Lot 70587 – 1878/79 (Jun 1) envelope from Zanzibar to India with vertical pair 4a green tied by the experimental diamond of bars

1878-79 Experimental Cancellation: After the closure of the sub-office at the British Consul, postal duties were then assigned to a local Parsi shop-keeper, who likewise was unable to meet the growing demands. An investigation by Indian post office officials led to the Zanzibar office becoming an experimental post office, which was maintained for less than 2 months before it became a permanent post office on 9th January 1879. The first canceller used by the newly opened Post Office at Zanzibar was introduced 1st June 1878.

1878/79 (Jun 1) envelope from Zanzibar to India with India 1866-78 4a green vertical pair tied by the experimental diamond of bars (Proud type K2) with Zanzibar JU 1 cds (type D2) adjacent, reverse with Sea Post Office, Aden and Mandvi arrival cds, cover faults and staining with some cosmetic enhancement at lower right, a rare usage of this cancel with only around 30-40 covers known, ex Walkley.

Note: This cover was sent on JU 1 which could be the first day of usage of this canceller, however none of the datestamps have year slugs.