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Auction: 8029 - Soldiers' Rates of the BE - Gerald Sattin Collection
Lot: 257

Crete 1897 (2 Apr.) envelope "From No. 3864 Pte. F.C. Hinsley 1st. Seaforth Highlanders" from Candia, Crete to Ferozepore, India, countersigned by the Commanding Officer and bearing Austrian Levant 1pi. cancelled with "candia/oesterreichische post" c.d.s., the reverse with Sea Post Office (26.4) and arrival (4.5) c.d.s. The envelope with some faults/defects though a rare and unusual item from the international peace-keeping force in Crete. Photo Estimate £ 300-350 Note: On 8 February 1897 Cretan Christians, supported by Greece, revolted against their Turkish rulers and war between Greece and Turkey ensued. The Great Powers intervened and after Turkish troops withdrew Britain, France, Italy and Russia sent forces to preserve the peace. British zone postal services were under Major Fairholme, Assistant Military Commissioner. The Austrian Post Office at Candia provided an international service for outside the province. A 25 November 1898 circular from Fairholme confirmed that all overseas mail must bear an Austrian 1pi. postage stamp as an Austrian Post Office fee. British Soldier´´s letters were to pass free of postage but paid the fee and should not bear an officer´´s endorsement

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£270