia) addressed to Bulawayo, Rhodesia, bearing a single KEVII ½d blue-green (SG 66) tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTEC (28 Dec) single circle datestamp. The card with corner crease, otherwise very fine and showing the Protectorate ½d postcard rate to other southern African territories. £45
AB4084 1908 (8th January), envelope addressed to the USA in the distinctive hand of W. Harbor, bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a MOCHUDI / B.B. (8 Jan) single circle datestamp. The envelope was underpaid and received an octagonal ‘T/30c’ and New York ‘DUE 6 / CENTS tax markings. The shortfall was receipted by two 3c postage due stamps which were affixed and cancelled. With a Washington (9 Feb) arrival machine cancellation on the reverse. The postage rate to the USA at this time was 2d per half ounce. £110
AB4086 1908 (7th March), envelope addressed to England, bearing a KEVII ½d blue green and pair of 1d scarlet (SG 66, 68) tied by SEROWE / B.P (7 Mar) single circle datestamps. The flap with printed ‘LONDON MISSION / SEROWE / Bechld. Protectorate.’ London (28 Mar) arrival backstamp. A very fine example of the 2½d per half ounce rate to England (which was reduced to 1d three weeks later on the 1st April 1908). £125
VV556 1908 (13th March), picture postcard (sepia view of ‘Joubert’s Park, showing Fountain, Johannesburg’). Bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a light MAHALAPYE SIDING / C.G.H. (12 MR) single circle datestamp. With Mafeking (MR 13) transit and Uitenhage (18 MR) arrival datestamps struck on the reverse. Surprisingly scarce usage. £65
AB4085 1908 (11th June), colour picture postcard (‘Native Dug-Out Canoes’) addressed to Mafeking, Cape Colony. Bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTEC (11 Jun) single circle datestamp with a Mafeking (15 Jun) arrival datestamp alongside. Odd minor stain, otherwise very fine. Apparently overpaid as the Protectorate postcard rate to other southern African territories at this time was ½d. £45
AB3918 1908 (5th July), KEVII 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size G, BBS RE30 / H&G C9a). Addressed to the Orange River Colony, bearing a pair of KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by GABERONES / B.P (5 Jul) single circle datestamps with an additional strike on the reverse. With manuscript registration ‘R. Gaberones’ and number. Backstamped GABERONES STATION / B.B (5 Jul) in blue, Ladybrand (8 Jul), MIDLAND / T.P.O. 2 (8 Jul) transit / arrival datestamps. £225
AB4127 1908 (11th October), registered envelope addressed to Kimberley, Cape Colony. Bearing six KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by PALAPYE STATION / BECHUANALAND PROT (11 Oct) triple circle datestamps with three additional strikes on the reverse. With a fine PALAPYE RD. boxed registration cachet struck in violet at upper left. Kenilworth / Kimberley (13 Oct) transit struck on the front and the reverse and Registered Kimberley (13 Oct) transit backstamp. A few minor edge faults, otherwise very fine and an attractive example of a registered, double weight 1d per half ounce rate to southern Africa. £175
AB4091 1909 (5th February), reply half of a British KEVII 1d postal stationery card addressed to England. A Bechuanaland KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) was affixed and tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTEC (5 Feb) single circle datestamp with a second very fine strike below. Leeds (18 Mar) arrival datestamp struck on the front.
 
Note: the adhesive would appear to be unnecessary as the reply card should have prepaid the 1d postcard rate back to England. 		£75
AB4092 1909 (26th April), envelope addressed and sent registered to England. Bearing a block of four KEVII 2½d ultramarine (SG 69) tied by LOBATSI / B.P (26 Apr) single circle datestamps. Registered Birmingham (15 May) arrival backstamp. Some unobtrusive repaired tears, not affecting the adhesives. Philatelically inspired, though attractive. £85
AB4089 1909 (26th September), envelope addressed to Natal bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by two strikes of the PALAPYE STATION / BECHUANALAND PROT (26 Sep) triple circle datestamp. Faint partial Mafeking (27 Sep) transit and Port Shepstone (2 Oct) arrival backstamps. Part of flap missing, otherwise a fine and attractive example of the 1d per half ounce rate to ‘Other Southern African Territories’. £75
AB4094 1910 (3rd April), KEVII 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size G, BBS RE30 / H&G C9a). Addressed to Kimberley, Cape Colony, bearing a pair of KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) cancelled / tied by MAHALAPYE SIDING / C.G.H. (3 Apr) single circle datestamps. With a superb MAHALAPYE registration cachet struck in blue at upper left. Mafeking (4 Apr) transit and Kimberley (6 Apr) arrival backstamps. Unobtrusive vertical fold. Scarce. £225
AB4093 1910 (21st June), colour picture postcard (Rhodes’ Memorial, Kimberley) addressed to the Cape Colony. Bearing a single KEVII ½d yellowish green (SG 67) tied by a MOCHUDI / B.B. (21 Jun) single circle datestamp struck in VIOLET with two additional strikes at left. Cathcart (24 Jun) arrival datestamp. An attractive and rare example of a Bechuanaland coloured datestamp. £225
AB4121 1910 (31st July), registered envelope addressed to Cape Town Bearing a horizontal pair of the KEVII 6d Postal Fiscal (SG F1) tied by GABERONES / B.P (31 Jul) single circle datestamps with additional strikes below and on the reverse. GABERONES STATION / B.B (31 Jul) transit and WESTERN T.P.O. / R.L.S. (3 Aug) railway datestamps on the reverse. With ‘Gaberone no 362’ in manuscript at upper left. Vertical fold at left. A rare double franking of this scarce issue, especially commercially used on cover.
 
Note: the 1/- postage suggests 4d registration and 8d postage for a weight up to 4 ounces (at 1d per half ounce) which appears high. The 8d may include an amount for insurance. 		£850
AB4095 1910 (18th September), KEVII 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size G, BBS RE30 / H&G C9a). Addressed to Cape Town, bearing a pair of KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) cancelled / tied by RAMOUTSA / B.P (18 Sep) single circle datestamps. With ‘R’ and ‘Ramoutsa / 84’ registration details in manuscript at upper left. Mafeking (18 Sep) transit and Cape Town (21 Sep) arrival backstamps. Scarce. £225
AB4118 1910 (28th October), printed envelope sent registered to the stamp dealers ‘Bright & Son’ in London. Bearing a single example of the KEVII 6d Postal Fiscal (SG F1) tied by a FRANCESTOWN / S. AFRICA (28 Oct) single circle datestamp with a second strike alongside and a further strike on the reverse. With FRANCISTOWN registration cachet struck at upper left in violet. With RLS Cape Town (1 Nov) transit and London (19 Nov) arrival backstamps. Unobtrusive vertical fold at centre. A very scarce issue on cover.
 
Note: 6d paid the correct 4d registration and double the 1d per half ounce letter rate to England. 		£650
AB4125 NATAL 1910 (29th October), long official printed envelope with ‘ON HIS MAJESTY’S SERVICE’ at top and ‘Post Office.’ at lower left. Addressed to Whitfield King & Co, the stamp dealers in England, using Bechuanaland Protectorate stamps but sent from Natal. Bearing pairs of the QV 3d purple on yellow and KEVII ½d yellowish green (SG 63, 67), each tied by a REGISTERED. P.M. BURG / NATAL (29 Oct) double circle datestamps with NATAL / MARITZBURG boxed registration cachet struck at left. Attractive and unusual usage of QV and KEVII issues used during reign of KGV outside Bechuanaland.
 
Note it is unclear why this was not taxed. Presumably the official looking nature of the envelope played a part. 		£125
AB4119 1910 (14th November), printed envelope sent registered to the stamp dealers ‘Bright & Son’ in London. Bearing a single right marginal example of the KEVII 6d Postal Fiscal (SG F1) tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD. PROTEC. (14 Nov) single circle datestamp with a second strike alongside. With Francistown registration cachet struck at upper left in violet. With RLS Cape Town (18 Nov) transit and London (10 Nov) arrival backstamps. Unobtrusive vertical fold at centre. A very scarce issue on cover.
 
Note: 6d paid the correct 4d registration and double the 1d per half ounce letter rate to England. 		£650
AB4343 1910 (29th November), printed envelope sent registered to the stamp dealers ‘Bright & Son’ in London. Bearing a single right marginal example of the KEVII 6d Postal Fiscal (SG F1) tied by a MOCHUDI / B.B. (29 Nov) single circle datestamp with a second strike at upper left. Interestingly, without a registration cachet and only the number ‘594’ in manuscript with the second datestamp serving in place of a cachet. With RLS Cape Town (3 Dec) transit and London (24 Dec) arrival backstamps. With large ‘W.A.H. HARBOR, / MOCHUDI STATION’ oval cachet struck in violet on the reverse with clean tear from opening. A very scarce issue on cover.
 
Note: 6d paid the correct 4d registration and double the 1d per half ounce letter rate to England. 		£650
AB4120 1910 (21st December), registered envelope addressed to ‘E.C. Baxter’ in London written in the distinctive hand of W. Harbor. Bearing a single example of the KEVII 6d Postal Fiscal (SG F1) placed inverted and tied by a MOCHUDI / B.B. (21 Dec) single circle datestamp. With manuscript ‘Registered’ at upper left. RLS Cape Town (23 Dec) transit and London (14 Jan) arrival backstamps. The flap with large monogram “WH” of WH Harbor embossed in red. A very scarce issue on cover.
 
Note: 6d paid the correct 4d registration and double the 1d per half ounce letter rate to England. 		£650
AB4099 1911 (2nd February), black and white picture postcard (‘Molopo River, The Stadt, Mafeking’), addressed to Belgium. Bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a LOBATSI / B.P (2 Feb) single circle datestamp. Brussels (25 Feb) arrival datestamp. Very fine. £45
AB488 1911 (March), Cape 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (H&G 5). Addressed to London where it was redirected locally. Cancelled with two FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTEC (MR 23) single circle datestamps. £55
AB4096 1911 (31st March), KEVII 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size F, BBS RE31b / H&G C10). Addressed to Germany, bearing a single KEVII 2½d ultramarine (SG 69) cancelled / tied by LOBATSI / B.P (31 Mar) single circle datestamps. With ‘172 / LOBATSI’ registration details in manuscript at upper left. Also an ‘R’ in oval struck in blue. Kimberley (1 Apr), Cape Town (3 Apr) and Würzburg (23 Apr) transit / arrival backstamps. A very scarce envelope used, especially so fine. £225
AB4098 1911 (16th July), envelope addressed to England. Bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a GABERONES / B.P (16 Jul) single circle datestamp. With GABERONES STATION / B.B (16 Jul) transit and London (5 Aug) arrival backstamps. The flap with crown over ‘B.P.P.’ embossed in red. A fine example of the 1d per half ounce rate to Britain. £85
AB4097 1911 (26th July), envelope addressed to the USA. Bearing KEVII ½d blue-green, 1d scarlet (x2) and 2½d ultramarine (SG 66, 68, 69) all tied by GABERONES / B.P (26 Jul) single circle datestamps with additional strike alongside. GABERONES STATION / B.B (26 Jul) transit backstamp with ‘26’ inverted. A philatelic address, though a fine and attractive example of the double weight 2½d per half ounce rate to foreign countries. £85
AB4492 1911 (13th September), envelope addressed to Mafeking, South Africa. Bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a fine and clear strike of the ‘674’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with proving MOLEPOLOLE / BECHUANALAND (13 Sep) single circle datestamp below. GABERONES / B.P (15 Sep) transit struck on the front. The reverse with large handstamped cachet of ‘SECHELE II. / KGOSI E KGOLO EA BAKWENA / [image of crocodile] / MOLEPOLOLE, / B.B. PROTECTORATE.’ struck in violet. Backstamped GABERONES / B.P. (14 Sep), GABERONES STATION / B.B (14 and 15 Sep) and Mafeking (15 Sep) transit / arrival datestamps. Opened on three sides though a neat and attractive item of mail from the chief of the Bakwena tribe. £125
AB4090 1911 (18th November), envelope addressed to England endorsed ‘English Mail’. With an originating datestamp SEROWE BECHD PROT (18 Nov, with missing a year digit) and bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a neat PALAPYE STATION / BECHUANALAND PROT (19 Nov) triple circle datestamp. London (9 Dec) arrival backstamp. An attractive example of the 1d per half ounce rate to England. £110
AB4100 1911 (4th December), sepia picture postcard (‘Victoria Falls Rhodesia’) addressed to England. Bearing two KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by KIMBERLEY (4 Dec) datestamps. Very fine.
 
Note: this card is believed to have been posted on the train where a 1d additional fee was paid and entered the regular mails at Kimberley. 		£65
AB4488 1911 (6th December), KEVII 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size G, BBS RE30c / H&G C9a). Addressed to Mafeking, Cape Colony, bearing a single QV 1/- dull green and four KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 37, 68) all tied by RAMOUTSA / B.P (6 Dec) single circle datestamps. With manuscript registration ‘R’ in blue and ‘Ramoutsa / 211’ in red manuscript. Mafeking (6 Dec) arrival backstamp. Scarce use of the QV 1/-.
 
Note: the basis for calculating the rate paid is unclear. However, the fact the addressee is a bank suggests commercial, non-philatelic use. The envelope may well have contained valuables and an additional fee was paid to increase compensation in the event of loss.		 £275
AA122 1911 (September), KEVII 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size G, BBS RE30 / H&G C9a). Addressed to Mafeking, bearing QV 6d x five plus KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 36, 68), lightly cancelled KANYE (SP 7) single circle datestamps. 'Kanye 320' registration written in ink, Mafeking (SP 15) arrival backstamp. Small repair at lower left corner. Attractive. £145
AB4111 1912 (7th May), envelope addressed to Germany. Bearing a KEVII ½d yellowish green and a pair of KGV ‘Downey Heads’ (SG 67, 72) tied by a LOBATSI (7 May) double circle datestamp. Flap roughly opened with small tear at top, clear of the adhesives. A fine example of the 2½d per half ounce rate to foreign countries. £125
AB2846 1912 (19th May), envelope addressed to Scotland bearing a GABERONES B.P. (19 May) single circle datestamp. With a rather blurred Gaberones Station B.B. (19 May) transit backstamp (interesting to note the territorial designations ‘B.P.’ and ‘B.B.’ on datestamps used at the same town). A few edge faults, otherwise fine. A remarkably scarce example of this stamp used alone on cover. £110
AB3971 1912 (26th June), Cape QV 1d chestnut on thick white postal stationery card, overprinted with seriffed upper and lower case letters, without stop. Addressed to Austria, without message. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD. PROTEC. (26 Jun) single circle datestamp. Philatelic late use, though very scarce. (H&G 1a / BBS PC2) £65
AB3481 1912 (1st July), envelope addressed to Cape Town, bearing KEVII ½d blue-green pair (SG 66) tied by a neat KANYE BECHUANALAND (JY 4 / 12) single circle datestamp. The reverse showing a superb oval cachet struck in violet reading ‘S. B. GASEITSIWE, / KANYE, B. P. / 1 JUL 1912 / CHIEF OF BANWAKETSE.’ Pinholes and small edge tear at upper left, otherwise very fine and most attractive. £125
AB4101 1912 (5th July), envelope addressed to Cape Province, South Africa. Bearing a single KEVII 1d scarlet (SG 68) tied by a LOBATSI / B.P (5 Jul) single circle datestamp. Somerset East (7 Jul) arrival backstamp. A very fine example of the 1d per half ounce rate to ‘Other Southern African Territories’. £75
AB4104 1912 (23rd July), reply half of a Cape QV ½d postal stationery card. Addressed to Cape Town, South Africa with no message. A single KEVII ½d yellowish green (SG 67) was affixed and tied by a LOBATSI / B.P (23 Jul) single circle datestamp with an additional strike on the reverse. Very fine.
 
