RARE SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 1d RED ON NAVAL COVER ""H.M.S....

Hammer

£220

RARE SHIP'S BAG USAGE OF G.B. 1d RED ON NAVAL COVER ""H.M.S. Emerald" FLAP) EX "LEVUKA" TO G.B.; 3 Dec. 1879 env. (dated by filing note on front - affecting address slightly) with "H.M.S. Emerald" flap endorsed "from Levuka" with only a GB 1d Red thought also endorsed "Via Melbourne and Brindisi", and so clearly sent in the ship's Naval Bag; the stamp cancelled on arrival in GB by London "S.M.P." Duplex (5 Feb. 1880) but also endorsed "Over One Oz" with m/s "2" charge and red London "D" in circle Inspector's Mark. HMS Emerald was at this date just returned to Fiji from a tour to Samoa & Tonga with the High Commissioner aboard; the ship was regularly used for punitive expeditions against unruly islanders around the Pacific. Naval Bag Mail from Fiji is rare. [c.f. the Cavendish 'Geoff Osborn' auction, lot 82; realised £650.]Cross Reference: MARITIME MAIL, POSTAGE DUE STAMPS & COVERS