Sale 1287 — Worldwide Stamps and Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 May, 2023
Category — Aden
PERSIAN GULF, 1842 Persian Gulf Campaign of 1819 Prize Money Claim. Part printed folded letter filled in and written by John Ballintine of Dublin "For the Persian Gulf Prize Money under the command of Sir Wm. van Care", with printed "Parties applying for payment of Burmese Prize Money are required to insert in the blank spaces, answers to the questions stated underneath", addressed to East India House in London with manuscript "Prize Matters" at bottom left, rated "2", Nov. 25, 1842 despatch and London Nov. 27 arrival datestamps, missing piece of page at left and tape stain at bottomFINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED PRINTED MATTER PERTAINING TO PRIZE MONEY FROM THE 1819 PERSIAN GULF CAMPAIGN.
This short lived campaign was from Nov. 3 to Dec. 22, 1819 and was fought between the British and the Arab force of Al Qasimi at Ras Al Khaimah (mostly around modern day United Arab Emirates). The General Treaty of Maritime Peace of 1820 was ultimately signed which prohibited piracy in the Persian Gulf, banned slavery, and required all ships to be registered with British forces. During the campaign, captured Dhows were ultimately sold. The money became available as prize money amongst participants in the campaign. It is unknown how much, if any, John Ballintine received for his efforts in the campaign.
Ex Parsons.
ADEN, 1839 Soldier's Letter from Camp Aden to Ireland. Folded letter datelined "Camp Aden, June 15th 1839" with "Soldiers Letter Overland" and "From Private James Burn, 5th Comp, Bombay Regt, Eu(ropean) Regiment" endorsements, countersigned by commanding officer, addressed to Ireland, rated "3d" due, with "India F" oval transit backstamp of Falmouth, fascinating original contents regarding the taking of Aden by British forces just months prior, cover with splitting along folds and overall soilingFINE. THIS IS THE EARLIEST RECORDED LETTER ORIGINATING FROM ADEN, WRITTEN BY A SOLDIER WHO TOOK PART IN THE BATTLE FOR ADEN OFFERING A FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF THE SKIRMISH.
In 1838, the 75 mile area around Aden was ceded to the British but negotiations for a peaceful hand over were unsuccessful. On January 19, 1839, a British force was sent in take over the area in order to create a free trade port as Aden was of vital importance due to its proximity between the Suez/Egypt, India, and Zanzibar. The enclosed letter states "My regiment is now in Camp in a place which the Honourable Company never had before we took it by siege on the 19th January last after about 6 hours of fighting as it is a seaport town we had six of the Companies Frigates and Cruisers who with their cannon demolished the Garrison walls and then the troops landed and drove the enemy out of town".
Ex Brown.
ADEN, 1842 Folded Letter from Captain S.B. Haines. Folded letter datelined "Aden, August 18/42" and signed "S.B. Haines, Political Agent - Aden, Post-Captain in the Indian Navy", addressed to Birmingham, England, clear strike of "India F" transit of Falmouth and Birmingham arrival backstampVERY FINE FOLDED LETTER FROM CAPTAIN S.B. HAINES - ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FIGURES OF BRITISH ADEN'S EARLY HISTORY.
Captain Stafford Bettesworth Haines (1802-1860) was instrumental in the British acquiring Aden -- the first territorial acquisition under Queen Victoria's rule. After the successful taking of Aden in 1839, Haines was appointed Political Agent, a position which he held until 1854. He was tasked with creating Aden into an important free trade port. Aden went from a small town of less than 600 into a prosperous sea port city of around 25,000 by the 1850s.
Ex Brown.
ADEN, 1846 Folded Letter from Aden to United States. Folded letter datelined "Aden, Arabia, January 12th, 1846" and addressed to Nashua N.H., manuscript "In care of Mr. Samuel Shippen" directive, fascinating contents regarding this individual's trip from Zanzibar and Aden and future potential journey to Muscat and Bombay, going into detail about religion and key exports of each area, bold red "Ship" handstamp and rated "1" paid, red "Salem, Mass. JUN 9" transit datestamp, Very Fine, this is the earliest recorded letter to the United States from Aden, the sender was discouraged to send letters due to length of time in transit and wrote "there is an opportunity for me to send by the Bark Laplata, Capt. Hamblet, which will sail for Zanzibar and Salem in a few days, but probably she will not reach Salem before June", ex Hart and Brown
ADEN, 1846 Folded Letter from New York to China via Aden. Folded letter regarding importation of tea datelined "New York, July 31st, 1846" and addressed to the Augustine Heard & Co. in Canton, China, manuscript "p Overland Mail" directive, faint but clear strike of "Postage Paid to Destination by Harnden & Co. of Liverpool" boxed forwarding handstamp and red "Paid H&Co." handstamp, entered the mails in transit with red "Aden B.P.P. Paid" handstamp with manuscript "1sh", Hong Kong transit backstampVERY FINE AND EARLY USE OF THE ADEN B.P.P. HANDSTAMP ON COVER IN TRANSIT FROM NEW YORK TO CHINA.
