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Auction: 1028 - The "Wilkin" Collection of British West Africa Postal History and British Africa Stamps from the Vestey Collection
Lot: 246

The Royal Niger Company´s Territories West African Frontier Force 1898 (27 June) OHMS (deleted) envelope to London, marked "stamps not obtainable" and signed "T.D. Pilcher WAFC, Com at Lokoja", showing fine Burutu S.G. Type 6 d.s. in black partly overstruck by "2 1/2d" Tax h.s. and, on reverse, Liverpool Br Packet (31.7) and arrival datestamps. Neat and attractive. Photo Estimate £ 300-400 Note: As a result of continuing pressure from the French, resulting ultimately in incursions over the western boundaries (which had been settled in principle at the Berlin Conference in 1885), the British Government decided urgently to establish an indigenous force, with white officers, which would be financed by the home government and be under its control. Brevet Col. Lugard was given this task. The 1st Battalion West African Frontier was raised at Jebba in September 1897, its first C.O. being Lt. Col. T.D. Pilcher. At the date of this cover, viz 27 June 1898, with 300 troops, the Colonel was taking punitive action against Emirs of Lapai and Argungu for slave raiding activities.

Sold for
£450