MADAGASCAR - PAIR OF COVERS TO GB VIA MAURITIUS PREPAID WITH...

Hammer

£360

MADAGASCAR - PAIR OF COVERS TO GB VIA MAURITIUS PREPAID WITH EXTRA 6d TO MAURITIUS; Jan. 1871 + [June?] 1875 pair of envs. addressed to members of the Parrett family in Gravesend whose son was the Missionary John Parrett who served in Madagascar from 1862-85 - presumably both sent by John Parrett, because they are each franked for the 1s-4d rate, which was made up of 6d from Madagascar to Mauritius + the regular 10d rate to GB The London Missionary Society maintained an account with the Mauritius P.O. so that these letters could be stamped at Port Louis rather than in Madagascar. They have the 4d + 1/- frankings in each case (the 1/- Blue in 1871 and the 1/- Orange in 1875) all tied by mainly fine to v. fine large "B53" numerals. The first is endorsed "Jany 1871" (by the addressee presumably) on the front although the very fine blue "MAURITIUS/A" cds on the flap is for 8 May. Likewise the 1875 cover has a v. fine "MAURITIUS/A" backstamp of 2 Aug., but the letter was probably written in about June (in Madagascar). Very rare pair showing this special extra 6d rate from Madagascar. [The 1871 cover with BPA Cert. (1995), though with no mention of Madagascar!] (2 covers) Cross Reference: NEW HEBRIDES/VANUATU, MADAGASCAR