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Auction: 22020 - The Robin Gwynn Collection of New Zealand
Lot: 241

(x) New Zealand
Great Barrier Island Pigeon Post
Forerunner
1894 (19 Oct.) envelope from Sydney to Dunedin with fine strike of 'saved from wreck of the/ "wairarapa"' handstamp in blue, backstamped 'Auckland' and 'RTPO Dunedin'; a few peripheral faults as to be expected. Offered with a contemporary photograph of the ship under full steam, taken by D. A. De'Maus, Port Chalmers'. A scarce wreck cover

Note: "S.S. Wairarapa" wrecked near Miner's Head, Great Barrier Island on 29th October after the captain ignored warnings from his officers and steamed at full speed in fog into 700 foot high cliffs, there were over one-hundred and twenty casualties. News of the disaster did not reach Auckland until 1st November. The delay highlighted the need for better communications and encouraged the development of the rival Pigeon Post services.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£260

Starting price
£240