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Auction: 21030 - The 'Greca' Collection of Southern African Postal History
Lot: 9

Basutoland
Military Mail
The Gun War
1881 (21 Jan.) envelope from Fauresmith, Orange Free State, to Private Brevis of the Duke of Edinburgh's Own Volunteer Rifles at Basutoland", marked "On Active Service" and "via Wepenaar" at lower left corner, bearing 4d. blue clearly cancelled "4" and with two overlapping Fauresmith c.d.s. at lower right corner; somewhat soiled and battered though one of only two recorded in-going soldier's covers during the "Gun War". Photo

Note: The Duke of Edinburgh's Own Volunteer Rifles took part in all actions during the war. At the time of arrival of this cover the contingent was in camp at Tsita's Nek, having taken part in the Battle of Tweefontein. The Boer authorities allowed their country to be used by colonial forces and all supplies, etc. came up through the Orange Free State. The authorities also agreed to a Base Camp being established on a border farm at Wepener. During the campaign, mail entered and left Basutoland by this route. See "The Transvaal Philatelist, Vol. 38, page viii
As the Orange Free State was not part of the British Empire this letter, carried in the State system, was charged 4d. inland postage for the journey across to Wepener

provenance:
Gerald Sattin, June 2008

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Estimate
£700 to £900

Starting price
£550