Autumn Auction

1879 (Aug 23) Envelope from Josephine Bartlett of the Universities’ Mission at Zanzibar sent to England via Aden (31 August) & Brindisi bearing 5a franking tied with second type canceller of the Indian post office of Zanzibar (Bombay circle with “B” in rectangle of 8 horizontal bars and accompanying date-stamp “BRITISH P.O. ZANZIBAR” and without year date), very fine and rare.
This cover is the EARLIEST RECORDED USE of the canceller and was in use from August 1879 until June 1882. The 5a single letter rate to England via Brindisi was in effect from July 1878 until 1 February 1880. Very fine & rare.