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.