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Recent acquisitions are numbered in blue. Last update: 13th July, 2024
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POSTAL HISTORY
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| 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 1/4˝’, ‘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.
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£4,500 |
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| 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.
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£2,750 |
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| 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 |
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| AB4159 |
BECHUANALAND / Forerunner / Incoming Missionary Mail 1866 (13th July), incoming envelope from Cape Town addressed to “The Rev J. S. Moffat / Kuruman / Via Hopetown”. Bearing a single Hope Seated 4d pale blue (SG 24) tied by a light strike of the ‘1’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving strike of a Cape Town (JY 13) single circle datestamp alongside. A very rare early example of incoming mail 19 years before it became the colony of British Bechuanaland on the 30th September, 1885.
Note: there was no official postal service serving Kuruman at this time, a post office only opened there in 1886. It is believed a monthly post cart served Hopetown and Kuruman via Griquatown from 1860. It is unclear if a postal agency was open in Hopetown in 1866. If there was, it appears they had no datestamp or cancelling device.
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. In early August 1888 he organised the Mafeking-Gubulawayo Runner Post between Bechuanaland and Matabeleland which covered nearly 500 miles.
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SOLD |
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| AB4162 |
BECHUANALAND / Forerunner / Outgoing Missionary Mail 1876 (28th January), envelope addressed to “Miss Moffat / 64 Knowle Road / Brixton Road / London, S.W.” England. Endorsed ‘Per Donald Currie Line / Via Dartmouth’ and showing a large ‘2d’ Cape accountancy mark struck in red. Bearing a single Hope Seated 4d blue (SG 24a) tied by a light strike of the ‘19’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving strike of HOPETOWN (JA 28) single circle datestamp below. With a Cape Town (FE 3) transit datestamp struck on the front and a London (7 Mar) arrival backstamp. The flap with tear, otherwise a fine and very rare example of early mail out of the area that was to become British Bechuanaland.
Note: the famous missionary Robert Moffat settled at 64 Knowle Road, Brixton, London in 1873. The place of posting, the addressee and the address all indicate this envelope originated from his son, the missionary John Smith Moffat or his wife who were then resident at the London Missionary Society station at Kuruman.
At this date, Kuruman had no postal agency and mail to and from Kuruman went via Hope Town, over 150 miles to the south. Kuruman was within the area proclaimed the colony of British Bechuanaland nine years later on 30th September, 1885.
This letter would have been carried on the Edinburgh Castle which sailed on the 10th February, arriving in Dartmouth on the 6th March.
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SOLD |
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| 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.
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£750 |
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| 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.
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£650 |
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| AB4324 |
1886 (28th January), incoming envelope from England addressed to ‘Trooper C. Cooper / 482 A Troop / Bechuanaland Border Police, then stationed in Mafeking. Bearing a QV 1d lilac tied by an Ashford Station Office / 31 (28 Jan) duplex datestamp. The reverse with a Cape Town (26 Feb) transit backstamp and a manuscript note ‘March 4th’ probably being the date of receipt in Mafeking. Faults at upper left and top, otherwise fine and scarce incoming mail.
Note: A ‘3d’ tax marking (partly overstruck by a ‘1’ numeral canceller) implies there was a shortfall of 1˝d (double deficiency) and that 2˝d postage should have been paid. However, the reciprocal rate at this time was 8d per half ounce, and the rate from England was only reduced to 2˝d from the 1st July 1892 (‘Southern African Mails’ by Brian Trotter, page 468). Perhaps there was a reduced rate for mail addressed to military personnel. The Bechuanaland Border Police were the successors of Warren’s force.
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£125 |
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| AB4184 |
1887 (28th January) envelope addressed to Queenstown, Cape Colony, bearing a single 2d pale bistre (SG 6) tied by a ‘555’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving strike of the VRYBURG / BECHUANALAND (28 Jan) single circle datestamp alongside. With Kimberley (30 Jan) and Queenstown (3 Feb) transit / arrival backstamps. Odd light stain otherwise fine and very rare, with less than 12 covers bearing stamps of the first issue believed extant. Ex Brian Hurst collection.
Note: a fine example of the 2d per half ounce rate introduced between Cape Colony and British Bechuanaland on the 1st December 1885.