Note: the addressee, Mr H van Oordt van Lauwenrecht, was the Consul General for the Netherlands in Cape Town and who apparently sent self-addressed reply paid cards to every post office in South Africa beginning with the letters ‘A’ and ‘B’ (and possibly ‘C’, by which time writer’s cramp may have forced a halt). However, as far as Bechuanaland is concerned agencies beginning with the letters ‘A’ to ‘R’ are known.
 
As the reply card stipulated ‘Inland Service’, postage from Bechuanaland was required. 		£55
AB4182 1912 (23rd July), reply half of a Cape QV ½d postal stationery card. Addressed to Cape Town, South Africa with no message. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a superb neat strike of the GABERONES STATION / B.B (23 July) single circle datestamp with an additional strike on the reverse. Very fine.
 
Note: the addressee, Mr H van Oordt van Lauwenrecht, was the Consul General for the Netherlands in Cape Town and who apparently sent self-addressed reply paid cards to every post office in South Africa beginning with the letters ‘A’ and ‘B’ (and possibly ‘C’, by which time writer’s cramp may have forced a halt). However, as far as Bechuanaland is concerned agencies beginning with the letters ‘A’ to ‘R’ are known. 		£85
AB4183 1912 (26th July), reply half of a Cape QV ½d postal stationery card. Addressed to Cape Town, South Africa with no message. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a neat strike of the PALAPYE STATION / BECHUANALAND PROT. (26 Jul) triple circle datestamp with a second superb neat strike alongside and an additional strike on the reverse. Very fine.
 
Note: the addressee, Mr H van Oordt van Lauwenrecht, was the Consul General for the Netherlands in Cape Town and who apparently sent self-addressed reply paid cards to every post office in South Africa beginning with the letters ‘A’ and ‘B’ (and possibly ‘C’, by which time writer’s cramp may have forced a halt). However, as far as Bechuanaland is concerned agencies beginning with the letters ‘A’ to ‘R’ are known. 		£85
AB4498 1912 (10th August), ‘Tamsen’ envelope sent registered to the Transvaal. Bearing a combination of different issues from British Bechuanaland: ½d (x 2), 1d and 2d (SG 9, 30, 38, 39 (with malformed 'B')) and the Protectorate: ½d (x 2) and 1d (SG 41, 52, 56) all tied by LOBATSI / B.P (10 Aug) single circle datestamps with a further strike at lower left. Mafeking (10 Aug), Pretoria (13 Aug) and Nylstroom (14 Aug) transit / arrival backstamps. Flap roughly opened through wax seal and a few edge tears. The adhesives are all fine. £55
AB4105 1912 (6th September), colour picture postcard (‘Victoria Falls’) addressed to Transvaal. Bearing a single KEVII ½d blue-green (SG 66) tied by a MAHALAPYE SIDING (6 Sep) single circle datestamp. Mafeking (7 Sep) transit and Heidelberg (10 Sep) arrival datestamps struck alongside. A fine example of the Protectorate ½d postcard rate to ‘Other Southern African Territories’. £45
VV565 1912 (30th November), official post office Registered Letter Receipt (128x82mm), printed in black on pale bluish grey. Issued at Gaberones and bearing a GABERONES B.P. (NO 30) single circle datestamp struck in blue. Some damage / thinning at right where previously affixed to backing. Unusual. £45
AB3478 Railway 1913 (17th February), long envelope sent registered to Germany, bearing QV ½d blue-green pair and KEVII 2½d x 2 (SG 60, 69) all tied by GABERONES STATION / B.B (FE 17) single circle datestamps. With a very fine GABERONES STN. boxed registration cachet struck in purple at upper left. Kimberley, Cape Town (21 Feb) and Schönebeck (16 Mar) transit / arrival backstamps. A few edge faults including a small tear at top, clear of the adhesives. Attractive and interesting use of QV and KEVII issues used during reign of KGV. £125
AB4103 1913 (25th February), KEVII 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size G, BBS RE30 / H&G C9a). Addressed to Natal, South Africa, bearing a pair of KEVII 2½d ultramarine (SG 69) cancelled / tied by RAMOUTSA / B.P (25 Feb) single circle datestamps. With ‘R’ and ‘Ramoutsa / 28’ registration details in blue manuscript at upper left. Mafeking (26 Feb) transit backstamp. The 5d postage paid was presumably due to the envelope weighing up to 2½ ounces at 1d per half ounce though may include some level of compensation against loss. Scarce. £225
AB3934 1913 (28th April), KEVII 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size F, BBS RE29 / H&G C9). Addressed to Natal, bearing a block of four KEVII ½d yellowish green (SG 67) with a further pair affixed to the reverse, all tied by RAMOUTSA / B.P (28 Apr) single circle datestamps. With ‘Ramoutsa / 59’ registration number in manuscript. A few edge faults, otherwise very fine. £175
AB4112 1913 (19th June), registered envelope addressed to ‘Benedict Prieth’ in the USA. Bearing a single KEVII 1/- deep green and scarlet (SG 70) tied by a large LOBATSI / S A (19 Jun) single circle relief type datestamp with a further strike on the reverse. With Lobatsi registration cachet struck in blue at upper left and a large ‘REGISTERED’ handstamp, probably applied by the sender. New York (13 Jul) transit and Newark (14 Jul) arrival backstamps. Mount marks on reverse, otherwise very fine. Philatelically inspired, though a scarce stamp on cover and a very rare datestamp. £275
AB4114 1913? (23rd November), registered envelope addressed to ‘Dr. H. F. Harwood’ in England. Bearing a single KEVII 1/- deep green and scarlet (SG 70) tied by a PALAPYE ROAD (23 Nov, no year) double circle datestamp. Showing a PALAPYE RAIL registration cachet struck in violet at upper left. A few small edge tears, clear of the adhesive. No backstamps. Philatelically inspired though a scarce stamp on cover. £150
AB4109 1913 (29th December), KEVII 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size F, BBS RE29 / H&G C9). Addressed to England, bearing KEVII ½d yellowish green and 1d scarlet (SG 67, 68) cancelled /tied by neat FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTEC (29 Dec) single circle datestamps. With Francistown registration cachet struck at upper left in violet. Birmingham (20 Jan 14) arrival datestamp struck on the front. Probably philatelically inspired as the envelope remains unopened, thus superb condition. Scarce. £175
AB4113 1914 (8th February), registered envelope addressed to ‘W. T. Wilson’ in England. Bearing a single KEVII 1/- green and carmine (SG 71) tied by a neat LOBATSI (8 Feb) double circle datestamp with an additional strike on the reverse. Showing a Lobatsi registration cachet struck in blue at lower right. Registered Birmingham (3 Mar) arrival backstamp. Philatelically inspired though a scarce stamp on cover. £150
VV555 1914 (28th May), registered ‘W.T. Wilson’ envelope addressed to England, bearing a single KEVII 1/- green and carmine (SG 71) tied by a neat LOBATSI (28 MAY) double circle datestamp and with a Lobatsi registration cachet struck in violet. Registered Birmingham (16 June) arrival datestamp on the reverse. Philatelically inspired though a scarce duty on cover. £125
VV533 1915 (11th November), ‘Hand’ envelope addressed to Pretoria, bearing OFS 2d bright purple surcharged ‘V.R.I. / 2d’ (SG 114) tied by a KEIMOES / BECHUANALAND (11 Nov) single circle datestamp. Philatelically inspired, and showing very late use of this Keimoes datestamp, some 20 years after annexation. £65
VV534 1915 (11th November), ‘Hand’ envelope sent registered to Pretoria, bearing Cape KEVII 2½d ultramarine pair (SG 73) tied by neat KEIMOES / BECHUANALAND (11 Nov) single circle datestamps. With ‘R’ in oval handstruck at upper left in black and manuscript ‘Keimoes / 61’ alongside. Philatelic, though attractive and showing very late use of this Keimoes datestamp, some 20 years after annexation. £75
VV535 1915 (11th November), ‘Hand’ envelope addressed to Pretoria, bearing ORC ½d green (SG 133) tied by a KEIMOES / BECHUANALAND (11 Nov) single circle datestamp. Some creasing. Philatelically inspired, and showing very late use of this Keimoes datestamp, some 20 years after annexation. £45
AB3825 1915 (22nd October), WWI period incoming stampless envelope addressed to ‘Inspector of Works / Gaberones’ and endorsed ‘On Service’ at upper left. The reverse bears a large, illustrated ‘R.A.T.A.’ design printed in brown. The reverse with originating large segmented BASE OFFICE / E (22 Oct) double circle datestamp (East African Forces) and GABERONES / B.P (12 Dec) arrival datestamps. Repaired flap tear, otherwise very fine and most unusual. £75
AB2849 1915 (11th November), envelope sent registered to Pretoria, bearing Natal KEVII 2d and 3d (SG 132, 149) tied by neat KEIMOES / BECHUANALAND (11 Nov) single circle datestamps. Philatelic, though most attractive and showing very late use of this Keimoes datestamp, some 20 years after annexation. £110
AB3824 1916 (16th January), WWI period printed ‘Over-Seas Club / Tobacco Fund’ stampless postcard addressed to ‘Hospital Sergt / B.P. Police Gaberones / Bechuanaland’. The sender was a member of the forces, apparently serving in France, with an (ARMY) POST OFFICE (16 Jan) despatch datestamp and a PASSED FIELD CENSOR hexagonal censor marking struck in red. The message on the reverse is headed ‘Somewhere in France / 12-1-16’. GABERONES / B.P. (20 Feb) single circle arrival backstamp. Some unobtrusive creasing, otherwise fine and most unusual.
 
Note: these cards were issued free of charge to the troops serving in France and Belgium during World War I. 		£55
AB4336 1916 (4th May), ‘Hand’ envelope addressed to Pretoria. Bearing a single Transvaal 4d black and brown (SG 265) tied by a very fine KEIMOES / BECHUANALAND (4 May) single circle datestamp. Philatelically inspired, and showing very late use of this British Bechuanaland era Keimoes datestamp, some 20 years after annexation to the Cape and six years after the formation of the Union of South Africa. £45
AB3500 1917 (1st April), WWI period censored envelope addressed to Switzerland. Bearing strip of five KGV 1d scarlet (SG 74) tied by LOBATSI (1 APR 17) double circle datestamps. The envelope was opened by censor in Cape Town and resealed with a large printed red on white ‘Opened by Censor. / 99’ label which was affixed at top, overlapping most of the stamps and a PASSED CENSOR / C.14. circular cachet was struck in violet. With Stalden (7 May) arrival backstamp. Censored mail from Bechuanaland is rarely seen. £65
AB3529 1919 (5th March), envelope addressed to South Africa enclosing several private letters. Bearing a single 1d scarlet (SG 74) tied by a FRANCISTOWN BECHD PROTEC. (MR 5 / 19) single circle datestamp with a second strike alongside. The flap with printed ‘TATI COMPANY, LIMITED, / FRANCISTOWN, / TATI.’ (interestingly, without any country name). The envelope with some staining and part of flap missing. £45
AB4330 1920 (15th May), envelope addressed to Gaberones. Bearing a pair of KGV ½d green (SG 73) tied by a bold strike ofPALLA ROAD (15 May) double circle datestamp. Some light mounting marks on the reverse and red manuscript endorsement detailing place and date of posting. £45
AB4495 1920 (15th June), KGV 2d+1d registered postal stationery envelope surcharged ‘DUTY 4d’ (size G, (size G, BBS RE34a / H&G C12 with straight cut flaps). Addressed to Mafeking, South Africa, bearing a pair of QV 1/- green and black (SG 15, one with fault). The imprinted stamp and adhesives cancelled / tied by KANYE / BECHUANALAND (15 Jun) single circle datestamps. One of the four light datestamps cancelling the adhesive may be an arrival. A few small faults, otherwise fine and scarce use of the unappropriated dies.
 
Note: the basis for calculating the rate paid is unclear. However, the fact the addressee is a bank suggests commercial, non-philatelic use. The envelope may well have contained valuables and an additional fee was paid to increase compensation in the event of loss. 		SOLD
AB4328 1920 (17th November), long envelope addressed and sent registered to Mafeking. Bearing KGV 1d scarlet strip of three and a 3d bluish violet (SG 74, 79), all tied by LOBATSI (17 Nov) double circle datestamps with an additional strike on the reverse. The reverse with ‘M. Rosenberg / Lobatsi B.B.P.’ oval cachets. Vertical creasing affects one 1d adhesive. Scarce commercial use of the 3d. £65
VV574 1921 (1st March), unsealed envelope addressed to Johannesburg bearing a single KGV 1½d (SG 75) tied by late use of the MOLEPOLOLE BECHUANALAND (1 Mar) single circle datestamp. Also showing very late use of the ‘674’ BONC, known to have been used at Molepolole. No doubt philatelically inspired though unusual and an attractive late proving item for this datestamp and the associated BONC. £55
AB3485 1921 (1st March), envelope addressed to Gaberones, bearing a single KGV 1½d red-brown (SG 75) tied by a MOLEPOLOLE / BECHUANALAND (MR 1 / 21) single circle datestamp with proving BONC ‘674’ alongside. Very late, philatelically inspired usage though a fine proving item for this agency. £55
AB4313 1921 (25th December), printed envelope addressed and sent registered to Mafeking. Bearing 1s/6d postage, comprising three examples of the KGV 2d orange tied by MOCHUDI (25 Dec) double circle datestamps. With an additional block of 12 1d scarlet affixed to the reverse and tied by the same datestamps (SG 74, 76a). The envelope with sender’s details ‘Chas. Bowden & Co., General Dealers, Mochudi Station, Bechuanaland Protectorate, South Africa.’ printed at upper left and with registration details in manuscript.
 
