Lot 70589 – 1880 (Sep 21) “Denhardt” envelope from Zanzibar to Germany with India 1866-78 4a green and 1/2a

1880 (Sep 21) “Denhardt” envelope from Zanzibar to Germany 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 and Sea Post Office transits, Zeitz arrivals, some minor cover toning, fine, plus 1/2a, 1a and 2a used singles with the same cancel.

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.