This cover was carried privately from New York by Harnden & Co. to Aden as prepaid mail was not possible beyond Great Britain from New York. It was likely carried from Aden to Galle and Hong Kong, then by private ship to Canton.
Ex Brown.
ADEN, 1850 Folded Letter Sent Free from Field Marshall Hugh Gough. Folded letter written by Field Marshall Gough datelined "Aden, 28th Jany, 1850" and signed "Gough" at bottom left, clear black "Aden Bearing" boxed despatch, addressed to Calcutta, India, Bombay Ship Letter "Bearing" transit applied in error and crossed out, red "Bombay Free" struck on front, Very Fine, Field Marshall Hugh Gough, 1st Viscount Gough (1779-1869) was a well-known military officer serving during the seizure of the Cape of Good Hope during the French Revolution, First Opium War in China, and became Commander in Chief of India from 1843-1849, thus providing him free mail under the 1837 India Post Office Act even though he had recently retired from his position, ex Brown
ADEN, 1850 Folded Soldier's Letter Paying the 2sh3p Rate. Folded letter datelined "Aden, 9th March, 1850" regarding an order of Tartans for soldiers seeking "best attention to the quality and colors", addressed to Bannockburn, Scotland, "via Marseilles" directive, rated "2/3" due, "CR" (Caledonian Railway) handstamp, Alexandria, London, and Sterling transit backstamps, Very Fine, the only recorded example of the 2s3p rate from Aden, ex Brown
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1855, 4a Black on Blue Glazed Paper (9; SG 35). Horizontal pair, trimmed perfs at bottom and left, cancelled by two strikes of barred "124" with "Aden DE 28, 1857" despatch datestamp on reverse of registered cover to Bombay, lightly struck red "Registered Letter" straightline and "Aden B.P.P. Paid" handstamps, manuscript rated "1/-", Bombay arrival backstamp, horizontal file fold well away from stamps, Fine and scarce, this is the earliest recorded example of registered mail from Aden, the 4a in stamps paid the registry fee while the postage was paid in cash, a practice which was acceptable under the 1855 Indian Post Office regulations, ex Brown
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1855-64, 2a Yellow, 4a Black (15c, 16; SG 43, 45). Five 2a singles, all cancelled or tied by barred "124" with partial Aden Steamer Point despatch (small piece missing from back panel) on registered 1865 cover to Freeport, Me., red "India Paid" and "16 cents" handstamps, London transit an New York "5" accountancy transit datestamps, cover with interior cover silking to reinforce sides, Very Fine appearance, scarce registered use to the United States being fully prepaid with stamps, ex Brown
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1866, 6a8p Slate (27; SG 72). Used with 1865 2a Orange (23c; SG 62), cancelled by indistinct (but presumably) barred "124" cancel with red "Aden Paid" boxed handstamp and "Aden Steamer Point 13 AU 68" despatch datestamp on reverse of cover to London, England, manuscript "via Marseilles" directive, London Paid arrival also ties 6a8p, backflap tears just affect Aden Paid marking, Very Fine, this cover is thought to have originated in the Aden Camp (Crater) office due to use of Aden Paid marking to indicate postage paid, the Steamer Point marking is quite rare as it is recorded in use for less than a year (not as part of a duplex), ex Brown
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1865, 2a Orange (23c; SG 62). Horizontal strip of four, tied by four bold strikes of blue barred "125" cancels with "Aden Cantonment SE 28 71" circular datestamp beside on reverse of registered cover to Bombay, India, blue registry handstamp on front, cover with edge wear, small piece missing at right and some soilingFINE AND RARE USE OF THE ADEN CANTONMENT "125" CANCELS IN BLUE ON REGISTERED COVER.
This cancel was in use for a short period of time and is recorded from Apr.-Oct. 1871.