Note: the basis for calculating the rate paid is unclear. However, the fact the addressee is a bank suggests commercial, non-philatelic use. The envelope may well have contained valuables and an additional fee was paid to increase compensation in the event of loss. 		£125
VV522 1922 (9th May), envelope sent registered to East London, South Africa, bearing an example of the KGV POSTAL FISCAL 1d SCARLET (SG F3) used together with six KGV 1d scarlet postage stamps (SG 74). All stamps are tied by large GABERONES STATION (9 MAY 1922) double circle datestamps. Backstamped with a further strike of the Gaberones Station (9 May) datestamp and an East London (13 May) arrival datestamp. Very rare commercial use of this postal fiscal with few covers recorded. £650
AB2640 1923, (January), envelope sent registered to Mafeking, South Africa bearing ten examples of the KGV ½d green (SG 73, strip of four and three pairs) tied by large GABERONES STATION (2 Jan) double circle datestamps, with further strikes on the reverse. With a very fine Gaberones Station registration cachet struck in violet at upper left. Mafeking (3 Jan) arrival backstamp. The flap with imprint of ‘L.T. Lund. / Sebele / P.O. Gaberones’. £150
AB2844 1923 (12th August), envelope addressed to Mafeking bearing two examples of the 1921 KGV 1d scarlet Postal Fiscal (SG F3), each tied by very fine strikes of the GHANZI (12 Aug) double circle datestamp. The envelope with some creasing though rare genuine postal use of these stamps. RPS certificate (1976). £650
VV575 1924 (3rd January), envelope addressed and sent registered to Mafeking. Bearing 13 examples of the 1d scarlet (SG 74) with a strip of four on the front and a block of nine on the reverse, all cancelled or tied by rather messy MOCHUDI (3 Jan) double circle datestamps. The envelope with sender’s details ‘Chas. Bowden & Co., General Dealers, Mochudi Station, Bechuanaland Protectorate, South Africa.’ printed at upper left and with registration details in manuscript.
 
Note: the basis for calculating the rate paid is unclear. However, the fact the addressee is a bank suggests commercial, non-philatelic use. The envelope may well have contained valuables and an additional fee was paid to increase compensation in the event of loss. 		£125
VV623 1925 (18th July), envelope addressed to Cape Town bearing a single KGV King’s Head 2d dull purple (SG 6) tied by a fine strike of the bilingual SOUTH AFRICA / ROYAL TOUR (18 JUL 25) oval datestamp with Union Coat-of-Arms above.
 
According to an official S.A.R. Royal Tour itinerary published in Reisener (‘The Special and Commemorative Postmarks, Cachets and Covers of South Africa 1892-1975’, p19), the Royal Tour was in Bechuanaland Protectorate on the 18th July. 		£25
AB2251 1925 (22nd July), envelope addressed to Pretoria, bearing a single 1885 3d pale claret overprinted ‘British Bechuanaland’ (SG 2), tied by a superb strike of the bilingual SOUTH AFRICA / ROYAL TOUR (22 July) commemorative oval datestamp with Coat of Arms above. With a SEROWE BECHD. PROT (22 July) transit datestamp struck on the front and Pretoria (25 July) arrival backstamp. Unusual very late usage of British Bechuanaland, apparently in the Protectorate.
 
Note: The Prince of Wales, later to abdicate as King Edward VIII, visited South Africa in 1925. The Royal party also visited Basutoland, Bechuanaland, Swaziland, Northern Rhodesia and Southern Rhodesia. According to the official itinerary as per the South African Railways time table, the Royal Train was scheduled to be in Bechuanaland on the 27 to 28th June and again on the 18th July, and Cape Town on the 22nd July. The postmark evidence on this envelope appears to indicate the Royal Train was still in Bechuanaland on the 22nd July. 		£125
AB4115 1925 (22nd July), envelope addressed to Transvaal, South Africa. Bearing KEVII ½d yellowish green block of four (SG 67) tied by tied by a fine strike of the bilingual SOUTH AFRICA / ROYAL TOUR (22 JUL 25) commemorative oval datestamp with Union Coat of Arms above. With a SEROWE BECHD PROT (22 Jul) double circle datestamp struck at left. Pretoria (25 Jul) arrival backstamp.
 
Note: according to an official S.A.R. Royal Tour itinerary published in Reisener (‘The Special and Commemorative Postmarks, Cachets and Covers of South Africa 1892-1975’, p19), the Royal Tour was in Bechuanaland Protectorate on the 18th July, and in the Cape Province on the 19th July en route to Cape Town, it is therefore unclear how both postmarks on this envelope were dated several days after the train and travelling post office had departed. 		£45
AB4116 1925 (22nd July), envelope addressed to Transvaal, South Africa. Bearing KEVII 1/- green and carmine (SG 71) tied by tied by a very fine strike of the bilingual SOUTH AFRICA / ROYAL TOUR (22 JUL 25) commemorative oval datestamp with Union Coat of Arms above. With a PALAPYE ROAD (22 Jul) double circle datestamp alongside. Pretoria (24 Jul) arrival backstamp. Some spotting, mainly confined to the reverse. A scarce stamp used.
 
Note: according to an official S.A.R. Royal Tour itinerary published in Reisener (‘The Special and Commemorative Postmarks, Cachets and Covers of South Africa 1892-1975’, p19), the Royal Tour was in Bechuanaland Protectorate on the 18th July, and in the Cape Province on the 19th July en route to Cape Town, it is therefore unclear how both postmarks on this envelope were dated several days after the train and travelling post office had departed. 		£125
AB4331 1927 (9th June), envelope addressed to England. Bearing a block of four KGV ½d green (SG 91) cancelled with a central MAUN (9 Jun) double circle datestamp. The upper right adhesive with corner fault and showing variety ‘O’ for ‘C’ in ‘PROTECTORATE’. With Livingstone / N. Rhodesia (24 Jun) transit backstamp showing the postal route for mail from Maun (and Kasane) which connected with the Rhodesian railway. With red manuscript endorsement detailing place and date of posting. £45
AB4329 1928 (18th June), long envelope addressed to France. Bearing KGV 1d scarlet strip of three (SG 92) tied by MAHALAPYE (18 Jun) double circle datestamps. Grenoble (11 Jul) arrival backstamp. Vertical creasing clear of the adhesives. £45
AB4517 1928 (16th November), printed ‘Dixon’s Hotel’ envelope addressed and sent unpaid to Francistown with a MAFEKING (16 Nov) dispatch datestamp. The envelope was taxed at double the deficiency (1d) and a 2d agate postage due (SG D3) was affixed on arrival and tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTECTORE (17 Nov) double circle datestamp with a second strike on the reverse. Roughly opened at left not affecting the adhesive. BPA certificate (2014). Extremely rare, this being the first example we have handled of any of the first issue of postage dues on cover. We are aware of only one other item - a front with a pair of 2d which was offered on the Christie’s Robson Lowe 12th June 1991 ‘Haskins’ sale (lot 172. Estimated £350, realised £1672). £1,250
AB4316 1931 (18th July), envelope addressed to South West Africa, bearing two KGV 1d scarlet (SG 92) tied by a GHANZI (13 Jul) double circle datestamp. With Gobabis (10 Aug) transit and Stamprietfontein (17 Aug) arrival backstamps. Vertical crease clear of the adhesives. Due to the remoteness of the region, there was a cross border service into SWA every two weeks by lorry from Ghanzi. £65
AB3821 AIR MAIL 1932 (22nd January), printed illustrated envelope ‘By the First Air Mail from Cape Town to London – per Imperial Airways.’ Addressed to Egypt and bearing a single KGV 1/- (SG 98) tied by a LOBATSI (22 Jan) double circle datestamp. With large ‘FROM KIMBERLEY’ cachet handstamped in violet and with a Kimberley (27 Jan) transit datestamp. Johannesburg (27 Jan) transit and unclear Alexandria arrival backstamps. Scarce example of the acceptance of airmail from Bechuanaland for the first flight of the regular service from South Africa to England. £125
AB3488 1932 (13th February), envelope addressed to Grahamstown, South Africa, bearing a single KGV 2d orange (SG 93) tied by a SEROWE BECHD. PROT (13 FEB 1932) double circle datestamp. The sender was most likely a relative of the addressee “Miss May Blackbeard”. Blackbeard Bros were prominent traders and general merchants in Serowe for many years. £45
VV544 1932 (15th March), ‘Tamsen’ envelope sent registered to South Africa. Bearing Cape of Good Hope ½d (x 2) and 1d in blocks of four, all stamps bearing FORGED overprints with one ½d block and the 1d block additionally showing the OVERPRINT INVERTED, a ‘variety’ not recorded on genuine stamps. Each block is cancelled with a neat (genuine) central LOBATSI (15 MAR) double circle datestamp with an additional strike on the reverse. Lobatsi registration cachet at lower left and Nylstroom (16 Mar) arrival backstamp. Scarce.
 
Note: it is unclear if the sender, the eminent philatelist Emil Tamsen, was aware these overprints were forged at the time of mailing. 		£225
AB4326 1932 (15th March), ‘Tamsen’ envelope sent registered to South Africa. Bearing pairs of British Bechuanaland: ½d, 1d surcharge on 1d, 1d and 2d overprint reading down and Protectorate ½d (SG 22, 30, 38, 39, 40). Also bearing a pair of Cape 2d with FORGED inverted overprints, a variety not recorded on genuine stamps. Each pair is tied by LOBATSI (15 Mar) double circle datestamps with an additional strike on the reverse. With Lobatsi registration cachet at lower left and a Nylstroom (16 Mar) arrival backstamp. Scarce multiples. Note: it is unclear if the sender, the eminent philatelist Emil Tamsen, was aware the 2d overprint was forged. £150
AB4195 1932 (19th March), ‘Tamsen’ envelope sent registered to South Africa. Bearing blocks of four Cape ½d (x 2) and 2d rectangles, all stamps bearing FORGED overprints, one ½d block and the 2d block with overprints inverted, a variety not recorded on genuine stamps. Each block is cancelled with a neat central (genuine) MAHALAPYE (19 Mar) double circle datestamp with an additional strike on the reverse. Mahalapye registration cachet at lower left and Nylstroom (21 Mar) arrival backstamp. Scarce multiples.
 
Note: it is unclear if the sender, the eminent philatelist Emil Tamsen, was aware these overprints were forged. 		£225
VV527 1932 (22nd March), Official Stationery. Printed Union of South Africa official ‘Memorandum’ form used from Mafeking to an individual in Cape Town. The message confirms receipt of a postal order for Bechuanaland Protectorate postage stamps which were enclosed with the reply. With a large ‘POST OFFICE MAFEKING / 22 MAR 1932 / HEAD OFFICE FOR / BECHUANALAND PROTECTORATE’ oval cachet struck in violet at upper right. £45
VV560 1932 (23rd March), envelope addressed to South Africa bearing a KGV ½d green pair and 1d scarlet (SG 90, 91) all tied by neat LOBATSI (23 MAR) double circle datestamps. £25
AB3835 1932 (20th May), envelope addressed to England, bearing a pair of KGV 1d scarlet (SG 92) tied by MAUN (20 May) double circle datestamps. The reverse shows a LIVINGSTONE / N. RHODESIA (24 May) machine roller cancellation applied in transit.
 
Note: due to the remoteness of Maun in Ngamailand, the routing via Northern Rhodesia was presumably the most efficient and would have been the nearest access to the railway, then travelling south over the Victoria Falls, through Southern Rhodesia and on to Cape Town and a ship to England. 		£110
AB3484 1932 (9th June), envelope addressed to Cape Town, South Africa, bearing a single KGV 2d orange (SG 93) tied by a SEROWE BECHD. PROT (9 JUN 1932) double circle datestamp. The reverse with oval cachet ‘L. SOLOW / GENERAL MERCHANT / SEROWE, B. P.’ printed on the flap. A very fine example of the 2d rate to South Africa. £45
AB3657 1932 (17th December), envelope sent airmail to Scotland. Bearing a single KGV definitive 1/- black and olive-green (SG 105) tied by a LOBATSI (17 DEC 32, five days after issue) double circle datestamp. Flap with tear from opening, otherwise very fine. £45
AB3837 1933 (23rd April), envelope addressed to England. Bearing a single KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 2d brown (SG 101) tied by a light MOLEPOLOLE / BECHUANALAND (23 Apr) double circle datestamp. Flap torn from opening, otherwise fine. £30
AB3489 193?, printed envelope addressed to England, bearing a single KGV 2d orange (SG 93) tied by a MOLEPOLOLE / BECHUANALAND double circle datestamp with a blurred illegible date. Otherwise a clean and attractive example of the 2d rate to England. £45
AB3721 1934 (20th March), KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ ½d green on buff postal stationery card (H&G 7 / BBS PC19). Addressed to Pretoria and uprated with the addition of a KGV ½d green (SG 99) tied by a bilingual ROYAL TOUR H.R.H. PRINCE GEORGE (20 III 34) crowned oval commemorative datestamp. Corner crease at lower right otherwise a very scarce card unused or used.
 
Note: the message on the reverse is headed ‘Gaberones’. Prince George toured Southern Africa on the ‘White Train’ during February and March 1934. A special TPO van was attached and utilized this special datestamp. The train entered Bechuanaland on the 19th March, arriving at Gaberones at 9.30pm. The train left Gaberones at 8.55pm the following evening, the 20th March for Bulawayo. 		£75
AB3924 1934 (20th March), KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ ½d green on buff postal stationery card (H&G 7 / BBS PC19). Addressed to Pretoria and uprated with the addition of a KGV ½d green (SG 99) tied by a bilingual ROYAL TOUR H.R.H. PRINCE GEORGE (20 III 34) crowned oval commemorative datestamp and with a very fine strike of a GABERONES STATION / B.P. (20 Mar) double circle datestamp at left. Corner crease at lower left otherwise a very scarce card unused or used.
 
Note: the message on the reverse is headed ‘Gaberones’. Prince George toured Southern Africa on the ‘White Train’ during February and March 1934. A special TPO van was attached and utilized this special datestamp. The train entered Bechuanaland on the 19th March, arriving at Gaberones at 9.30pm. The train left Gaberones at 8.55pm the following evening, the 20th March for Bulawayo. 		£85
AB4117 1934 (20th March), envelope addressed to Pretoria bearing a KEVII and KGV 1d scarlet (SG 68, 72) tied by a neat strike of the bilingual ROYAL TOUR H.R.H. PRINCE GEORGE / SOUTH AFRICA (20 III 34) oval datestamp with the Union Coat-of-Arms above. Pretoria (23 Mar) arrival backstamp.
 
