
Lot 245 1872 (March 1), cover from Calcutta to Weybridge, Surrey via Brindisi, franked with 8a Queen Victoria, cancelled by manuscript strike dated 1 March alongside rare Cooper 28c handstamp (Renouf Type 18a), this temporary emergency obliterator used only briefly in 1872–73 following withdrawal of regular cancels, reverse showing red double-circle Calcutta India Paid (1 Mar) datestamp and clear Weybridge Station (2 Mar) receiver, light creasing, else a fine and attractive cover showing the short-lived Calcutta emergency cancellation. Sold for C$450.00 plus 18% buyer’s premium.
Calcutta
Lot 278, India 1848 stampless folded letter Calcutta to Nantes France, sold for C$222

Lot 278 India 1848 (18 August) Calcutta to France, stampless folded letter, datelined Calcutta, boxed INDIA and INDIA PAID in red, to Nantes, endorsed “p. Overland Express Mail via Marseille”, Bordeaux c.d.s. backstamp (3 Oct), a fine stampless letter to France. Sold for C$190.00 plus 17% buyer’s premium.
Lot 303, India Steamship Quetta cover Ceylon to London, sold for C$234

Lot 303 India #39 1880/1, 1a brown (x3) , cover to Rev. J.W. Hall aboard the Steamship “Quetta” at Point de Galle, Ceylon, strip tied by boldly-struck C-3 I (R.L. Type 17d), crossed-out and endorsed “Try Colombo”, “Steamship Left for London”, and “Left the Steamer / Refused”, the cover having been carried to London and then returned, multiple datestamps with ?IDAIPUR (13 Oct), OUTW BOMBAY (17 Oct), Galle (2- Oct and 9 Nov), Colombo (Nov 1-), Calcutta (5 Dec), London (28/29 Dec), DLO Bombay (20 Jun) and DLO Calcutta (29 Jun), opened on three sides for display, bottom fragile, typical faults as expected on such a well-traveled cover, a delightful item with tremendous visual appeal. Sold for C$200.00 plus 17% buyer’s premium.
Spring 2025 Postal History Auction 1 has finished

Our Spring 2025 Postal History sale is over, and you can find Prices Realized at this link.
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Lot 681, India 1873 four anna green and eight anna rose on cover Calcutta to London, sold for C$438

Lot 681 India 1873, 4a green and 8a rose, tied to cover by Cooper Type 15d duplex in blue, to London, endorsed “Via Brindisi”, with 1/3 accountancy mark, two Calcutta c.d.s. backstamps, “Registered London 2 FE 73” oval receiver on front, some scattered toning spots, an uncommon registered example bearing a challenging postmark, with Cooper noting that Type 15d is “very scarce.” Estimate C$120, sold for C$375.00 plus 17% buyer’s premium.