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£850 |
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| AB4185 |
1887 (18th March) envelope addressed to Venterstad, Cape Colony, bearing a pair of 1d rose-red (SG 5) cancelled by a ‘555’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving strike of the VRYBURG / BECHUANALAND (18 Mar) single circle datestamp alongside. With a Kimberley (21 Mar) and Burghersdorp (23 Mar) transits and Venterstad (23 Mar) arrivals backstamps. The flap with the imprint ‘Rosenblatt & Wessels, Attorneys & Notaries, Vryburg.’ printed in black. Very rare, with less than 12 covers bearing stamps of the first issue believed extant. Ex Brian Hurst collection.
Note: a fine example of the 2d per half ounce rate introduced between Cape Colony and British Bechuanaland on the 1st December 1885.
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£1,250 |
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| AB4186 |
1887 (2nd April) envelope addressed to Ladysmith Natal, where it appears to have been redirected to Dundee and finally Newcastle. Bearing a single 2d pale bistre (SG 6). tied by a ‘555’ Barred Oval Numeral Canceller with a proving strike of the VRYBURG / BECHUANALAND (28 Jan) single circle datestamp alongside. Backstamped Cape Town (13 Apr), G.P.O. Natal (21 Apr), Dundee (22 Apr, struck on the front) Newcastle (26 Apr) Ladysmith (29 Apr) Dundee (7th May) Newcastle (10 May). At some point the envelope was endorsed ‘1d to pay’ in red manuscript, presumably representing a forwarding / reposting fee. The flap with oval Coat-of-Arms embossed in vermilion with wording ‘ADMINISTRATORS OFFICE BECHUANALAND’. A few edge faults including a closed tear at left, otherwise a fine and characterful envelope. Very rare, with less than 12 covers bearing stamps of the first issue believed extant.
Note: the addressee ‘Miss Shippard’ was the daughter of the Sir Sydney Shippard, Administrator of British Bechuanaland from 1885 to 1895. A fine example of the 2d per half ounce rate between British Bechuanaland and Natal (which also applied to other southern African territories).
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£750 |
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| 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 |
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| 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.
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£325 |
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| 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 ‘2˝d’ 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 ˝d 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), ˝d 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 |
 |
| AB4273 |
1890 (10th April), envelope addressed to Port Elizabeth. Bearing a single example of the ‘2d.’ surcharge in red on unappropriated die 2d lilac and black (SG 23) tied by a SETLAGOLI / BECHUANALAND (10 Apr) single circle datestamp with a second strike alongside. Kimberley (12 Apr) transit and Port Elizabeth (14 Apr) arrival backstamps. A few edge faults though a rare example showing usage of this provisional, especially as a single franking used with scarce datestamps. |
£475 |
 |
| AB4275 |
1890 (21st April), envelope addressed to Portugal. Bearing a combination of ˝d vermilion, 1d lilac and black unappropriated die and a ‘6d.’ surcharge in black on 6d lilac and black (SG 9, 10, 26), all tied by MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (21 Apr) single circle datestamps with an additional strike below. Cape Town (30 Apr), London (20 May) and Lisboa transit / arrival backstamps. Some staining on the reverse, otherwise a very fine and attractive franking and rare example of mail showing usage of this provisional to an unusual destination. The 7˝d rate represents the half-ounce rate to ‘Class I Countries’ (which included Europe) introduced on the 1st October 1888. |
£550 |
 |
| 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. |
£550 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 provingMAFEKING / 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB4276 |
1891 (18th November), envelope addressed to Cape Town, bearing a pair of unappropriated die 1d lilac and black (SG 10), tied by ‘534’ Barred Oval Numeral Cancellers with a proving KURUMAN / BECHUANALAND (18 Nov) single circle datestamp alongside, all struck in BLUE. With Vryburg (20 Nov) transit and G.P.O. Cape Town (23 Nov) arrival backstamps. An annotation by the receiver on the reverse indicates the sender was E. Finnis, who was the Chief Constable at Kuruman. A very scarce and most attractive example of a Bechuanaland coloured cancellation and a fine example of the 2d per half-ounce letter rate to the Cape. |
£450 |
 |
| 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.
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£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 |
 |
| 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.