Note: Prince George toured Southern Africa on the ‘White Train’ during February and March 1934. A special TPO van was attached and utilized this special datestamp. The train entered Bechuanaland on the 19th March, arriving at Gaberones at 9.30pm. The train left Gaberones at 8.55pm the following evening, the 20th March for Bulawayo.		 £45
AB3972 1934 (2nd November), postcard used domestically, addressed to Gaberones. Bearing a single KGV 1d scarlet ‘cattle and baobab’ (SG 100) tied by a LOBATSI (2 Nov) double circle datestamp. The reverse with printed heading ‘BECHUANALAND COLD STORAGE CO., LIMITED / Lobatsi Creamery’ with details of prices for various grades of butter. Small edge tear at top, otherwise fine used and a fine example of the internal 1d postcard rate. £45
AB3722 1934 (28th November), Air Mail KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ ½d green on buff postal stationery card (H&G 7 / BBS PC19). Addressed to Australia and uprated with the addition of KGV ½d, 3d and 6d (SG 99, 102, 104) each tied by a LOBATSI (28 Nov) double circle datestamps. The reverse with Brisbane (21 Dec) machine slogan and (Deli)very Counter (Brisbane) (22 Dec) arrival backstamps. The message from L.A. Wyndham refers to the card being sent via the first air mail South Africa to Australia and that his address will be ‘House Assembly, Cape Town’. A very scarce card unused or used.
 
Note: the inaugural flight left Cape Town on the 4th December, travelling north to Alexandria where it arrived on the 10th connecting with the service which left England on the 8th. Darwin was reached on the 18th and Brisbane on the 21st December. 		£75
AB3322 1934 (12th February), unsealed envelope addressed to Johannesburg handstamped ‘BOOK POST RATE’ and bearing a single KGV ‘Baobab and Cattle’ (SG 99) tied by a large bilingual IMPERIAL PRESS CONFERENCE / SOUTH AFRICA (12 Feb) circular datestamp.
 
Note: the Imperial Press Conference ran from 4th February to 21st March 1935. Two special trains were organised to carry delegates on a tour through South Africa, Bechuanaland, Rhodesia and Basutoland. The trains transited Bechuanaland on the 12th and the 21st February only. Both trains had postal facilities, as well as some hotels en-route. 		£35
AB257 1935 (8th March), envelope addressed and sent registered air mail addressed to Germany, bearing 1932 KGV ½d block of 4 and 1935 Jubilee set (SG 99, 111-114) tied by GABRONES STA / 8 03 / 1935 single circle skeleton / relief type datestamps. With boxed Bahnpost / Zug 155 24.10.35 railway transit on the reverse. Some damage from opening, though a very scarce datestamp. £225
VV562 1935 (8th April), registered envelope addressed to England bearing a single KGV 6d purple (SG 104) tied by a LOBATSI (8 APR) double circle datestamp with a Lobatsi registration cachet at left. The reverse with a second Lobatsi datestamp and a large POST OFFICE MAFEKING / 6- APR 1935 / HEAD OFFICE FOR / BECHUANALAND PROTECTORATE oval datestamp struck in violet. One of the dates is presumably an error. Scarce usage. £45
VV568 1935 (4th May), ‘First Day of Issue’ registered envelope addressed via airmail to England, bearing the complete set of the 1935 Silver Jubilee (SG 111-114) each tied by LOBATSI (4th May) double circle datestamps. With trilingual airmail label and a further Lobatsi (4 May) backstamp. £45
VV579 1935 (6th May) envelope addressed to South Africa bearing single KGV Silver Jubilee 1d deep blue and scarlet (SG 111) tied by a neat KANYE / BECHD PROT (6 May) double circle datestamp (two days after issue). A very fine and remarkably scarce example of this stamp used alone on cover paying the 1d regional rate. £110
AB4140 1935 (16th August), KGV 4d registered postal stationery envelope (BBS RE41 / H&G C17). Addressed to South Africa, bearing a KGV Silver Jubilee 1d deep blue and scarlet (SG 111) cancelled / tied by a KANYE / BECHD PROT. (16 Aug) double circle datestamp. With large KANYE registration cachet struck in black at upper left and number added in red manuscript. £110
AB4402 1935 (24th October), envelope sent registered to Bermuda. Bearing a complete set of the KGV Silver Jubilee, 1d, 2d, 3d and 6d (SG 111-114) all tied by BECH. PROT. / H.O. MAFEKING (24 Oct) double circle datestamps with a further strike on the reverse. With Mafeking registration cachet struck in violet. New York (28 Nov), Registration Trinidad (19 Nov) and St Georges Bermuda (20 Dec) transit / arrival backstamps. An unusual destination. £45
AB3499 1935 (6th November), printed form (201x321mm) headed ‘Prospectus / Heckler’s Namaqualand and Bechuanaland / Protectorate Prospecting Expedition.’ The form also served as a receipt for £10 paid by ‘R. Muller Cape Town’ to be a subscriber to the expedition and the 1d revenue duty was paid by affixing a Union of SA 1d ‘ship’ stamp which was cancelled ‘6.11.1935’ in manuscript. Folded and with some reinforced splitting. A fascinating document which was illustrated in Runner Post 59 (p1422) and, despite an appeal for further information, none was forthcoming. It is assumed the anticipated ‘large profits’ never materialised. It is also a mystery as to the whereabouts of ‘Lake Nyama’. Unusual. £65
AB3490 1935 (4th December), envelope sent registered to Johannesburg, South Africa. Bearing a pair of KGV Silver Jubilee 6d slate and purple (SG 114) each tied by a SEROWE / BECH. PROT. (4 DEC 1935) double circle datestamp with an additional strike on the reverse. With SEROWE registration cachet struck in purple at upper left. Very fine. £85
AB1421 1935 (23rd December), envelope addressed to the USA sent at the unsealed open letter rate, bearing a single KGV ‘Cattle’ definitive ½d (SG 99) tied by H.O. Mafeking (23 Dec) double circle datestamp. A few minor edge faults otherwise a clean and attractive example of this very scarce rate. £110
AB3836 1936 (20th January), envelope sent via airmail to England. Bearing a single KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 6d purple (SG 104) tied by a PALAPYE ROAD (20 Jan) double circle datestamp. A fine example of this rate. £65
AB3840 1936 (22nd January), envelope addressed to England. Bearing a single KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 2d brown (SG 101) tied by a GABERONES (23 Apr) double circle datestamp. A few small tears at top from opening, otherwise fine. £25
AB4315 1936 (13th February), bilingual printed envelope headed ‘On His Majesty’s Service / In Diens Van Sy Majesteit.’ Addressed and sent registered to South Africa, bearing KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ issue ½d green block of four and 4d orange (SG 99, 103) all tied by BECH. PROT. / H.O. MAFEKING double circle datestamps with additional strike on the reverse. Faint registration cachet and manuscript number. Claremont (17 Feb) arrival backstamp. £45
AB3483 1936 (7th March), envelope with ‘PARAMOUNT CHIEF’S OFFICE / KANYE, B P.’ printed at upper left. Initially addressed to Serowe and subsequently re-addressed back to Kanye. Bearing a single KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 1d scarlet (SG 100) tied by a KANYE / BECH PROT (7 MAR A36) double circle datestamp. With a SEROWE (9 MAR) transit, struck on the front. The reverse showing a large part oval cachet struck in violet reading ‘OFFICE OF THE PARAMOUNT / CHIEF OF THE BANWAKETSE / 7 MAR 1936 / KANYE, B.P.’ and incorporating a crocodile, being the tribal emblem. Some edge tears at top from rough opening, otherwise fine and unusual. £75
AB3838 1936 (6th August), envelope addressed to South Africa. Bearing a KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 1d scarlet with Silver Jubilee 1d and 2d (SG 100, 111, 112) tied by FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTECTORE (6 Aug) double circle datestamps. Flap with tear, otherwise very fine. £75
AB4295 1936 (26th October), KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ ½d green on buff postal stationery card (H&G 7 / BBS PC19). Addressed to Pretoria, South Africa, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a very fine GABERONES STATION / B.P. (26 Oct) double circle datestamp. No Message. A very scarce card unused or used. £85
VV580 1936 (28th October), envelope addressed domestically bearing single KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 1d scarlet (SG 100) tied by a FRANCISTOWN (28 Oct) double circle datestamp. Roughly opened at top resulting in a few tears, otherwise fine and a scarce example of this stamp used alone on cover. £35
VV612 1937 (1st April), ‘Pre-First Day of Issue’ envelope addressed to Swaziland. Bearing a complete set of the Coronation issue (SG 115-117), each tied by a BECH. PROT. / H.O. MAFEKING (1 IV 37) double circle datestamp. This date precedes the official issue date (12th May) by six weeks. It is unclear if this is an error on the datestamp or an accidental early release of the stamps at Mafeking (perhaps filling advance orders for the new issue). £35
AB2596 1937 (May), KGVI Coronation set of three on first day envelope addressed to Bulawayo, tied by two clear strikes of MAHALAPYE B.P. (12 May) double circle datestamps. There appears to have been a word preceding the town name which has been excised and now prints as a curved black bar. Most unusual. £75
AB3474 Railway 1937 (12th May), envelope addressed to Johannesburg bearing a complete set of Coronation stamps each tied by an S.A.R. & H. / LOBATSI 090 (12 May) oval station datestamp (First Day of Issue). Unusual. £65
AB3491 1937 (21st June), picture postcard with sepia photograph of native women. Addressed to Germany and bearing KGVI Coronation 1d scarlet (SG 115) x 2, each tied by a SEROWE (21 JUN 37) double circle datestamp. The message was written at Okavango and dated 13th May though the card only entered the postal system at Serowe over a month later. The sender apparently carried old GSWA period cards on his travels, this being produced in Swakopmund. £35
AB2615 1938 (January), KGV 4d registered postal stationery envelope (BBS RE41 / H&G C17). Addressed (on the reverse) to South Africa, bearing KGV 1d scarlet (SG 100) all tied / cancelled with LOBATSI (8 Jan) double circle datestamps with additional strike on the reverse. Boxed Lobatsi registration cachet struck in violet on the reverse. £70
AB4393 1938 (August), airmail envelope addressed to Germany bearing a single KGVI 1/- black and brown-olive (SG 125) tied by a FRANCISTOWN (15 Aug) double circle datestamp. A scarce rate. £85
AB3720 1938 (9th September), KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ ½d green on buff postal stationery card (H&G 7 / BBS PC19). Addressed to Linokana, Transvaal, South Africa, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a Lobatsi (9 Sep 38) double circle datestamp. Corner crease at lower left otherwise a very scarce card unused and particularly commercially used.
 
Note: the addressee was probably a descendent of Thomas Jensen, a missionary based in Linokana from 1863, who died in 1908 after 45 years in the service of the Hermannsburg Missionaries. His son Ferdinand followed in the footsteps of his father to become Mission Superintendent. He also completed 45 years of service, and died in 1941. (from an article titled “Thomas Jensen of Linokana - Missionary and Post Agent” by Werner Seeba, published in ‘The Transvaal Philatelist’ issue 123, August 1992.) 		£150
AB4132 1938 (12th September), envelope addressed to South Africa bearing a single KGVI 1d scarlet (SG 119) tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTECTORE (12 Sep) double circle datestamp. Hobhouse (15 Sep) arrival backstamp. A surprisingly scarce rate. £45
VV525 AIR MAIL 1938 (1st November), ‘Kalahari Feeder Service’ envelope with printed ‘FIRST AIRMAIL SERVICE / 1 Nov. 1938’. Addressed to England and bearing a single KGVI 1½d dull blue (SG 120) tied by a MAUN B. P. (1 NOV 38) double circle datestamp. The reverse with a GB KGVI ½d green affixed and tied by a Rotherham Yorks (9 Nov) datestamp. £55
VV583 AIR MAIL 1938 (1st November), ‘Kalahari Feeder Service’ incoming envelope from South Africa addressed to Maun. Bearing a pair of ½d ‘Springbok’ (SG 75c) tied by a Johannesburg (1 Nov) roller cancellation. With printed inscription at foot ‘FIRST AIRMAIL / SERVICE BECHUANALAND / PROTECTORATE 1 Nov. / 1938’. Maun (1 Nov) arrival backstamp. £45
VV585 AIR MAIL 1938 (1st November), ‘Kalahari Feeder Service’ envelope addressed to England, bearing a single KGVI definitive 1½d dull blue (SG 120) tied by PALAPYE (5 XI) double circle datestamps. With diagonal printed ‘Nov. 1938 / FIRST / BECHUANALAND / AIR MAIL’. With a GB KGVI ½d green affixed to the front and tied by a New Milton (12 Nov) arrival datestamp. £45
VV584 AIR MAIL 1938 (5th November), ‘Kalahari Feeder Service’ envelope addressed to England, bearing a single KGVI definitive 1½d dull blue (SG 120) tied by a PALAPYE (5 XI) double circle datestamp. With printed inscription at foot ‘FIRST AIRMAIL / SERVICE BECHUANALAND / PROTECTORATE 5 Nov. / 1938’. Maun (1 Nov) arrival backstamp. The reverse with a GB KGVI ½d green affixed and tied by a Rotherham Yorks (12 Nov) datestamp. £45
VV587 RAILWAY 1939 (2nd January), envelope sent to Cape Town via Rail Letter Post. Bearing six examples of the KGVI ½d green (SG 118) each tied by a light strike of the SAR & H / FRANCISTOWN 099 (2 Jan) oval railway station datestamp. The reverse with bilingual red on white printed label ‘RAIL LETTER POST. / SPOORWEGBRIEWEPOS.’ Affixed and tied by two further strikes of the SAR & H Francistown datestamp. Cape Town (4 Jan) arrival datestamp struck on the front. Scarce. £110
VV586 AIR MAIL 1939 (21st August), South African Airways West Coast Service between Cape Town and Lobito, being an extension to the ‘Kalahari Feeder Service’. Envelope with printed illustration (map of southern Africa showing air routes), addressed to Mossamedes, Angola, bearing a single KGVI definitive 1½d dull blue (SG 120) tied by a PALAPYE (21 VIII) double circle datestamp. With ‘FIRST FLIGHT – WEST COAST’ straight-line cachet struck in purple. Mossâmedes (22 Aug) arrival datestamp. Some staining spots. Scarce.
 
