Lot 60487 – 1843 (Apr 17) Entire with rectangular “SHIP LETTER / (crown) / WESTERN AUSTRALIA / PAID” handstamp of Bunbury

1843 (Apr 17) Entire headed “Australind” & signed “W Pearce Clifton”, sent to England “p Phantom to Mauritius” (endorsed within), light strike of rectangular “SHIP LETTER / (crown) / WESTERN AUSTRALIA / PAID” handstamp of Bunbury, date filled in by hand, reverse with boxed Calcutta Ship Letter ds in red and “LIVERPOOL / SHIP” ds, some typical age-related soiling and stains.

This is the earlier of only two recorded covers bearing the Ship Letter handstamp (the other being from five years later & in red), carried per “Phantom” which departed from Port Leschenault (later Bunbury) on 20/4/1843 directly for Mauritius, ex Dr Cecil Walkley and David Mace.