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£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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB3965 |
1892 (13th November), Cape 1d+1d brown on buff reply paid postal stationery cards (H&G 7 / BBS PC6). Addressed to the Colombian Consulate, Jersey, Channel Islands with the reply portion still attached. The imprinted stamp is cancelled with a ‘638’ BONC with proving MAFEKING / BECHUANALAND (13 Nov) single circle datestamp alongside. With Vryburg (14 Nov), Cape Town (16 Nov) and Jersey (4 Dec) transit / arrival backstamps on the reverse of the attached reply card. The message includes “Our local Postmaster received 10doz of these new cards this week...” and is initialled ‘E.C.B.’, the initials of Ernest C. Baxter, who held several official posts, including that of Postmaster General of Bechuanaland. |
£75 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB3851 |
1893 (10th March), incoming envelope from England bearing QV ‘Jubilee’ 2˝d 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 2˝d 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 |
 |
| AB4304 |
1893 (30th July), envelope addressed to Scotland. Bearing two QV ‘Jubilee’ 2d grey-green and carmine tied a DEVONDALE / BECHUANALAND (30 Jul) single circle datestamp. With a Glasgow (22 Aug) transit datestamp additionally tying the adhesives. Backstamped with a Vryburg (31 Jul) transit and a Glasgow (21 Aug) arrival datestamp. The envelope was readdressed and subsequently backstamped Millport (22 Aug). Some faults including crumpling affecting one adhesive. UNIQUE, being the only recorded example of this datestamp on cover. Ex Brian Hurst collection. |
£550 |
 |
| 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 1˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 2˝d per half ounce had been adopted at this date, the postage on this letter represents a quadruple rate (4 x 2˝d = 10d)
|
£275 |
 |
| AB4319 |
1894 (13th February), ˝d 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 2˝d 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 1˝d 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 |
 |
| 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. |
£225 |
 |
| AB4317 |
1894 (23rd November), incoming envelope from England bearing a QV ‘Jubilee’ 2˝d 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 2˝d per half-ounce rate introduced on the 1st July 1892 for letters from the United Kingdom to British Bechuanaland or Bechuanaland Protectorate.
|
£175 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB4190 |
1895 (12th March), Great Britain QV 1d postal stationery card overprinted for British Bechuanaland (H&G 4 / BBS PC3). Addressed to Emil Tamsen in the Transvaal and uprated with the addition of a 2d with overprint reading down (SG 39) both that and the imprinted stamp are cancelled / tied by VRYBURG / B.B (12 Mar) single circle datestamps. With unclear Nylstroom arrival additionally tying the adhesive. Ex Brian Hurst collection and beautifully written up on his page.
Note: the sender is Joseph Symons, the Vryburg postmaster and the message informs Tamsen “See stamp on face of this card, a new issue probably provisional. The other issue of 2d provisional was printed from bottom to top. . .” This card is the proving piece which has provided the date of issue for the 2d provisional with overprint reading down (SG 39).
|
£250 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB4191 |
1895 (28th March), envelope addressed to Johannesburg, bearing a single 2d bistre (SG 39) tied by a VRYBURG / B.B (28 Mar) squared circle. Johannesburg (31 Mar) arrival backstamp. Some crumpling, otherwise a very fine example of a single 2d franking paying the ˝ ounce rate to the South African Republic. Ex Brian Hurst collection. |
£275 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 6˝d per half ounce, which suggests this letter was overpaid ˝d (‘Southern African Mails’ by Brian Trotter, page 481).
|
£325 |
 |
| AB3659 |
1896 (7th February), British Bechuanaland used in the Protectorate. Envelope addressed to Switzerland and endorsed ‘Europe / (Via England)’. Bearing QV ˝d 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 1˝d 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. |
£175 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 6˝d 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 ˝d vermilion and 4d green and purple-brown (SG 9, 34, 39) all tied byGABERONES / 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 and attractive, colourful example of the 6˝d per half ounce letter rate to ‘All countries’ (introduced on 17th November 1892) plus the 4d registration fee. Ex ‘Greca’ (2021). |
£650 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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. |
£175 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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. |
£250 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 ˝d yellow-green.
Note: the writer, the Reverend Auguste Coďsson 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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 ˝d adhesive is surprisingly scarce paying the additional postage, as the British Bechuanaland ˝d (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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| AB4301 |
1900 (May), Anglo-Boer War period. envelope addressed to Bulawayo, Rhodesia. Bearing a pair of QV ‘Jubilee’ 1d lilac (SG 61) tied by GABERONES STATION / B.B. single circle datestamps with ‘MY’ only - no day or year present. The letter was opened, censored and resealed with a blank white tape and tied by an unframed PASSED / PRESS CENSOR cachet struck in violet and also by a Bulawayo (21 and 22 ‘MEI’) arrival backstamps. Scarce censored mail from the Protectorate to Rhodesia. |
SOLD |
 |
| 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.