Note: on the 21st August 1939, South African Airways started a direct service between Cape Town and Luanda via Keetmanshoop, Windhoek (where mail was transferred to a feeder plane which had arrived with mail from Johannesburg), Outjo, Mossâmedes and Lobito. Due to lack of support the service was discontinued. Ten days later World War II began. 		£45
AB4288 1939 (9th December), envelope addressed and sent registered to Johannesburg. Bearing 6d in postage comprising KGV overprinted ½d and 1d pair, 1932 definitive ½d and 1d and 1935 Jubilee 1d all tied by GABERONES VILLAGE (9 Dec) double circle datestamps. For some reason the 1937 Coronation 1d affixed at lower left is tied by a GABERONES STA (9 Dec) datestamp with an additional strike on the reverse. (SG 91, 92, 99, 100, 111, 115). With manuscript ‘Gaberones Village’ registration name and number in red manuscript. The reverse with a tête-bêche pair of South Africa 1939 Christmas labels. £55
AB4314 1941 (8th February), World War II period stampless envelope headed ‘ON ACTIVE SERVICE’ and with ‘CAPE CORPS’ crest at left, both printed in deep blue. Addressed to Worcester, Cape Province with originating GABERONES STA / B.P. (8 Feb) double circle datestamp struck at upper right. It is likely the sender was on his way to Nairobi from where he would have served in the campaigns of Italian East Africa. Unusual. £85
AB3830 1941 (22nd March), World War II period censored envelope addressed to the USA. Bearing a pair of KGVI 1½d (deep) dull blue (SG 120) tied by a light GHANZI (22 Mar) double circle datestamp. Backstamped with a GOBABIS (24 Mar) transit datestamp. The letter was censored (probably in Cape Town) and was opened and resealed with a printed bilingual Union of South Africa red on white label ‘DEUR SENSOR OOPGEMAAK. / OPENED BY CENSOR.’ Corner crease otherwise very fine and scarce.
 
Note: it appears the postal route was westward via Gobabis (318km via lorry once a week) and Windhoek in South West Africa, rather than the longer route eastward via Gaberones. 		£125
AB3815 1941 (30th April), KGVI 4d rose-carmine registered postal stationery envelope (B&BS RE 42a / H&G 18b). Addressed to Cape Town, South Africa and bearing a single a KGVI 1½d dull blue (SG 120) tied by a GABERONES STA / B.P. (30 Apr) double circle datestamp, also cancelling the imprinted stamp. With a very fine GABERONES STA. boxed registration cachet struck in purple at upper left. £55
VV588 1941 (9th July), OHMS envelope addressed to Johannesburg, South Africa. Bearing a strip of three KGVI ½d green (SG 118) affixed over the printed ‘On His Majesty’s Service’ and each tied by a neat MOCHUDI VILLAGE (9 Jul) double circle datestamp. £45
AB3493 1942 (21st February), unauthorized usage of Bechuanaland stamps on an envelope within Scotland. Bearing KGVI ½d green and 2d chocolate-brown (SG 118, 121) each tied by a GLASGOW (21 JUN) datestamp. Probably philatelically inspired though possibly went through the mails uncancelled until arrival or carried back from Bechuanaland by a traveller and then posted. Unusual. £45
AB4332 WWII 1942 (June-September), group of four British ‘Air Mail Letter Card’ (fronts only), each addressed to Serowe, Bechuanaland Protectorate. Two bearing Great Britain KGVI 3d an two with New Zealand 3d variously tied by Field Post Office, Egypt or M.P.O datestamps, and each with a different crowned circle censor marking and signature of the censor. Three are addressed to ‘Kgosi Tshekedi Khama’ and are endorsed ‘Written in Sechuana’, ‘written in Setswana’ or just ‘Secwana’. The senders were almost certainly members of the African Auxiliary Pioneer Corps serving in North Africa or Italy. Mail from the Bechuanaland contingent is rare.
 
Note: ‘Kgosi Tshekedi Khama’. Kgosi is Setswana for Chief and Tshekedi Khama was the leader of the Bamangwato tribe. Seretse was his son and Botswana's first President. 		£125
AB1826 1942 (September), KGVI 4d registered postal stationery envelope addressed to Kanye with KGVI 1½d (SG 120) affixed, cancelled / tied by MOLEPOLOLE (8 Sep) double circle datestamps with lightly struck Molepolole registration cachet. Gaberones Sta (9 Sep) and Lobatsi (10 Sep) transits and Kanye (11 Sep) arrival backstamp. BBS RE42a / H&G 18b £65
AB4292 1942 (16th December), KVI ‘Cattle and Baobab’ ½d green on buff postal stationery card (H&G 8 / BBS PC20) addressed to Queenstown, Cape. The reverse with printed Christmas and New Year Greetings from the Temlett family. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a superb MAHALAPYE (16 Dec) double circle datestamp. A rare card in used condition. £175
AB3831 1943 (27th March), WWII period envelope addressed to South Africa. Bearing a single KGVI 1½d (deep) dull blue (SG 120) tied by a MOCHUDI VILLAGE (27 Mar) double circle datestamp. With large dated oval cachet of Burmeister & Co struck alongside in violet. Some crumpling at upper left, otherwise very fine. £45
AB4334 1943 (25th June), envelope addressed to Cape Town. Bearing a single KGVI 1½d light blue (SG 120a) tied by a GABERONES VILLAGE (25 Jun) double circle datestamp. £25
AB2310 1943 (August), envelope addressed to East London, South Africa, bearing a single KGVI 1½d (SG 120a) tied by a MOCHUDI VILLAGE (28 Aug) double circle datestamp. A nice example of this rate. £30
AB3510 1943 (7th October), South African official bilingual printed ‘I.D.V.S.M. O.H.M.S.’ envelope sent registered to South Africa. Bearing KGVI definitive 2d chocolate-brown and 4d orange (SG 121, 123) each tied by a BECH. PROT / H.O. MAFEKING (7 X 43) double circle datestamp with a further strike on the reverse. Mafeking registration cachet and large oval POST OFFICE MAFEKING datestamp, both struck in purple. Some staining, mainly confined to the reverse. No evidence of having been censored. £30
AB497 1944c Stampless 'On Active Service' envelope to South Africa. With violet oval triple-ring cachet BECHUANALAND PROTECTORATE GROUP / A.A.P.C. (African Auxiliary Pioneer Corp). This was effectively a 'Free Frank' for servicemen at one of the Depots/Training Centres at Lobatsi or Serowe. £65
AB4400 1944 (10th February), WWII period censored envelope addressed and sent via airmail to the USA. Bearing four examples of the KGVI 1/- black and brown-olive (SG 125) tied by MAUN / B.P. (10 Feb) double circle datestamps. Although crossed for registration, the envelope was not handed in at a post office counter. This was noticed in transit in Cape Town where it received a bilingual ‘POSTED OUT OF COURSE / TO PAY’ cachet struck in black and was compulsorily registered, a registration label affixed and a ‘T/80c’ taxe marking was applied. The letter was opened and resealed with a red on white bilingual ‘OPENED BY CENSOR.’ and ‘EXAMINED BY / 30618’ censor labels. With Cape Town (19 Feb), Miami (11 and 15 Mar), San Francisco (16 Mar) and Sacramento (17 Mar) transit / arrival backstamps. £125
AB3930 1944 (15th May), First Day of Issue of the KGVI ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 1d red on buff postal stationery card (first printing, H&G 9 / BBS PC21a). Addressed to England and endorsed ‘FIRST DAY OF ISSUE’, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a very fine SEFHARE (15 May) double circle datestamp. Part of the message reads “these are new stamped post cards for the Protectorate – we have never had such things before. They are available to-day, 15th May for the first time ... I do not know the postage from here to England for post cards so will get our post master to post mark this & will then send it in an envelope.” Very fine and a rare card used with a scarce postmark. £125
AB3509 1944 (16th October), envelope addressed to the USA. Bearing KGVI definitive 3d deep ultramarine (SG 122) tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTECTORE (16 OCT 44) double circle datestamp. Corner creases, otherwise very fine. No evidence of having been censored. £35
AB4333 WW2 1944 (20th November), complete Great Britain KGVI ‘Air Letter’ addressed to B. S. Gaseitsiwe / P.O. Kanye / via Lobatsi Station’. Bearing a single GB KGVI 3d pale violet (SG 490) tied by a FIELD POST OFFICE / 531 (20 Nov) double circle datestamp (then believed to be located in Italy). Endorsed at top ‘SECHUANA’ and with shield-type crowned ‘Passed By Censor’ cachet. The message (in Setswana) is headed ‘R.S.M. – Mookami Gaseitsiwe / 1970 Bechuana Coy / A.P.C. / C.M.F. 18th Nov 1944.’ The writer was a member of the African Auxiliary Pioneer Corps. Mail from the Bechuanaland contingent is rare, especially when complete. £125
AB2059 1945 (October), South African bilingual 3d+3d ‘Bantam War Effort’ Air Letter overprinted BECHUANALAND / BETSJOEANALAND. Addressed to England and cancelled with BECH PROT / H.O. MAFEKING (18 X 45) double circle datestamp. No message and philatelically inspired though very scarce. BBS AE1 £55
AB3806 1946 (1st November), KGVI 4d registered postal stationery envelope (B&BS RE 42c / H&G 18 var). Addressed, on the reverse, to South Africa and bearing a single a KGVI 1/- black and olive-green (SG 105) tied by a LOBATSI (1 Nov) double circle datestamp and a Lobatsi registration cachet struck in violet. The imprinted stamp also cancelled with the same datestamp. Mafeking (4 Nov) transit and Zeerust (5 Nov) arrivals datestamps. Scarce usage. £65
AB3511 1946 (27th December), South African official bilingual printed ‘O.H.M.S. I.D.V.S.M.’ envelope sent registered to the USA. Bearing KGVI definitive 4d orange and 6d purple (SG 123, 124a) tied by a BECH. PROT / H.O. MAFEKING (22 XII 46) double circle datestamp with a further strike on the reverse. With Mafeking registration cachet struck in purple. Backstamped with New York (29 Jan) transit and Detroit (30 and 31 Jan) arrival datestamps. £30
AB3526 1947 (17th February), envelope sent registered to South Africa. Bearing a complete set of the KGVI Royal Visit (SG 132-135) tied by LOBATSI / BECH. PROT. double circle datestamps (First Day of Issue) with additional strike on the reverse. Lobatsi registration cachet struck in purple. The letter was apparently undeliverable as addressed and was endorsed “Unable to affect delivery Berea . . .” in red manuscript. A large ‘COUNTER DELIVERY’ cachet was also struck in violet across the 3d adhesive. £35
AB3805 1947 (17th February), long envelope addressed to Cape Town, South Africa. Bearing a complete set of the Royal Visit commemorative issue (SG 132-135) tied by two large KING’S FLIGHT / ROYAL AIR FORCE (17 Feb) circular commemorative datestamps (First Day of Issue), struck in violet. Unusual.
 