ADEN, 1873 Zanzibar Consular Mail to Italy via Aden. Large 1873 cover originating in Zanzibar with lightly struck consular seal on reverse, addressed to Milan, Italy, manuscript "via Brindisis" directive, carried privately to Aden where it received "Steamer Point Aden NO 3 73" circular datestamp and "Sea Post Office" backstamp, "India Unpaid" handstamp, Brindisi transit, manuscript "18" rated and Italy, 1870 40c Dull Orange & Carmine and 1l Light Blue & Brown, Postage Due (J9, J13), 40c horizontal pair, tied by Milan Nov. 14 circular datestamps upon arrival, cover with some edge wear and file folds, manuscript enhancement of writing (likely contemporaneous), Fine and interesting, due to the light strike of the consular marking, the Aden postal clerks likely overlooked it and charged it postage due, ex Brown
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1865, 1a Brown (22; SG 58). Tied by "B-22" and "Aden Camp JAN 23" duplex datestamp on large 1877 printed folded letter to St. Denis, Reunion, then forwarded to Mauritius, blue "Cesar Tian, Aden, 27 JANV 77" boxed company handstamp, blue "1d to Pay" handstamp, Mauritius arrival backstamp, Very Fine, a rare printed matter rate cover to a remarkable destination, ex Brown
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1882, 3a Brown Orange (41; SG 94). Tied by well-struck blue "Aden Coal Company Limited, Aden, 19 SEP 83" double-oval datestamp on cover to Bombay, additionally tied by Aden Sep. 19 and "B-22" duplex datestamp and Sea Post backstamp, Very Fine, only two examples of this datestamp are recorded, as there was no post office on Perim Island until 1915, the company acted as a de facto agent for the post office, ex Brown
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1874, 1r Slate (35; SG 79). Horizontal strip of three, used with 1882, 1a Maroon, 3a Orange (38, 41a; SG 88, 93), pairs of each, all tied by barred "B" cancels with "Aden Cant DEC 4" circular datestamp beside on large 1883 registered partially printed "R. Commissariato Civile in Assab" (Eritrea) official cover to Rome, Italy, manuscript "via Brindisi" directive, well-struck "Registered, Aden Camp" and "R" in oval handstamps, Consular handstamp at bottom left, Rome arrival backstamp, disinfection slits, cover missing part of backflap and some minor edge wear as expected of a cover this sizeFINE. A REMARKABLE REGISTERED OFFICIAL COVER FROM ERITREA TO ITALY VIA ADEN PAYING THE 9-TIMES RATE.
The cover paid the nine times 6a rate plus 2a registration fee. Ex Brown. Signed E. Diena.
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1866, 4a Blue Green, Type I (26; SG 69). Block of eight and horizontal pair, used with 1882 1a Maroon (38; SG 88), vertical pair, all tied by multiple strikes of barred "B" cancel with "Aden Cant FEB 21" circular datestamp beside on large 1884 partially printed "R. Commissariato Civile in Assab" (Eritrea) official cover to Rome, Italy, manuscript "via Brindisi" directive, Rome arrival backstamp, cover with disinfection slits (one which affects two 4a stamps), some minor edge wear and tears as to be expected with a cover this sizeFINE AND IMPRESSIVE SIX-TIMES RATE OFFICIAL COVER FROM ERITREA TO ITALY VIA ADEN.
The 42a paid the six times 6a rate. Ex Brown. With 1998 Sorani certificate.
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1882, 3a Brown Orange, 8a Red Violet (41, 44; SG 93, 98). Cancelled by barred "B" cancel with "Aden Cant 20 OC 87" circular datestamp on reverse and boxed "Aden Cantonment" handstamp on front of registered cover to San Marino, manuscript "via Brindisi" directive, "R" in circle handstamp, Sea Post and other transit backstamps, 8a with a few toned perf tips, otherwise Very Fine and remarkable destination for a cover originating in Aden
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1882, 1a Maroon (38; SG 88). Horizontal pair and single, tied by bluish violet "The Perim Coal Company Limited, Perim Island" oval handstamp, stamps additionally tied by Aden Nov. 12, 1890 datestamps on cover to Colonel J.L. Vincent, Com of 2nd Northumberland Fusiliers, Nowshera, Punjab, India, forwarded to Attock & Akora, Sea Post office transit and Nowshera arrival backstamps, also with Field P.O. No. 2 circular datestamp on reverse, cover with slightly rough opening at top, still Very Fine and remarkable use from Perim Island, the Field P.O. cancel was only in use in Attock from Nov. 24-Dec. 1, 1890
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1882, -1/2a Green (36; SG 85). Tied by "Aden Camp 7 MA 96" double-circle datestamp on reverse of cover underpaid cover to Hodeida, Yemen, Aden transit backstamp, "T" in circle handstamp and postage due paid by Turkey, 1892, 1pi Pale Blue (97), tied by "Hudeida" handstamp on reverse, minor toned band on front of coverVERY FINE. A REMARKABLE DUAL-COUNTRY ADEN-YEMEN USE WITH THE TURKEY STAMP PAYING THE POSTAGE DUE ON ARRIVAL.
Ex Parker and Brown.