|
£350 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB3531 |
1902 (5th November), Cape of Good Hope QV ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d, 1d and 2˝d 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| AB4072 |
1905 (1st November), registered envelope addressed to England bearing horizontal strip of three 2˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 2˝d (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 2˝d (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 ˝d as the postcard rate to Cape Colony from 1st April 1903 was reduced to ˝d. |
£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 2˝d 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| AB4079 |
1907 (28th August), envelope addressed to the USA in the distinctive hand of W. Harbor, bearing a single KEVII 2˝d 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 |
 |
| AB4130 |
1907 (28th December), colour picture postcard (‘View of the World’ Matopos, Rhodesia) addressed to Bulawayo, Rhodesia, bearing a single KEVII ˝d 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 2˝d per half ounce rate to England (which was reduced to 1d three weeks later on the 1st April 1908). |
£125 |
 |
| 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 ˝d. |
£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 2˝d 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 2˝d 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 ˝d blue-green, 1d scarlet (x2) and 2˝d 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 2˝d per half ounce rate to foreign countries. |
£85 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 2˝d 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 ˝d 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 ˝d postal stationery card. Addressed to Cape Town, South Africa with no message. A single KEVII ˝d 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| AB4105 |
1912 (6th September), colour picture postcard (‘Victoria Falls’) addressed to Transvaal. Bearing a single KEVII ˝d 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 ˝d postcard rate to ‘Other Southern African Territories’. |
£45 |
 |
| AB4322 |
1912 (27th September), ‘Tamsen’ envelope sent registered to the Transvaal. Bearing a combination of all different stamps from British Bechuanaland: ˝d (x 2), 1d x 2, 2d and 3d (SG 4, 22, 30, 38, 39, 12) and a Protectorate: ˝d (SG 56) all tied by LOBATSI / B.P (27 Sep) single circle datestamps. With Registered Kimberley (29 Sep), Pretoria (30 Sep) and Nylstroom (30 Sep) transit / arrival backstamps. |
£65 |
 |
| AB3478 |
Railway 1913 (17th February), long envelope sent registered to Germany, bearing QV ˝d blue-green pair and KEVII 2˝d 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 2˝d 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 2˝ 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB3485 |
1921 (1st March), envelope addressed to Gaberones, bearing a single KGV 1˝d 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 |
 |
| AB2640 |
1923, (January), envelope sent registered to Mafeking, South Africa bearing ten examples of the KGV ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB4272 |
AIR MAIL 1931 (15th December), envelope endorsed at top ‘1st Experimental Air Mail’, addressed and sent registered to Johannesburg. Bearing KGV 1d scarlet block of four with a 6d reddish purple (SG 92, 96) each tied by a FRANCISTOWN / BECHD PROTEC (15 Dec) double circle datestamp. Francistown boxed registration cachet and straight-line ‘21 DEC 1931’ both struck in violet. The reverse with ‘DUPLICATE / 18 DEC 1931 / ISSUED’ boxed cachet struck in violet with additional strikes dated 19 and 21 December. Unusual.
Note: presumably this envelope linked up with the Imperial Airways Christmas Mail to South Africa, which departed London on the 9th December.
|
SOLD |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB4326 |
1932 (15th March), ‘Tamsen’ envelope sent registered to South Africa. Bearing pairs of British Bechuanaland: ˝d, 1d surcharge on 1d, 1d and 2d overprint reading down and Protectorate ˝d (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 ˝d (x 2) and 2d rectangles, all bearing forged overprints, one ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB4285 |
1932 (16th November), printed ‘On His Majesty’s Service.’ envelope addressed to Cape Town. Bearing a single KGV 3d violet (SG 94) tied by a LOBATSI (16 Nov) double circle datestamp. With large POST OFFICE MAFEKING (15 Nov) oval datestamp struck in violet at lower left. The enclosed printed Union of South Africa ‘Memorandum’ from the postmaster at Mafeking acknowledges receipt of 1/- and states he is enclosing one dozen ˝d postcards, value 9d. |
£65 |
 |
| 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’ ˝d green on buff postal stationery card (H&G 7 / BBS PC19). Addressed to Pretoria and uprated with the addition of a KGV ˝d 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’ ˝d green on buff postal stationery card (H&G 7 / BBS PC19). Addressed to Pretoria and uprated with the addition of a KGV ˝d 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’ ˝d green on buff postal stationery card (H&G 7 / BBS PC19). Addressed to Australia and uprated with the addition of KGV ˝d, 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 Ł10 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 (December), envelope addressed to the USA sent at the unsealed open letter rate, bearing a single KGV ‘Cattle’ definitive ˝d (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 ˝d 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’ ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| AB4321 |
1938 (31st March), ‘Tamsen Sunset Cover’ sent registered to the Transvaal. Endorsed at top ‘Sunset Cover. Last Day of postal use 31/3/38’. Bearing a combination of stamps from British Bechuanaland: ˝d, 1d and 2d (SG 9, 33, 34) and Protectorate: ˝d x 3 different (SG 40, 56, 59) all tied by MAHALAPYE (31 MAR 38) double circle datestamps with a further strike on the reverse. With Mahalapye registration cachet and airmail etiquette. Nylstroom (5 Apr) arrival backstamp.