Note: members of the King’s Flight were stationed in South Africa during the Royal Visit and manned by Royal Air Force personnel. They provided transport to the Royal Family and members of their entourage on certain parts of their tour. 		£55
AB3926 1947 (9th April), KGVI ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 1d red on buff postal stationery card (earlier printing, H&G 9 / BBS PC21a). Addressed to Johannesburg, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a very fine FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTECTORE (9 Apr) double circle datestamp. Very fine and a rare card used. £125
AB3086 1947 (17th April), KGVI 4d registered postal stationery envelope (BBS RE42b / H&G 18var), addressed to South Africa and uprated with the addition of the Royal Visit set (SG 132-135) in pairs (1d, 3d) or blocks of four (3d, 1/-), the latter affixed to the reverse. All are cancelled with neat ROYAL VISIT / LOBATSI BECH. PROT. (17 Apr) First Day of Issue double circle datestamps. The reverse also with Lobatsi registration cachet. £45
AB4318 1947 (6th August), envelope addressed to Johannesburg. Bearing a single KGVI 1½d dull blue (SG 120) tied by very fine PALLA ROAD (6 Aug) double circle datestamp. The flap with printed oval cachet of ‘MESSRS. R. TIBBITS / GENERAL MERCHANTS / PALLA ROAD, B.P.’ A clean and attractive franking. £45
AB3501 1947 (20th December), envelope addressed to South Africa sent at the unsealed open letter rate. Bearing a single KGVI ‘Cattle and Baobab’ ½d green (SG 118) tied by a KANYE (20 DECB47) H.O. Mafeking (23 Dec) double circle datestamp. A fine example of this very scarce rate. £125
AB4154 1948, Bechuanaland Stamps used in Tristan Da Cunha on envelope addressed to Bechuanaland. Bearing KGV ½d. 1d and 2d (SG 99, 100, 101) each tied by a TRISTAN DA CUNHA Cachet (Type VII, SG C9) struck in black with a different Cachet (Type VIII, SG C10) struck in violet at lower right. SEROWE arrival (1 Mar) double circle datestamp where the envelope was readdressed to Cape Town. Philatelically inspired, though unusual. £55
AB2638 1948 (February), philatelically inspired envelope sent registered to South Africa bearing KGVI ½d, 1d and pair of 2d (SG 118, 119, 121) tied by very fine GABERONES / STA (25 Feb) double circle datestamps with a further strike on the reverse. With a fine ‘GABERONES Sta.’ registration cachet struck in purple at lower left. £30
AB2616 1948 (February), philatelically inspired envelope sent registered to South Africa bearing KGVI 1½d and 4d (SG 120a, 123) tied by a fine MAHALAPYE (26 Feb) double circle datestamps with a further strike on the reverse. With a MAHALAPYE registration cachet struck in violet at upper left. £30
VV589 1948 (3rd April), envelope addressed and sent registered to Cape Town. Bearing four examples of the KGVI 1½d dull blue (SG 120) tied or cancelled by GHANZI (3 Apr) double circle datestamps with a further strike on the reverse. With Ghanzi registration details added in manuscript. Gobabis (14 Apr) and Windhoek (15 Apr) transit backstamps, proving a postal route westward via South West Africa. Clean diagonal manufacturing paper crease, clear of the adhesives. Unusual. £65
AB3813 1948 (31st May), envelope with printed address ‘American Jewellers’, Cape Town. Bearing a single KGVI 1½d light blue (SG 120a) tied by a SEROWE (31 May) double circle datestamp. Roughly opened on reverse, otherwise very fine. £45
VV591 1948 (1st December), ‘First Day of Issue’ envelope addressed and sent registered to Cape Town. Bearing Royal Silver Wedding set of two, 1½d and 10/- (SG 136-137) with the 1½d in a block of four, cancelled or tied by LOBATSI BECH. PROT. (1 XII) double circle datestamps with an additional strike on the reverse. With Lobatsi boxed registration cachet struck in violet. £45
VV595 1948 (1st December), illustrated ‘First Day of Issue’ envelope addressed and sent registered to South Africa. Bearing Royal Silver Wedding set of two, 1½d and 10/- (SG 136-137) tied by a LOBATSI BECH. PPROT. (1 XII) double circle datestamp with an additional strike on the reverse. With Lobatsi boxed registration cachet struck in violet. Fort Beaufort (13 Dec) transit backstamp. £45
AB3473 1948 (1st December), envelope sent registered to Johannesburg bearing Silver Wedding 1½d pair and 10/- (SG 136-137) tied by LOBATSI (1 XII 48) double circle datestamp (First Day of Issue) with a further strike on the reverse. With Lobatsi registration cachet at lower left struck in violet. £45
AB3829 1948 (1st December), envelope sent registered locally to Mahalapye. Bearing Silver Wedding 1½d ultramarine and a right marginal 10/- black (SG 136-137) each tied by a MAHALAPYE (1 Dec) double circle datestamp (First Day of Issue). With a Mahalapye boxed registration cachet struck at lower left in violet. £45
AB3819 1948 (1st December), printed commemorative ‘Silver Wedding Souvenir Cover.’ sent registered to Pretoria. Bearing Silver Wedding 1½d ultramarine (SG 136) block of four and a pair cancelled or tied by LOBATSI (1 XII 48) double circle datestamps, with a further strike on the reverse. With boxed Lobatsi registration cachet struck at lower left in violet. Some creasing / crumpling at top, otherwise fine. £15
AB3495 1948 (4th December), re-used envelope originally sent from Johannesburg then addressed back. Bearing a single KGVI 1½d light blue (SG 120a) affixed over the original adhesive and tied by a MAHALAPYE (4 DEC 48) double circle datestamp. Unusual. £35
AB3925 1949 (21st April), KGVI ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 1d red on cream postal stationery card (later printing, H&G 9 / BBS PC21b). Addressed to Bloemfontein, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with the modified LOBATSI BECH PROT (21 Apr) double circle datestamp with ‘ROYAL VISIT’ excised at top. Small imperfection at base, otherwise very fine and a rare card used. £125
AB201 1949 (30th September), underpaid incoming envelope from the Leeward Islands bearing KGVI ¼d, ½d, 1d and 2d tied by small PAQUEBOT single circle cancellations. Addressed to the USA with the address altered to Lobatsi, Bechuanaland. Endorsed ‘To Pay’ and ‘T-10’, the shortfall was receipted by two ½d postage dues from the 1926 and 1952 issues (SG D1, D4) which were affixed and tied by a LOBATSI (30 Sep) double circle datestamp. Philatelically inspired, though rare as approximately four envelopes or fronts are known bearing the 1926 issue and only two with a mixed postage due franking. £275
AB3921 1949 (4th November), KGVI ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 1d red on cream postal stationery card (later printing, H&G 9 / BBS PC21b). Addressed to Ndola, Northern Rhodesia, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a LOBATSI / BECH. PROT. (4 Nov) double circle datestamp. Very fine and a rare card used. £125
AB4293 1950 (3rd March), KGVI ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 1d red on cream postal stationery card (H&G 9 / BBS PC21b). Addressed to Swakopmund, South West Africa, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a fine RAMOUTSA / STA (3 Mar) double circle datestamp. Very fine and a rare card used. £125
AB3492 1950 (6th May), envelope addressed to Swaziland, bearing a single KGVI 1½d light blue (SG 120a) tied by a SEROWE / BECH. PROT. (6 MAY 50) double circle datestamp. Some crumpling and edge faults from rough opening, otherwise a fine example of this rate to an unusual destination. £30
AB3508 1950 (11th July), envelope sent registered to England endorsed ‘AIR MAIL’. Bearing KGVI definitive 1d scarlet and a 1/- black and brown-olive (SG 119, 125) each tied by a LOBATSI (11 JULA50) double circle datestamp with a further strike on the reverse. With a Lobatsi registration cachet struck in violet at left. A few small edge faults, otherwise fine. £45
AB3494 1950 (11th September), envelope addressed to East London, South Africa, bearing a single KGVI 2d chocolate-brown (SG 121) tied by a PALLA ROAD (11 SEP 50) double circle datestamp. Scarce. £45
AB3118 1951 (27th January), envelope from Gibraltar with printed sender’s address as ‘The Foreign Service of the United States of America (Gibraltar)’. Addressed to the USA with the address altered to ‘Poste Restante / Palapye’. Bearing KGVII ½d pair and 2d (SG 121, 140) tied by a Gibraltar (27 Jan) roller cancellation. With tax marking ‘3½d’ in red manuscript, the shortfall was receipted by affixing the three postage dues then in use: ½d sage-green, 1d carmine and 2d violet (SG D4-D6) tied by PALAPYE (21 Mar) double circle datestamps. The envelope with some vertical creases clear of the adhesives, otherwise fine. An unusual origin / destination, probably philatelically inspired though this issue is very scarce to rare on cover. £325
AB3115 1951 (21st February), incoming unpaid envelope from Bolivia, with printed sender’s address as the sub-postal administration in Cochabamba. With manuscript tax marking ‘3½’, the shortfall was receipted by affixing the three postage dues then in use: ½d sage-green, 1d carmine and 2d violet (SG D4-D6) tied by a RAMOUTSA / STA (6 Mar) double circle datestamp. The envelope with some creasing, otherwise fine. An unusual origin / destination, possibly philatelically inspired though this issue is very scarce to rare on cover. £325
AB3807 1953 (10th August), KGVI envelope sent registered to South Africa, bearing a single a KGVI 2/6 (SG 126) tied by a LOBATSI (10 Aug) double circle datestamp with a further strike on the reverse. Lobatsi registration label. Scarce usage of a KGVI high value definitive. £75
AB4335 1954 (20th August), envelope addressed and sent registered to Rhodesia. Bearing a pair of KGVI 4d orange (SG 123, one with corner fault) tied by PALLA ROAD (20 Aug) double circle datestamps with additional strike on the reverse. With ‘Palla Road / 0397’ registration details in blue manuscript. Mahalapye (21 Aug), Bulawayo (25 Aug) and Salisbury (26 Aug) transit / arrival backstamps. Some non-contemporary writing at lower right, otherwise fine. £25
VV613 1955 (3rd January), First Day of Issue envelope addressed and sent registered to Northern Rhodesia. Bearing the complete set of 11 stamps issued on this date (SG 143-153 less SG 146b, the 4d duty which was issued almost four years later on the 1st December 1958). All tied by LOBATSI (3 Jan) double circle datestamps with additional strikes on the reverse. With small Lobatsi boxed registration cachet struck in violet. Fine and scarce. £85
AB3832 1955 (21st August), envelope addressed to South Africa, bearing a single QEII 1d rose-red (SG 144) tied by a very fine RAMOUTSA VILLAGE / BECH. PROT. (21 Aug) double circle datestamp. The flap is unsealed suggesting this represents an open letter or printed matter rate. Very fine and most attractive. £75
AB3922 1955 (29th August), KGVI ‘Cattle and Baobab’ 1d red on cream postal stationery card. Addressed to Johannesburg and uprated with the addition of a QEII ½d green (SG 143) cancelled with the modified LOBATSI BECH PROT (29 Aug) double circle datestamp with ‘ROYAL VISIT’ excised at top. The message is headed ‘Moshaneng Mine’. Very fine and a rare card used. (later printing, H&G 9 / BBS PC21b)
 