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1896 1a Official Entire. 1a entire with "On H.M.S." overprint, cancelled by "Khor-Maksar, Aden MY 18, 96" circular datestamp and addressed to Bombay, Aden, Aden Camp, and Sea Post transit and Bombay arrival backstamps, cover with slight toning, otherwise Fine and very rare, this is the earliest recorded cover from Khormaksar and only recorded example of this small date plug datestamp, ex Graham and Brown
ADEN/AUSTRIA, 1897 Double-Sent Registered Cover on the Aden-Massawa Line. Austria 5kr registered entire uprated with 1890-96, 5kr Rose, 10kr Ultramarine, tied by Trieste Jun. 3, 1897 and addressed to Massawa, Eritrea, cover returned to Rome, then resent once again to Massawa for a second time, two strikes of "Poste Italiane Aden-Massaua" boxed datestamps, one for each attempt and dated Jun. 16 and Jul. 21, Rome backstamp, Very Fine and remarkable cover, the only recorded cover having been sent on this voyage twice, this line was set up by the Italian Post Office for mail to/from Massawa and operated by the Rubattino shipping company lines which ran a weekly service, ex Brown, with 1990 Sorani certificate
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1900, 1a Carmine Rose (57; SG 115). Tied by clear strike of "Experimental P.O. B-84, AP 11 03" circular datestamp of Dthala (western Aden) on cover to Barnet, England, Aden transit and Barnet arrival backstamps, trivial light edge wear, Very Fine and rare cancel on cover, the B-84 Experimental cancel was only used from Mar. 15-Apr. 19, 1903 in Dthala, a western section which was fortified to protect interest against Turkish forces
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1895, 3r Green & Brown (51; SG 108). Well-centered, used with 1873 6a Bister and 1882 8a Red Violet (33, 44; SG 81, 98), all cancelled or tied by "B" handstamps with "Aden Reg DE 7 03" despatch datestamp on reverse of large registered and insured cover to Yokohama, Japan, manuscript "Value insured for Thirty Pounds, Registered" notation, "R" in circle handstamp, Kobe transit and Yokohama arrival backstamps, 6a with minor corner fault of no significanceVERY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED USE OF THE INDIA 1895 3-RUPEE QUEEN VICTORIA USED ON COVER FROM ADEN, EVEN MORE REMARKABLE USED TO JAPAN.
The manuscript "79gs" refers to the weight (just over 2-3/4 oz), which at the 2-1/2a per -1/2 oz U.P.U. rate would mean 15a postage charge. Insurance was covered at a rate of 9a per 100r. As £30 was roughly 450r, this equated to 45a. So the 15a postage, 45a insurance, and 2a registry fee equated to 62a.
Ex Brown.
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1902, 2a6p Ultramarine (64; SG 126). Block of eight, tied in transit by barred "B" cancels with "Aden Reg. JU 14 04" circular datestamp on reverse of large Italian Consulate registered official cover originating in Hudeida, Yemen with Turkey, 1901, 20pa Carmine and 5pi Ocher (107, 112), horizontal pair of 20pa, all tied by Hudeida Jun. 10 circular datestamps, addressed to Rome, Italy, "R" in circle handstamp, Rome arrival backstamp, India block with some fading at right, cover with edge wear and light soiling as to be expected on a cover this sizeFINE. A SPECTACULAR YEMEN AND INDIA USED IN ADEN REGISTERED COMBINATION COVER. THIS IS THE ONLY YEMEN AND ADEN STAMPED COMBINATION COVER OF ITS KIND RECORDED. AN IMPORTANT MIDDLE EAST POSTAL HISTORY RARITY.
The 45p paid at origin was for the 40pa domestic charge and 5pi rate to Aden. The 20a affixed in Aden covered the 7 times 2-1/2a rate for a cover weighing up to 3-1/2 oz, plus 2a registration. At the time, all registered mail was sent via Aden.
Ex Brown.
ADEN, 1905 Incoming Cover from Hong Kong. Hong Kong King Edward VII 4c tied by Foochow Aug. 24, 1905 circular datestamp on cover to Lt. George Francis Innes Harkness Esq., I(ndian) Medical Service, Aden, Hong Kong despatch, Aden transit and "Dthali 15 SE 05" arrival backstamps, opening cover tear thru Dthali cancel, otherwise Very Fine, only three examples recorded of this Dthali marking, the rarest sub-post office of Aden, ex Brown
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1918, 8a Red Violet (91; SG 181). Tied by "Kamaran 26 MAY 25" double-circle datestamp on registered cover to Bombay, then forwarded to Poona, registry label on back with "Kamaran" handstamp, Aden and Bombay transit and Poona arrival backstamps, cover opened for display and with some minor edge wear, otherwise Fine and rare registered use from Kamaran
INDIA, Used in Aden, 1922, 1a Dark Brown, Official (O55; SG O98). Tied by Kamaran Dec. 1930 double-circle datestamp on legal sized O.H.M.S. cover to Steamer Point, Aden, clear strike of violet "Quarantine Station, Kamaran" handstamp, slight edge wear, otherwise Very Fine, Indian Official stamps used in Aden are quite scarce with a use from Kamaran rarely seen, only two strikes of this Quarantine Station handstamps are known