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Auction: 21045 - The Alan Holyoake Grand Prix Collection of British and International Registered Mail
Lot: 321

(x) Australasia
New Zealand
1848 (17 Oct.) entire letter to Devonport marked "Registered Via Sydney'" bearing a very light strike of the Paid at Wellington Crowned Circle, a superb strike of the straight-line "registered" in black applied at Wellington with rate marks of "1/6" and "4"; the reverse with fine strikes of the "wellington/new zealand" despatch c.d.s., London transit and Devonport arrival (21.4); two vertical filing creases do not detract from this attractive and important cover being the earliest recorded example of the registered handstamp

Pays registration 6d. (reduced from 1/- on 28 March 1848) and 4d. for double rate from Auckland to Sydney, 1/6d. for ship letter and U.K. registration to be paid by the recipient.


The Tea Clipper 'Subraon' arrived in Wellington on 5th October 1848, this was one of the fastest ships on the Australia - England run. On 16th October Wellington suffered severe earthquakes. The ship did not leave until 26th October but foundered that evening and wrecked. The mail was delayed for over six months

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,600

Starting price
£1000