Note: the additional ½d adhesive would have paid the extra postage required after a rate increase on the 1st July 1954. The QEII 1½d postal stationery cards arrived late and were only issued in January 1956. 		£125
AB3505 1956 (10th December), envelope sent airmail to Switzerland, bearing a QEII definitive 6d purple and a 1/- black and brown-olive (SG 148, 149) tied by a MAHALAPYE (10 DECA56) double circle datestamp. A few small edge faults, otherwise fine. £35
AB3524 1958 (12th May), envelope addressed to South Africa bearing QEII definitive 1d rose-red and 2d red-brown (SG 144, 145) tied by a RAMOUTSA VILLAGE / BECH. PROT. (12 V 58) double circle datestamp. Very fine. £30
VV621 1958 (19th June), envelope addressed and sent registered to South Africa bearing QEII 2d red-brown and 6d purple (fault) definitives (SG 145, 148) tied by a light TSESSEBE / STA (19 Jun) double circle datestamp with a further strike on the reverse. With a TSESSEBE registration cachet struck in violet. Mafeking (21 Jun) and Krugersdorp (22 Jun) transit backstamps. £15
AB3723 1958 (5th September), QEII 1½d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ½d green ‘cattle and baobab’. Very fine genuinely used, addressed to a quiz show in Johannesburg and cancelled with a neat LOBATSI BECH. PROT. (5 Sep) double circle datestamp with blank top. A scarce card commercially used. (H&G 10 / BBS PC22) £85
AB1399 1958 (15th September), QEII 1½d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ½d green ‘cattle and baobab’. Very fine genuinely used, addressed to a quiz show in Johannesburg and cancelled with a neat FRANCISTOWN (15 IX 58) double circle datestamp. A very scarce card commercially used. (H&G 10 / BBS PC22) £85
AB3523 1958 (19th September), envelope addressed to the USA and sent by airmail. Bearing QEII definitive 3d ultramarine and pair of 1/- black and brown-olive (SG 146, 149) tied by SHOSHONG / BECH. PROT. (19 IX 58) double circle datestamps. Envelope has been opened along top and base. An unusual high franking. £45
AB3967 1959 (16th January), QEII 1½d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ½d green ‘cattle and baobab’. Addressed to Mafeking, the imprinted stamps are cancelled with a partial MOLEPOLOLE / BECHUANALAND (16 Jan) double circle datestamp. The message is from St Paul’s Mission, Molepolole and is a request for 5lb of unsifted meal for delivery to Gaberones Station. Some creasing, otherwise fine used. A scarce card commercially used. (H&G 10 / BBS PC22) £65
AB3522 1959 (13th April), envelope addressed to South Africa bearing a single QEII definitive 2d red-brown (SG 145) tied by a MAHALAPYE / BECH. PROT. (13 IV 59) double circle datestamp. Very fine. £25
AB3119 1959 (2nd July), printed envelope with ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ deleted. Addressed to Belgium, bearing a single QEII 4d red-orange (SG 146b) tied by a LOBATSI (2 Jul) double circle datestamp. Tear at top, clear of the adhesive. Scarce usage of this duty alone on cover. £25
AB3833 1959 (18th September), QEII 6d carmine registered postal stationery envelope (B&BS RE 44 / H&G 19). Addressed to South Africa and bearing a single a QEII 2d red-brown definitive (SG 145) tied by a light GABERONES VILLAGE (18 Sep) double circle datestamp, also cancelling the imprinted stamp. With a fine GABERONES VILLAGE boxed registration cachet struck in violet at upper left. £35
AB3521 1959 (28th October), window envelope bearing a single QEII definitive 1d rose-red (SG 144) tied by a very fine FRANCISTOWN / BECH PROT (28 X 59) double circle datestamp. The envelope is unsealed indicating a reduced rate for circulars, invoices etc. Very fine. £75
VV599 1960 (22nd January), QEII 1½d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ½d green ‘cattle and baobab’ (B&BS PC22 / H&G 10). Very fine genuinely used, addressed to a quiz show in Johannesburg and cancelled with a neat SEROWE BECH. PROT. (22 Jan) double circle datestamp. A scarce card commercially used. £85
AB3503 1960 (28th January), locally addressed envelope bearing six QEII 6d purple (SG 148) all tied by superb KAZUNGULA / BECH. PROT. (28 I 60) double circle datestamps. Lower corners with small stains, otherwise very fine. Probably philatelically inspired, Kazungula is a scarce datestamp, especially such clear strikes on cover. £65
VV604 1960 (22nd August), QEII 1½d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ½d green ‘cattle and baobab' (B&BS PC22 / H&G 10). Very fine genuinely used, addressed to a quiz show in Johannesburg and cancelled with a light DEBEETI / STA (22 Aug) double circle datestamp. A scarce card commercially used. £75
VV622 1960 (1st September), envelope addressed and sent registered to South Africa bearing a pair of QEII 4½d blackish blue definitives (SG 147) tied by a LOBATSI BECH. PROT. double circle datestamp with further strikes on the reverse. Lobatsi registration cachet struck in violet. Mafeking RLS-GBA (2 Sep) transit backstamp. A fine example of the registered regional rate. £25
AB4325 1960 (22nd November), ‘Ham Radio’ group confirmation card ‘ZS IF/9’ signed by ‘Lambert Ledoux’. With technical details on one side with photographs of Bennie Watts and Lambert Ledoux on the reverse. No postal markings. Unusual. £45
AB728 1960 (20th December), locally addressed envelope bearing QEII 2d (SG 145) BISECTED DIAGONALLY and tied by very fine GHANZI (20 DEC) double circle datestamp. It is believed a shortage of some values, especially those required for inland postage, occurred in late 1960 following the withdrawal of stocks of the 1955 issue for decimal surcharging. Philatelically inspired though very scarce. £350
AB2060 1960 (20th December), locally addressed envelope bearing QEII 2d (SG 145) BISECTED DIAGONALLY and tied by a fine strike of the GHANZI (20 DEC) double circle datestamp. It is believed a shortage of some values, especially those required for inland postage, occurred in late 1960 following the withdrawal of stocks of the 1955 issue for decimal surcharging. Philatelically inspired though very scarce. £350
AB3969 1961 (17th January), QEII 1½d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ½d green ‘cattle and baobab’. Addressed to Israel with airmail label and uprated with additional QEII ½d green and 1d rose-red (x2) definitives (SG 143, 144), all tied by LOBATSI (17 Jan) double circle datestamps. The addressee name partly deleted, otherwise fine used. A scarce card commercially used, especially to an overseas address. (H&G 10 / BBS PC22) £125
VV614 1961 (14th February), First Day of Issue envelope (229x102mm) with issue details printed in green, addressed to South Africa. Bearing set of ten decimal surcharge definitives as issued on the 14th February including the R1 Type I. Lacking only the 2½c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2½c on 3d bright ultramarine is present (SG 157-167 between). All are tied by neat double circle datestamps with the top half of the datestamp blank (where ‘ROYAL VISIT’ was removed) and LOBATSI. BECH. PROT. (14 Feb) at base. Very fine. £150
VV615 1961 (14th February), First Day of Issue envelope (229x102mm) addressed to South Africa. Bearing set of ten decimal surcharge definitives as issued on the 14th February including the R1 Type I. Lacking only the 2½c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2½c on 3d bright ultramarine is present (SG 157-167 between). All are tied by neat LOBATSI (14 Feb) double circle datestamps. A few small, mainly peripheral stains. The stamps are very fine. £135
AA5356 1961 (14th February), printed illustrated long First Day Cover, bearing set of ten decimal surcharge definitives as issued on the 14th February including the R1 Type I. Lacking only the 2½c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2½c on 3d is present. Cancelled 'LOBATSI', locally addressed. Most attractive and uncommon. SG 157-167 (between) £150
AA5358 1961 (14th February), long envelope bearing set of ten QEII decimal surcharge definitives as issued on the 14th February including the R1 Type I. Lacking only the 2½c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2½c on 3d is present. Cancelled 'LOBATSI BECHUANALAND', sent registered to Salisbury. SG 157-167 (between) £150
AB3502 1961 (“14th February”), long envelope (241x115mm) with ‘ON HER MAJESTY’S SERVICE.’ printed at top. Bearing set of ten different decimal surcharges, including a R1 Type II (SG 167a), all tied by neat LOBATSI BECH. PROT. (14 FEB 61) double circle datestamps, supposedly on the ‘First Day of Issue’. The R1 Type II is recorded issued over a month later on 17th March, thus proving the datestamps were backdated, presumably to fulfil demand for First Day Covers. Lacking only the 2½c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2½c on 3d bright ultramarine is present. A few unobtrusive edge tears at top, well clear of the adhesives. SG 157-167a (between). £45
AB3527 1961 (“14th February”), printed commemorative envelope bearing set of ten different decimal surcharges, including a R1 Type II (SG 167a), all tied by neat LOBATSI BECH. PROT. (14 FEB 61) double circle datestamps, supposedly on the ‘First Day of Issue’. The R1 Type II is recorded issued over a month later on 17th March, thus proving the datestamps were backdated, presumably to fulfil demand for First Day Covers. Lacking only the 2½c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2½c on 3d bright ultramarine is present. Very fine. SG 157-167a (between). £45
AB4404 1961 (“14th February”), printed commemorative envelope (229x102mm) lightly addressed in pencil to Pretoria. Bearing set of ten different decimal surcharges, including a R1 Type II (SG 167a), all tied by neat LOBATSI BECH. PROT. (14 FEB 61) double circle datestamps, supposedly on the ‘First Day of Issue’. The R1 Type II is recorded issued over a month later on 17th March, thus proving the datestamps were backdated, presumably to fulfil demand for First Day Covers. Lacking only the 2½c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2½c on 3d bright ultramarine is present. A few minor edge faults, otherwise fine. SG 157-167a (between). £45
AB3834 1961 (25th February), QEII 5c carmine registered postal stationery envelope (B&BS RE 46 / H&G 20). Addressed to South Africa and bearing a single QEII decimal surcharge 2½c on 3d ultramarine (SG 160) tied by a KANYE / BECHD. PROT. (25 Feb) double circle datestamp, also cancelling the imprinted stamp. With a KANYE registration label affixed at upper left and a Mafeking (1 Mar) transit datestamp also tying the adhesive. A scarce stamp used. £45
AB3520 1961 (18th April), South African official bilingual printed ‘OFFICIAL–AMPTELIK’ envelope sent registered to England. Bearing a single QEII 12½c on 1/3 black and lilac (SG 164) tied by a SEROWE / BECH. PROT. (18 IV 61) double circle datestamp with a further strike on the reverse. With Serowe registration label. Also backstamped with oval POST OFFICE / 18 APR. 1961 / SEROWE/ BECH. PROT. cachet struck in violet. Some light crumpling otherwise very fine and an attractive franking. £35
AA5359 1961 (20th June), printed O H M S long envelope bearing QEII decimal surcharges 50c block of four (SG 166), cancelled 'LOBATSI' and sent registered airmail to England. Some edge faults, an attractive and uncommon usage. £45
AA5363 1961 (20th June), printed O H M S envelope bearing QEII decimal surcharges 5c, 12½c and 25c (SG 162a, 164, 165), cancelled 'LOBATSI' and sent registered airmail to England. Attractive. £25
VV617 1961 (28th June), ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ envelope (241x116mm) sent registered airmail to England. Bearing a single decimal surcharge definitive R1 on 10/- (Type II, SG 167b) tied by a neat LOBATSI (28 Jun) double circle datestamp with further strikes on the reverse. With a Lobatsi registration cachet and a large ‘DEPT. OF POSTS & TELEGRAPHS / 28 JUN 1961 / BECHUANALAND PROTECTORATE / HEAD OFFICE: LOBATSI’ oval datestamp struck in violet on the front and back. A few peripheral faults, otherwise very fine. £65
AB3828 1961 (25th July), QEII 5c carmine registered postal stationery envelope (B&BS RE 46 / H&G 20). Addressed to Basutoland and bearing a single a QEII 2½c decimal surcharge (SG 159) tied by a light SEFHARE (26 Jul) double circle datestamp, also cancelling the imprinted stamp. With a light SEFHARE boxed registration cachet struck in black at upper left. MAHALAPYE (26? Jul), Mafeking (27 Jul) and Morija (31 Jul) transit / arrival datestamps. The adhesive damaged, otherwise fine. £30
AB3525 1961 (26th July), airmail envelope addressed to England bearing decimal definitives 2½c on 2d red-brown and 10c on 1/- black and brown-olive (SG 159, 163) tied by a MAHALAPYE / BECH. PROT. (26 VII 61) double circle datestamp. Flap roughly opened, otherwise very fine. £40
AA5362 1961 8th August, printed O H M S envelope bearing QEII decimal surcharges 1c, 2c, 3½c, 10c and 50c and 25c (SG 157a, 158, 161d, 163, 166), cancelled 'LOBATSI' and sent registered airmail to England. Attractive. £35
AA5361 1961 24th August, printed O H M S envelope bearing QEII decimal surcharges 2½c, 10c pair and R1 (SG 159, 163, 167b), cancelled 'LOBATSI' and sent registered airmail to England. Attractive. £45
AA5360 1961 31st August, envelope bearing QEII decimal surcharges 10c pair and 25c (SG 163, 165), cancelled 'LOBATSI' and sent registered airmail to France. Attractive. £30
AA5357 1961 25th September, printed 'On Her Majesty's Service' long envelope bearing QEII decimal surcharges 1c to R1c, 12½c and 25c (SG 157-167b basic), cancelled 'LOBATSI' and sent registered airmail to England. Fault at top centre. £45
AB3519 1961 (30th September), official printed ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ envelope sent registered to South Africa. Bearing QEII 2½c on 2d red-brown and 5c on 6d purple (SG 159a, 162a) tied by a LOBATSI / BECH. PROT. double circle datestamp with a further strike on the reverse. With Lobatsi registration and large oval Dept of Posts and Telegraphs cachets, both struck in purple. Backstamped with Mafeking (6 Oct) transit and Uitenhage (9 Oct) arrival datestamps. A few edge faults, otherwise fine. £30
VV618 1961 (2nd October), illustrated First Day of Issue envelope (229x102mm) addressed locally. Bearing the complete set of the pictorial definitives, 1c to R2 (SG 168-181), all tied by LOBATSI / BECH. PROT. double circle datestamps with a further strike on the reverse. The Lobatsi registration cachet is incorporated as part of the printing on the envelope with only the registration number added. Very fine and a most attractive set. £40
AB3850 1961 (2nd October), illustrated First Day of Issue envelope (229x102mm) addressed locally. Bearing the complete set of the pictorial definitives, 1c to R2 (SG 168-181), all tied by LOBATSI / BECH. PROT. (2 Oct) double circle datestamps. The Lobatsi registration cachet is incorporated as part of the printing on the envelope with only the registration number added. Very fine and a most attractive set. £40
VV598 1961 (14th November), QEII 5c registered postal stationery envelope (size G, B&BS type RE46 / H&G C20) addressed and sent airmail to England. The imprinted stamp and the added QEII 2½c Sunbird and 10c Weaver adhesives (SG 170, 174) are cancelled or tied by FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTECTORE (14 Nov) double circle datestamps. With a Francistown registration cachet struck in violet-black at left. Very fine. £35
VV616 1962 (5th December), QEII 6d registered postal stationery envelope (size H2, B&BS type RE45 / H&G 19a) addressed to South Africa. The imprinted stamp and the added QEII 2½c Sunbird adhesive (SG 170) are cancelled or tied by MAHALAPYE / BECH PROT. (5 Dec) double circle datestamps. With a Mahalapye registration label affixed at upper left. Some creasing, otherwise fine. £35
AB3816 1963 (3rd January), QEII 5c carmine registered postal stationery envelope (B&BS RE 46 / H&G 20). Addressed to Basutoland and bearing a single a QEII 2½c ‘scarlet-chested sunbird’ (SG 170) tied by a MAUN / B.P. (3 Jan) double circle datestamp, also cancelling the imprinted stamp. With a fine MAUN boxed registration cachet struck in violet at upper left. Morija (8 Jan) arrival datestamp also tying the adhesive. £35
VV605 1963 (25th April), envelope addressed and sent registered to South Africa bearing a single QEII 25c deep brown and lemon (SG 177) tied by a MOCHUDI VILLAGE / BECH. PROT. (25 IV) double circle datestamp with an additional strike on the reverse. With a Mochudi Village registration label affixed at left. Lobatsi (26 Apr) transit and Riviera Pretoria (30 Apr) transit / arrival backstamps. Post office delivery note in red manuscript just touches corner of the adhesive. A scarce franking. £35
AB3082 1963 (9th July), printed ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ envelope sent registered to South Africa. Bearing a single 12½c Freedom From Hunger (SG 182) tied by a LOBATSI BECH. PROT. (9 Jul) double circle datestamp. Lobatsi registration label. Belgravia Johannesburg (12 Jul) arrival backstamp. £25
AB3817 1963 (26th July), QEII 5c carmine registered postal stationery envelope (B&BS RE 46 / H&G 20). Addressed to Basutoland and bearing a single a QEII 2½c ‘scarlet-chested sunbird’ (SG 170) tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECH. PROT. (26 Jul) double circle datestamp, also cancelling the imprinted stamp. With a light FRANCISTOWN boxed registration cachet struck in violet at upper left. Bloemfontein (29 Jul) arrival datestamp also tying the adhesive. £35
VV597 1964 (28th August), QEII 5c registered postal stationery envelope (size G, B&BS type RE46 / H&G C20) addressed to Johannesburg. The imprinted stamp and an added QEII 2½c Sunbird adhesive (SG 170) are cancelled or tied by FRANCISTOWN / BECH. PROT. (28 Aug) double circle datestamps. With a Francistown registration label affixed at left. Very fine. £35
VV620 1964 (25th October), OHMS envelope addressed and sent registered airmail to South Africa bearing a total of 12c in pictorial definitives: 1c Oriole, 3½c Widow-bird and a 7½c Hornbill (SG 168, 171, 173) all tied by a single LOBATSI / BECH. PROT. (25 Oct) double circle datestamp with a further strike on the reverse. With a light Lobatsi registration cachet and a ‘DEPT. OF POSTS & TELEGRAPHS / 28 JUN 1961 / BECHUANALAND PROTECTORATE / HEAD OFFICE: LOBATSI’ oval datestamp both struck in violet. Mafeking RLS–GBA (26 Oct) transit and Paarl (28 Oct) arrival backstamps. A few peripheral faults otherwise a fine and colourful franking. £25
AB3839 1964 (29th December), printed ‘B.A.P.T.’ (Bechuanaland Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis) envelope with a B.A.P.T. label affixed. Addressed to South Africa, bearing a single 2½c ‘scarlet-chested sunbird’ (SG 170) tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECH PROT (29 Dec) double circle datestamp. £45
AB3084 1965 (30th March), long printed ‘ON HER MAJESTY’S SERVICE.’ envelope addressed and sent via air mail to the USA. Bearing a 10c ‘Red-Headed Weaver’ definitive and a 12½c Internal Self Government showing the ‘Lake Flaw’ (SG 174, 188b), both tied by a GABERONES BECHUANALAND (30 Mar) double circle datestamp. £30
AB3085 1965 (2nd April), large envelope with pre-printed address sent registered within the Protectorate. Bearing 1c and 7½c Birds definitives (SG 168, 173) both tied by GABERONES BECHUANALAND 4 (2 Apr) double circle datestamp and with Gaberones registration label. Lobatsi (3 Apr) arrival backstamp. £25
AB3532 1965 (1st May) envelope locally addressed bearing a complete set of New Constitution issue (SG 186-189) tied by a central KAZUNGULA / BECH. PROT. (1 V 65) double circle datestamp. Although philatelically inspired, Kazungula is a scarce postmark, especially on cover. £30
AB3533 1966 (31st January), official printed ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ envelope sent registered airmail to Cape Town. Bearing a single Churchill 12½c brown (SG 196) tied by LOBATSI (31 JAN 66) double circle datestamp with additional strike on the reverse. Manuscript registration number. Backstamped with large DEPT OF POSTS & TELEGRAPHS / 31 JAN 1966 / HEAD OFFICE LOBATSI oval datestamp struck in violet and a Kimberley (2 Feb) transit. A fine single franking. £25
AB3961 1966 (22nd June), 2c ‘Hoopoe’ postal stationery card (BBS PC23). Addressed to Alice, Cape Province, South Africa with a message on the reverse. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a MAHALAPYE / BECH. PROT. (22 Jun) double circle datestamp. Some light staining, though extremely rare commercial use of this card, we have previously only ever handled one commercially used example. A modern rarity. £375
VV596 1966 (22nd September), QEII 5c registered postal stationery envelope (size G, B&BS type RE46 / H&G C20) addressed to Johannesburg. The imprinted stamp and an added QEII 2½c Sunbird adhesive (SG 170) are cancelled or tied by GABERONES BECHUANALAND / 4 (22 IX) double circle datestamp. With a Gaberones / 2 registration label affixed at left. Very fine. £35
AB3294 BOTSWANA / Postage Dues 1966, (29th December), locally addressed envelope from the Standard Bank Francistown (dated cachet on reverse) sent without postage. Francistown cds (29 Dec) & manuscript 'T 5c'. The tax was receipted with 5 x 1c Postage Dues (SG D10, one with fault) used after Independence, all cancelled by different type of Francistown cds (30 Dec; inverted code 'A'). Both cancellers apparently Protectorate types with territory name excised. Scarce. £125
AB3955 BOTSWANA 1967 (1st March), First Day of Issue of the 2c ‘Hoopoe’ postal stationery card (H&G 1 / BBS PC24). Addressed to P.O. Melodie, via Pretoria, South Africa without a message on the reverse. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a LOBATSI / BOTSWANA (1 Mar) double circle datestamp. Very fine and a scarce card used. £110
AB3956 BOTSWANA 1970 (16th January), 2c ‘Hoopoe’ postal stationery card (H&G 1 / BBS PC24). Addressed to Bloemfontein, South Africa with a message on the reverse, the imprinted stamp is cancelled with a TONOTA (16 Jan) double circle datestamp. Some light soiling at left, otherwise very fine and rare commercial use of this card. £175
AB3958 BOTSWANA 1971 (12th October), 2c ‘Hoopoe’ postal stationery card (H&G 1 / BBS PC24). Addressed to East Germany with a message on the reverse and uprated with the addition of a 3c commemorative adhesive (SG 280) tied by a neat RAMOTSWA VILLAGE (12 Oct) double circle datestamp. Very fine and rare commercial use of this card to an unusual destination. £275
AB3957 BOTSWANA 1973 (3rd January), 2c ‘Hoopoe’ postal stationery card (H&G 1 / BBS PC24). Addressed to Canada with a message on the reverse and uprated with the addition of 4c and 5c definitives (SG 223, 224), all tied by a SELEBI PHIKWE (3 Jan) double circle datestamp. Some soiling and odd crumple, otherwise fine and very rare commercial use of this card.
 
