Lot 20598 – The Crown of Bhutanese Philately. 1920ca. The fi

The Crown of Bhutanese Philately. 1920ca. The finest of two existing scarf covers from HRH the King of Bhutan to his friend Sir Charles Bell in Bumthang. Bell was Minister and administrator in Sikkim. Throughout the history of Bhutan – as in Tibet – a runner service existed between the fortified cities of Dzongs and Lamaseries. This is one of only two recorded covers sent by Bhutan’s ruler – the Dharma Rajah of Bhutan, sealed with his red wax seal showing in centre the shape of crossed Dorji. They were addressed « To be offered to the presence of my friend, the five times excellent Bell Sahib, the great Commissioner, from Buntang in Bhutan ». Major exhibition item for a Bhutan collection and one of only two recorded covers (Waterfall)