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Auction: 25011 - The David Spivack Collection of Queen Victoria Overprinted for use in the Bechuanalands
Lot: 206

(x) Bechuanaland
1888-95 Overprinted "Protectorate"
The Matabele Runner Service
Gubulawayo - Tati - Shoshong - Molepolole - Kanye: 2d. on 2d. lilac and black in a left margin horizontal strip of five, each bearing one of the above postmarks dated 1888 (21 Aug.), with full original gum. A few stamps were cancelled by favour by the postmaster in Vryburg on this, the first day of this postal route. This is the unique proving strip showing all five postmarks. The postmarks gubulawayo/bechuanaland" and "tati/bechuanaland" are only found on these stamps cancelled on this day. A magnificent and highly important item of Bechuanaland and Rhodesia postal history. Photo

provenance:
Spink Auction, March 2002

David Wesseley, May 2010

Spink auction, July 2013


Note: In early August 1888 John Moffat established a runner post service from Mafeking to Gubulawayo. It is believed the word "Bechuanaland" was removed from the Gubulawayo and Tati datestamps in order to avoid offending the Matabele King Lobengula, who had his headquarters in Gubulawayo and claimed the Tati area. It is believed the alterations to the datestamps were done in Vryburg and were never sent to Tati or Gubulawayo in their un-mutilated forms. Examples of the original datestamp only exist cancelled to order, dated 21st August


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

Estimate
£5,000 to £7,000