Lot
313 (
)
New Zealand, 1862, Queen Victoria "Chalon Head", 6d black brown, imperf, Large Star watermark, clear to large margins, bold color, tied by barred "7" in oval handstamp on cover front to Lewes, England, additionally tied by boxed "Saved from the wreck of, the Colombo." handstamp, with red "London, De 31, 62" arrival cds below, reverse with partial backflaps showing "Wellington, Sp 13, 1862" origin cds, additional red London transit date stamps and Lewes receiver; usual ship wreck wear, F.-V.F. Scott No. 14d.SG No. 41 Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
ONE OF ONLY TWO SURVIVING NEW ZEALAND USAGES FROM THE P.&O. "COLOMBO" WRECK BEARING STAMPS.
The P&O "Colombo" wrecked on Minicoy Island in the Indian Ocean on November 19th 1862 in a heavy fog. All of the passengers and crew were safely put into boats and were taken care of on Minicoy Island until they were rescued by the "Ottawa" on Nov. 30th. The greater portion of the mail was recovered by divers, and, after careful drying, the letters were forwarded to their destinations. Those for London arriving either December 27th or 31st, 1862.
The 6d paying the via Sydney and Southampton route rate for letter up to ½oz.
Realized: $3,250