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Lot No. 225

Auction No. 18
Category Airmails
Est. $600
Status SOLD $600

 

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1932 (2nd Jan) Melbourne to Darwin & then over-carried to Germany. Plain env addressed to "GU Allan c/o Plane Atlantis Darwin" with Australia" added in red crayon with 3d Airmail tied by bold Darwin NT cds. Perth 31 AU 37 b/s & endorsed in pencil, "In this condition at the time of discovery in the Perth Office of this DEPT" & initialled. Complete with a photocopy of PMG letter dated 8th Nov 1937 sent with it to Allan, c/o Qantas in Brisbane, explaining the 5 year delay in delivery. Relevant paragraphs incl, "was discovered in the Perth (WA) Mail Room on 31/8/1937 after the opening of the incoming foreign mails which included despatches from Germany" and "It has been definitely established that the envelope in question was duly delivered with other correspondence to Captain Bertram on his arrival in Darwin and it is assumed was carried by him to Germany from which country it was returned to this service after a lapse of nearly five years.". Allan was his co-pilot from Melbourne to Sourabaya. Torn flap, some staining around stamp & pin holes top left but full of character & fascinating with PMG's dedication to delivery after 5 years. Only 12 carried. Sold Leski in 2003 for $1160. AAMC 240 (Plate 3)

 

Image represents the entire lot.