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Auction: 1028 - The "Wilkin" Collection of British West Africa Postal History and British Africa Stamps from the Vestey Collection
Lot: 234

The Royal Niger Company´s Territories Garrison Mail 1897 (13 Feb.) West Indian Regiment envelope, with lengthy letter headed "Steam Yacht Ivy, 27.1.99", from Lt. Rowland Litchford of the 2nd West India Regiment (based in Sierra Leone), on garrison duty at Akassa, addressed to his fiancee, Miss Rew (the sister of a brother officer, C.E.D.O. Rew), in Suffolk, bearing GB 2 1/2d. pair tied by light Akassa S.G. Type 4 d.s. in violet and by red Paid Liverpool Br. Packet d.s. and showing arrival c.d.s. on reverse; the envelope a little ragged at top through opening. Photo Estimate £ 400-500 Note: The letter has fascinating contents, beginning with the voyage from Sierra Leone aboard the Steam Yacht "Ivy" and then describing the utter boredom of life at Akassa, enlivened only by desultory walks, hunting, fishing, cricket and occasional contacts with natives, Niger Company officials, and ships calling. There are also references to the postal arrangements.

Sold for
£280