Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 1028 - The "Wilkin" Collection of British West Africa Postal History and British Africa Stamps from the Vestey Collection
Lot: 253

The Royal Niger Company´s Territories West African Frontier Force 1898 (9 Dec.) envelope from Lt. Francis Howe of the 1st Battalion WAFF to London, marked "No stamps procurable, on special service", showing fine strike of Burutu S.G. Type 4 d.s. in violet, "2d" h.s. with manuscript " 1/2" alongside and blue crayon "Tax" with, on reverse, Liverpool Br. Packet (31.12) and arrival datestamps. Photo Estimate £ 250-300 Note: Lt. Howe was seconded from the Welch Regiment 41st Foot. The significance of the cover being marked "on special service" denoted the fact that the WAFF was hurriedly called upon in 1898 to deal with the unrest in Borgu Province, caused by French incursions and the slave raiding of the Emirs of Lapai and Argungu, when special service battalions were formed.

Sold for
£290