India Used Abroad Aden 1880 (2 Nov.) envelope to Guernsey, marked "Via Brindisi", bearing ½a. blue and 4a. green East India cancelled by "B" in bars and Aden circular date stamp and showing Guernsey arrival datestamp (17.11) on reverse.
The historic port of Aden was the former capital of the People’s Republic of South Yemen. The Aden Settlement used postage stamps of British India from 1854 until Aden became a Crown colony in 1937. Aden was one of the main junctions of shipping lines. Letters posted directly aboard vessels were cancelled in Aden to correct the omission of the cancellation at their points of origin.
A nice piece of postal history with a neat franking. Particularly rare with the unusual postal destination of Guernsey, Channel Islands.
Highlights:
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Rare destination: Guernsey is an extremely uncommon postal destination for mail from Aden during this period. Most similar covers are addressed to England or other British colonies.
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Route significance: Carried via the Brindisi route, a faster and more expensive route across the Mediterranean and Italy, reflecting urgency or importance.
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Indian stamps used abroad: Aden was among the select locations using British India stamps prior to issuing its own in 1937. The “B” in bars cancellation is specific to Aden.
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Philatelic importance: Aden served as a critical coaling and mail station on the Suez–India maritime route, adding significant postal history value.
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Condition: Very fine, neatly presented, with well-struck postal markings and intact franking. Minor folds typical of usage do not detract from the appeal.
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