Top 3 Items of the Month
This cover from Bechuanaland in endorsed “Last Day Cover of postal use”, and bears six Queen Victoria issues tied by a Francistown 31 MAR 38 cds, over 40 years after their issue. I have yet to find out if this actually the last date of legal use. Obviously philatelically inspired, it is not unique, as I bought one several months ago for $80. This one sold for $141.00.
This parcel post label bears a 1 1/2d and 9d Jubilee issue with the “GOVT PARCELS” overprint and is very scarce as such. The creasing slightly lets this one down, but considering its scarcity, it was a good buy at £82.00.
The British Levant 80pa on 5d is quite difficult to find on cover, with the 40pa on 2 1/2d being much more common. However, what differentiates this on is the “ORIENT EXPRESS” handstamp. The rarest covers from the British Levant bear stamp-like labels for the Orient Express, but this is the first time that I have seen this cachet, although I presume it to be privately made. Bidding reached £68.00 on this one.
The 1887 Jubilee Issue 