Lot 70003 – 1851 (Sep 17) Small envelope from Torquay to London and then on to Mauritius, franked GB 1851 1d red

1851 (Sep 17) Small envelope from Torquay to London and then on to Mauritius, franked GB 1851 1d red tied by ‘803’ Torquay barred oval and ‘MAURITIUS/GPO/SP.17.1851’ crowned circle with unframed black ‘Ship Letter’ alongside, cover small faults; detailed certificate Louis (2020)Rate: The 1d paid the local postage rate within London and readdressed and forwarded to Mauritius with no postal charges raised because addressed to Blyth brothers which owned their own fleet of vessels providing regular service between Mauritius and London, this special status granted free ship letter postage in Mauritius (see Peter Ibbotson page 22) Only three GB line engraved covers are recorded to Mauritius, as a Blyth brother free ship letter it is unique. A rarity of Mauritius postal history.Provenance: Chand 2000 (Exhibited at British Library).