UNIQUE (?) RED OVAL "POST.FREE/PORT.LOUIS" ON FAILED SOLDIER...

Hammer

£9,000

UNIQUE (?) RED OVAL "POST.FREE/PORT.LOUIS" ON FAILED SOLDIER'S 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER TO GB: 1 Mar. 1814 EL (internal folds reinforced with thin archival tape) from "Islle of Moroutious, Portt Louis" to London endorsed on the reverse for the 1d Soldier's Concession Rate by the sender but not counter signed. On the front is a mainly very fine & very rare "POST.FREE/PORT.LOUIS" beside a mainly fine double oval "Ship Letter/[crown]/DEAL". Charged "2/-" on arrival with a 7 June 1814 London backstamp. This letter was contrary to regulations because it was not counter signed & so the full ship letter postage was charged. Contents appear to be from a missionary & not from a soldier! This is believed to be the only example of this Port Louis "POST.FREE" oval mark - important & spectacular exhibition item. Cross Reference: FREES