Lot No. 857
| Auction No. | 16 |
| Category |
Pre-decimal Australia |
| Est. | $400 |
| Status | Archived |
1862 Colombo Cover from the shipwreck of the P.& O. Steamer Colombo, which whilst on a voyage between Australia and England, struck Minicoy Island, the most southern of the Laccadives, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean three hundred miles due west of the southern tip of India. It was four o'clock in the morning of 19th November while encountering very heavy monsoon rain that the tragedy occurred. Within a short time the ship was flooded, but all the passengers were safely transferred by lifeboats to the island. They were subsequently rescued by the "Ottawa" on the 30th November. 530 boxes of mail were recovered by divers, mostly over the next 5 weeks, but some were under water for 2 months. Covers emanating from this shipwreck are usually found in very poor condition. Many were so badly damaged that they had to be put in "ambulance" covers & then forwarded to the recipient. All the mail received a boxed two line cachet "Saved from the wreck of the Colombo" either in red or black. This stampless cover has the boxed two line "Saved from the wreck of the Colombo" in black on reverse together with clear Stockton on Tees cds of 24 JA 63 in black while front has London 24 JA 63 "Paid" cds in red. Partial "Sandridge" cancel (missing part where stamps floated off in the wreck) & Sandridge "75" duplex of 25 OC 62. Obviously damaged & reinforced & has been opened out for display. A scarce cover.
Image represents the entire lot.