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Auction: 23028 - Stamps and Covers of India and South East Asia
Lot: 353

(x) Malaya
Straits Settlements
Covers and Cancellations
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
1955 unstamped envelope to Australia, marked "Dropped overboard from S.S. New Australia near Cocos Is., Indian Ocean. 11/5/55"; the envelope a little damaged. A most remarkable item. Photo

Note: On 11th May 1955 a bottle was dropped overboard about 70km. south of Cocos Island from the SS New Australia bound for Fremantle.

The bottle contained three addressed envelopes, and a message to the finder requesting the letters be sent on, and advising there would be a suitable reward.

The current in this part of the Indian Ocean flows northward from the west coast of Australia, turns west south of Cocos then flows south south west towards Madagascar at about 5km.

The bottle was picked up on a beach at Lavocaine, St. Brandon Is., Mauritius on 3 May 1956 having travelled some 3,000 miles in just over 11 months. This envelope was the only one of the three which was still legible. The finder, Mr. Leon Capdor duly returned the cover to the addressee.

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

Sold for
£200

Starting price
£200