Lot 71193 – 1892 (Jan 4) envelope from Lamu to HMS Edinburgh in the Mediterranean Squadron at Malta

1892 (Mar 28) envelope from Lamu to HMS Edinburgh in the Mediterranean Squadron at Malta (Dundas correspondence), with 1890-95 2 1/2a black on yellow-buff paying the single 2 1/2a rare to Europe, tied by clear Lamu code A squared circle ds with further strike adjacent, reverse with Aden transit and Malta arrival, redirected to Syra (Syros, Greece) with Malta despatch on front, ex Rossiter (1983, lot 62).

Note: The sender was Captain F. G. Dundas R.N. who was engaged by the Imperial East Africa Company in March 1891 to command the Company’s stern-wheel steamer “Kenia” to explire the Tana and Juba rivers, which at the time were seen as highways into the interior for the opening up of commerce. This cover was addressed to his son when he was in Lamu while the “Kenia” underwent a re-fit after the Tana expedition and before departing in April for the Juba. Only 5 covers are known from the Dundas correspondence.