Note: despite the 9c in additional postage, the card remained underpaid by 7c for the 18c airmail postcard rate or overpaid by 8c for the surface rate. It is unclear by which method the card travelled. 		£225
AB4148 BOTSWANA / Postage Dues 1980 (4th December), long window envelope from Pretoria, South Africa, underfranked with a 5c ‘Femco (Pty) Ltd.’ company meter mark. The envelope received a large circular ‘T 2/10’ tax marking and the payment for the shortfall was receipted by affixing a block of four ‘Zebra’ 1t postage dues (SG D20) cancelled with a large central FRANCISTOWN (18 Dec) double circle datestamp. Scarce. £75
AA5305 BOTSWANA 1986 14th August, cover bearing 5t Bird definitive cancelled large red oval 'DEPT. OF POSTS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS / RAMOKGWEBANE' datestamp. Addressed to the Cape. Most unusual. £20
AA5304 BOTSWANA 1994 4th November, cover bearing 25t and 50t Fruits, cancelled large violet double rimmed 'POST OFFICE / NKANGE' datestamp, sent registered to the Cape. Opened on three sides. Most unusual. £20
AA5306 BOTSWANA 1995 20th October, cover bearing 50t and P1 animals, cancelled 'GOOD HOPE' dc datestamp in violet, addressed to the Cape. £15
AB4149 BOTSWANA / Telegraphs 2003 (11th February), official printed window envelope bearing a single 55t elephant adhesive (SG 979) tied by a boxed cachet reading ‘BOTSWANA / TELECOMMUNICATION / CORPORATION / 2003 -02- 11 / TELEGRAPH OFFICE / TIME...INITIAL struck in violet with an additional strike on the reverse. Unobtrusive tear at top, otherwise fine and most unusual. £35
AB3811 CAPE OF GOOD HOPE / Bechuanaland Picture postcard with undivided back, featuring black and white view titled ‘Mafeking. S.A.’ No publisher’s imprint. Very fine unused. £15
AB3810 CAPE OF GOOD HOPE / Bechuanaland Picture postcard with divided back, featuring black and white view titled ‘Main Street – Vryburg (C.C.)’. Published by ‘P.S. & C. - Cape Town’. Very fine unused. £8
POSTMARKS
AB3255 ‘638’ BONC of Mafeking. A clear large part upright strike on a QV 2d grey-green and carmine. SG 34 £8
AB3285 ‘676’ BONC of Shoshong (assigned to Palachwe Khamas Town following closure of Shoshong in 1889) Large part sideways strike on a QV 3d lilac and black. SG 12 SOLD
AB2977 ‘1003’ BONC of Lobatsi Railway Station. A fine crisp strike on a QV 1d lilac. SG 33 £15
AB3256 ‘1159’ BONC of Lobatsi. A clear large part sideways strike on a QV 2d grey-green and carmine with part of a second strike alongside. SG 34 £15
AB3159 BULAWAYO / RHODESIA (16 DEC 99) double circle datestamp. Large part strike on a pair of Protectorate 2d grey-green and carmine. SG 62
 
Note: the date suggests this pair probably emanates from mail sent from Mafeking during the Boer War. 		£45
AB3175 DEBEETI (12 JUL 35) double circle datestamp. An almost complete upright strike on a KGV Silver Jubilee 6d slate and purple. SG 114 £20
AB3174 DEBEETI (19 JUL 35) double circle datestamp. A large part upright strike on a KGV Silver Jubilee 1d deep blue and scarlet. SG 111 £12
AB2933 DRY HARTZ / BECHUANALAND single circle datestamp. A large part strike dated (6 AP / 5) on a QV 2d grey-green and carmine. SG 34 £25
AB2383 FRANCISTOWN (21 JA, year not shown) single circle skeleton / relief type datestamp. A large part strike on a 1932 KGV 2d brown. Very scarce. SG 101 £65
AB3247 FRANCISTOWN (17 JA 35) single circle skeleton / relief type datestamp. Complete strike on a pair of KGV 1d scarlet. This date is the same as that recorded in Putzel / Visser and is believed to be the item of record. Very rare. Superb. SG 100 £125
AB2385 SAR & H FRANCISTOWN 089 (2 AUG 36) double oval railway datestamp (SAR & H = South African Railways and Harbours). Struck on a pair of 1932 KGV 1d scarlet affixed to small piece. Scarce. SG 100 £30
AB2978 GABERONES / B.B.P. single circle datestamp. Three fine strikes dated (AU 14 / 98) tying five examples of QV 2d grey-green and carmine to a small piece. SG 62 £20
AB2971 GABERONES / B.P. single circle datestamp. A light but readable strike dated (DE 9 / 06) centrally struck on a block of four KEVII 1d scarlet. SG 68 £5
AB3185 GABERONES STA (8 X 43) double circle datestamp. A fine complete strike tying a KGVI 1½d dull blue to small piece. SG 120 £10
AB1544 GABRONES STN (12 03 / 1935) single circle skeleton / relief type datestamp (note misspelt town name) struck on KGV 1d (faults). Rare. SG 111 £65
AB2935 GELUK / B.B. single circle datestamp. A large part sideways strike dated (NO 19 / 94) on a QV 2d grey-green and carmine (faults). SG 34 £15
AB3169 GHANZI (5 NOV 42) double circle datestamp. A large part strike on a KGVI 1½d dull blue. SG 120 £10
AR529 GUBULAWAYO (DE 3 9-) single circle datestamp. Two strikes on a block of four BSAC 1d black. SG 1 £35
AB3186 KEIMOES BECHUANALAND (MR 26 12) single circle datestamp. A large part strike on a Transvaal KEVII 2d purple. SG 275
 
Note: although British Bechuanaland was annexed to the Cape in November 1895, several postal agencies continued to use the old Bechuanaland datestamps for some years. 		£8
AB2928 KEIMOES BECHUANALAND single circle datestamp. A superb, large part strike dated (JY 31 / 14). Very late use (19 years after annexation) on a Union of South Africa KGV 1/- orange. SG 12 £30
AB3154 KOPJE (SALISBURY) (1 SEP 59) double circle datestamp (cancelled in Southern Rhodesia) on QEII bright ultramarine. Unusual. SG 146a £15
AB2972 MAHALAPYE (23 JA / 1931) single circle skeleton / relief type datestamp. A fair strike with a second clearer part strike below on a block of four KGV 1d scarlet (perf faults). Rare. SG 92 £65
AB3246 MAHALAPYE (30 VII 60) single circle skeleton / relief type datestamp. A fine complete strike cancelling a QEII 4d and 6d on small piece. Very rare with few recorded. This being the item of record illustrated in Putzel / Visser. SG 146b, 148 £110
AB3184 MAHALAPYE (2 MAR 39) double circle datestamp. A very fine, complete strike on a pair of KGVI 1d scarlet. SG 119 £12
AB3183 MAHALAPYE (14 MAR 58) double circle datestamp. A very fine complete strike on pair of QEII 3d bright ultramarine. SG 146a £15
AB3151 MAKGOBIS STADT (17 MAY 49) double circle datestamp. Large part strike on a KGVI 1½d light blue. Scarce. SG120a £25
AB3152 MAKGOBIS STADT (25 FEB 47) double circle datestamp. Large part strike on a KGVI 2d chocolate-brown. Scarce. SG 121 £15
AB3168 MAUN (3 MAY 40) double circle datestamp. A large part strike on a KGVI 1½d dull blue. SG 120 £10
AB3248 MOCHUDI (AP 6 16) single circle skeleton / relief type datestamp. Complete strike tying a KGV 1d scarlet to small piece. This date is the same as that illustrated in Putzel / Visser and is believed to be the item of record. Very rare. SG 72 £125
AB3292 MOCHUDI VILLAGE (AP 15 25) single circle. A large part strike on a KGV 6d reddish purple. SG 81 £25
AB3172 MOCHUDI VILLAGE (4 DEC 54) double circle datestamp. A very fine complete strike on a KGVI 4d registered stationery envelope cut-out. £15
AB3288 MOOKANE (9 XI 63) double circle. Large part upright strike on QEII 2½c Red Cross. Uncommon SG 183 £10
AB3345 MOROKWEN B.B. (JY 28 / 22) single circle datestamp. Complete, almost upright strike on two Union of South Africa 1d rose-red on small piece. Scarce. SG 4
 
Note: this agency is recorded opening in 1895, the same year that British Bechuanaland was annexed to the Cape. As with some other postal agencies in the annexed territory, Morokwen continued to use the old Bechuanaland datestamp for many years during the Cape and subsequently Union administrations. 		£65
AB3171 MOSHUPA (21 VIII 45) double circle datestamp. A large part upright strike on a KGVI 2d chocolate-brown. SG 121 £15
AB1877 PALAPYE (6 1, no year present) single circle skeleton / relief type datestamp. An almost full strike on a KGV 1932 1d scarlet. Very scarce. SG 100 £65
AB3284 PALAPYE ROAD (28 JUN 16) double circle. Very fine, complete strike tying a KGV 1d Downey Head to small piece. SG 72 £15
AB3157 PALAPYE STATION (SP 20 97) single circle datestamp. Complete, superb strike on a block of four ½d yellow-green. SG 56 £85
AB2934 PALLA single circle datestamp. A large part upright strike dated (JY 4 / 94) on a QV 2d grey-green and carmine. Scarce. SG 34 £20
AB802 PALLA ROAD (29 Mar 47) large part double circle datestamp on KGVI Royal Visit 2d green. SG 133 £10
AB3166 PALLA ROAD (2 MAY 47) double circle datestamp. A very fine, almost complete upright strike on pair of KGVI ½d green. SG 118 £20
AB3167 PALLA ROAD (17 JUL 50) double circle datestamp. A very fine, complete upright strike on a pair of KGVI 1d scarlet. SG 119 £25
AB3178 PILANE (18 DEC 35) double circle datestamp. Complete, superb upright strike tying a KGV Silver Jubilee 1d deep blue and scarlet to small piece. SG 111 £20
AB3177 PILANE (7 JUL 37) double circle datestamp. A complete strike tying a KGVI Coronation 1d scarlet to small piece. SG 115 £10
AB3017 PILANE (18 DEC 37) double circle datestamp. A very fine large part upright strike on a KGVI Coronation 1d scarlet. SG 115 £15
AB1643 PITSANI (AP 7 / 35) single ring datestamp with arcs. Neatly struck on pair of KGV 1d scarlet. SG 100 £15
AB3287 PITSANI (7 AUG 37) double circle. Large part upright strike on a KGVI Coronation 1d scarlet. SG 115 £10
AB3160 RAMOUTSA B.P (SP 30 1?) single circle datestamp. A complete very fine strike tying a KGV 1d scarlet to a small piece. SG 72 £8
AB3181 S.A.R. – S.A.S. / RAMOUTSA (17 11 48) oval railway datestamp. Three fair strikes tying a KGVI ½d green and 1½d light blue (x2) to small piece. SG 118, 120a £15
AB3156 RASEBOLAI (3 II 49) double circle datestamp. Large part strike on a KGVI 1½d light blue. Scarce. SG 121 £25
AB3150 RASEBOLAI (2 VIII 51) double circle datestamp. Large part strike on a KGVI 2d chocolate-brown. Scarce. SG 121 £15
AB3289 SEBINAS / BECH PROT (20 I 66) double circle. Large part upright strike on QEII 2½c Sunbird. Scarce. SG 170 £10
AB3290 SEFHARE (12 X 65) double circle. Large part upright strike on QEII 5c Bee-eater. Scarce. SG 172 £10
AB3176 SETLAGOLI / BECHUANALAND (MY 8 06) single circle datestamp. Two large part upright strikes on a pair of Cape KEVII ½d green. SG 70
 
Note: although British Bechuanaland was annexed to the Cape in November 1895, several postal agencies continued to use the old Bechuanaland datestamps for some years. 		£15
AB1625 SHASHI (28 Nov 34) double circle datestamp. Superb strike on part of bilingual OHMS envelope, endorsed in red ‘Official Remittance’. Scarce. £15
AB2331 TATI BECHUANALAND (21 AU / 88) single circle datestamp. A large part strike with fraction of a second strike at right on an 1888 GB QV ½d vermilion overprinted ‘British Bechuanaland’ and ‘Protectorate’. Fine used. Rare. SG 40 £600
AB2387 TATI / MATABELELAND (23 JY / 6, with ‘9’ of year omitted) single circle datestamp. A large part strike on a BSAC 1892 ½d deep blue and vermilion. SG 19 £30
AB2386 TATI / MATABELELAND (10 MR / 96) single circle datestamp. A large part strike on a BSAC 1892 6d deep blue. SG 3 £30
AB2885 TAUNGS STATION (FE 1 / 94) single circle datestamp. Large part very clear strike on unappropriated dies 1/- green and black. SG 15 £45
AB3282 TSAU (3 II 60) double circle. Part strike on QEII 1d rose-red. Scarce. SG 144 £15
AB3283 TOTUME / BECH PROT (26 IV 62) double circle. Large part upright strike on QEII 2½c Sunbird. Scarce. SG 170 £15
AA6773 TSESSEBE (31 JY 35) single circle datestamp. A very fine complete strike of the single circle on KGV 1d pair. SG 100 £15
AB3170 TSESSEBE (4 FE 33) single circle datestamp. A very fine complete strike of the single circle tying a KGV 2d brown to small piece. SG 101 £20
AB3182 TSESSEBE (29 AUG 38) double circle datestamp. Two large part strikes on a strip of three KGVI ½d green. SG 118 £12
AB3187 VRYBURG B.B (AU 16 12) single circle datestamp. Large part strike on a Transvaal KEVII 3d black and sage-green. SG 264
 
Note: although British Bechuanaland was annexed to the Cape in November 1895, several postal agencies continued to use the old Bechuanaland datestamps for some years. 		£5
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