Great Britain S.S. “Rangoon”. 1871 (Oct 6) Cover from London to Melbourne franked 9d, handstamped boxed “MISSENT TO / SYDNEY / N.S.W” and backstamped at Sydney (Feb 21), Melbourne (Feb 27) and with red “D.L.B / VICTORIA” c.d.s (Feb. 27). Stained with some water damage to the address panel, the reverse with a label applied by the addressee, “Recd from son in Melbourne May 13.72. Recovered from the wreck of the Rangoon at the bottom of the sea. w.a.v.”. Also a further small envelope in which the recipient kept this wreck cover. The P.&O. “Rangoon” ran onto rocks when leaving Pointe de Galle harbour on November 1st and sank a few hours later. All passengers and 13 mailbags were taken off before it sank, a further 472 mailbags later being recovered by divers over the next ten weeks, most being returned to London for drying and reconditioning. A wreck cachet was used but only a single cover (see next lot) and a piece have been recorded, this cover being the only other item recorded from this wreck. With a Karl-Albert Louis certificate (1995). Photo on Page 21. £800-1,000 Dealer Argyll Etkin Auction Starting Price: 800.00 GBP (via Philasearch.com: 32nd Argyll Etkin Worldwide Stamps and Postal History - item 9350-A32-76)
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