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Auction: 8029 - Soldiers' Rates of the BE - Gerald Sattin Collection
Lot: 24

Cape of Good Hope Military Mail 1877 (Nov.) envelope "On Special Frontier Service from Private Christian. Prince Edwards Volunteer Guards." at Fort Bowker in Gcalekaland to Ireland, prepaid with 1d. in cash, the stamp being purchased in the Chief Office of the London District Post and cancelled with "E.C./64" duplex, Queenstown arrival c.d.s. (5.1) on reverse; the envelope with crease through adhesive and some faults on reverse though of fine appearance and a most unusual item from the Ninth Frontier War in Transkei. Photo Estimate £ 600-700 Note: War between the Fingo and Gcaleka tribes erupted on 3rd. August 1877. Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of the Cape, sought volunteers in support of the loyal Fingos. Prince Alfred´´s Guard left on 4th. October. A second, commanded by Lt. G. Gordon (who countersigned the above letter) left on 15th. October. It operated out of Ibeka. The letter was written at Fort Bowker, a post just short of the Bashee River, 25 miles from Ibeka. Private Christian was killed in action on 22nd. January 1879 provenance: Bill Hart, 1993

Sold for
£520