Lot 70588 – 1880 (Aug 25) envelope from Zanzibar to England with India 1866-78 4a green and 1/2a tied

1879-82 Second Cancellation under the Bombay Circle: The first obliterator and datestamp were replaced in August 1879 with a duplex cancel similar to those used in other Indian Post Offices.

1880 (Aug 25) envelope from Zanzibar to England with India 1866-78 4a green and 1873 1/2a blue tied by fine strike of the “BRITISH / P.O. / ZANZIBAR” “B” duplex (type KD4), paying the 4 1/2a UPU rate via England (1st Feb 1880- 1st Jan 1890), reverse with Aden transit and Darwen arrival, some minor cover imperfections, fine.

Note: Despite the wording on the postmark, it was not a British Post Office. Its status as an Indian P.O. was clear, but there may have been political reasons for stressing ultimate British authority at a time the “scramble for Africa” was in full swing.