Note: On the 31st March 1938 all issues of the Bechuanalands prior to the 1932 definitives were demonetised.
|
£55 |
 |
| AB3720 |
1938 (9th September), KGV ‘Cattle and Baobab’ ˝d 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 |
 |
| AB4288 |
1939 (9th December), envelope addressed and sent registered to Johannesburg. Bearing 6d in postage comprising KGV overprinted ˝d and 1d pair, 1932 definitive ˝d 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 tęte-bęche 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 1˝d (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 1˝d 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 |
 |
| AB3493 |
1942 (21st February), unauthorized usage of Bechuanaland stamps on an envelope within Scotland. Bearing KGVI ˝d 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 1˝d (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’ ˝d 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 1˝d (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 1˝d 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 1˝d (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 |
 |
| 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 1˝d 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’ ˝d 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 ˝d. 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 ˝d, 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 1˝d 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 |
 |
| AB3813 |
1948 (31st May), envelope with printed address ‘American Jewellers’, Cape Town. Bearing a single KGVI 1˝d light blue (SG 120a) tied by a SEROWE (31 May) double circle datestamp. Roughly opened on reverse, otherwise very fine. |
£45 |
 |
| AB3473 |
1948 (1st December), envelope sent registered to Johannesburg bearing Silver Wedding 1˝d 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 1˝d 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 1˝d 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 1˝d 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 Ľd, ˝d, 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 ˝d 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 1˝d 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 ˝d pair and 2d (SG 121, 140) tied by a Gibraltar (27 Jan) roller cancellation. With tax marking ‘3˝d’ in red manuscript, the shortfall was receipted by affixing the three postage dues then in use: ˝d 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 ‘3˝’, the shortfall was receipted by affixing the three postage dues then in use: ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 ˝d 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 ˝d adhesive would have paid the extra postage required after a rate increase on the 1st July 1954. The QEII 1˝d 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 |
 |
| AB3723 |
1958 (5th September), QEII 1˝d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ˝d 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 1˝d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ˝d 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 1˝d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 1˝d postal stationery card bearing imprinted 1d red and ˝d green ‘cattle and baobab’. Addressed to Israel with airmail label and uprated with additional QEII ˝d 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 |
 |
| 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 2˝c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2˝c 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 2˝c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2˝c 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 2˝c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2˝c 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 2˝c on 2d red-brown although the scarcer 2˝c on 3d bright ultramarine is present. Very 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 2˝c 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 12˝c 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, 12˝c and 25c (SG 162a, 164, 165), cancelled 'LOBATSI' and sent registered airmail to England. Attractive. |
£25 |
 |
| 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 2˝c 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 2˝c 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, 3˝c, 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 2˝c, 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, 12˝c 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 2˝c 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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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 2˝c ‘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 |
 |
| AB3082 |
1963 (9th July), printed ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ envelope sent registered to South Africa. Bearing a single 12˝c 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 2˝c ‘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 |
 |
| 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 2˝c ‘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 12˝c 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 7˝c 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 12˝c 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 |
 |
| 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 |
£15 |
 |
| AB3286 |
‘676’ BONC of Palachwe Khamas Town. Large part strike on a QV 2d bistre. SG 39
|
£10 |
 |
| 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 1˝d 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 1˝d 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 |
 |
| AB3715 |
MAFEKING (JA 7 / 9) single circle datestamp with dot at base (usually denoting telegraphic use). Two very fine complete upright strikes on a horizontal pair of 1888 Unappropriated Dies 1/- green and black. SG 15
|
£20 |
 |
| 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 1˝d 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 1˝d 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 2˝c 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 ˝d green and 1˝d light blue (x2) to small piece. SG 118, 120a
|
£15 |
 |
| AB3156 |
RASEBOLAI (3 II 49) double circle datestamp. Large part strike on a KGVI 1˝d 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 2˝c 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 ˝d 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 2˝c 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 ˝d 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 |
 |
|