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Aden: Early Military Mail: The Earliest Recorded Entire Originating from Aden, 1839 entire endorsed ''Soldier's letter/overland'' headed ''Camp Aden, June 15th 1839'', written by Private James Burn of the 5th Company, Bombay Regiment, European Infantry, to his mother in Ireland with sender's endorsement and countersignature of commanding officer, showing ms. ''3d.'' charge paid by recipient, with scarce double arc ''INDIA/F'' Falmouth receiving mark on reverse, expected slight age/climatic staining. In this fascinating letter Burn provides an account of the capture, writing ''My Regiment are now in camp in place which the Honourable Company never had before we took it by a siege on the 19th of January last after about six hours fighting as it is a seaport town we had six of the Company's frigates and cruisers who with their cannon demolished the Garrison walls, and then the troops landed and drove the enemy out of the town''. Photo.

Aden: Early Military Mail: The Second Earliest Recorded Entire Originating from Aden, 1840 soldier's letter endorsed ''Over Land via Falmouth'' headed ''Cape Aden Arabia/Febry. 12th 1840'', written by 2nd Corporal Charles James of the Engineer Corps to his parents in Worcestershire, with sender's endorsement and countersignature of Lt. W.J. Western, Executive Engineer, rated ''1''(d.) in ms. prepaid at under 1/2oz. rate (changed from single sheet stipulation on Jan. 10 1840) with London Mar. 23 receiving marks on reverse, a little soiled and repaired. James reports that he had been sent ''to the 1st Bombay European Regiment by sentence of a Line Court Martial that was for beating some native police in the city of Poonah. Immediately after joining my Regiment I was sent on an expedition to Aden with the British Consul Captain Haines and one Engineer officer to reconnoitre that part of Arabia. The Bedouin arabs would not let us land. We were then joined by H.M. Ships of War Volage & Cruiser, and the Honbl. Compy's Ships of War Coote and Mahie and bombarded the town for abour 41/2 . . . when the firing ceased from the shipping the European infantry and foot infantry landed and stormed the town and took it at bayonet point after about 1 hour's running fight with the Arabs''. In recognition of his actions that day James was restored to his former rank. Ex Sattin. Photo.

Aden: Early Military Mail: 1840 soldier's letter ''Via Falmouth'' to his father in Suffolk, with instruction for addressing return mail ''Overland/To/Private John King/6th Compy. 1st European Reg/Aden Arabia/or Elsewhere'', with sender's endorsement and countersigned by commanding officer Capt. Thomas Tapp, showing handstruck ''1''(d.) charge at privileged rate paid by sender to commanding officer and red London ''C/27 JY 27/1840'' receiving mark, with disinfection slits and staining from treatment, a little fragile with side flaps missing. The Bombay European Regiment had taken part in the 1839 capture of Aden and did not return to Bombay until 1841. Photo.

Aden: Early Military Mail: The Only Known Soldier's Letter Specifically Routed Via Aden, 1845 (Sept. 29) entire sent from Umballa to Bristol showing only recorded example of ''UMBALLA/Aden (ms.)/OVERLAND'' oval handstamp, large part strike in red, with sender's endorsement and routing ''Per Steamer via Bombay and Aden'' countersigned by Lt. Col. Brooke, commanding officer of the 1st Brigade, Horse Artillery, showing red ''INDIA'' in oval and handstruck ''2'', the message reporting deaths by cholera, a little stained and fragile. In accordance with British G.P.O. Instruction no. 27 (Sept. 1845) arrangements had been made for conveyance of mail from Aden to Bombay by steam vessels of the East India Company with letters to Bombay from London carried by the Calcutta Packets, a similar arrangement with transfer of mails at Aden operating for the reverse journey. Photo.

Aden: Early Military Mail: 1849 entire written by naval officer Louis Ford, headed ''Hon'ble Company's/Steam Frigate ''Queen''/Aden/May 27th 1849'' whilst the ''Queen'' was on patrol between Bombay and Suez, to his sister in London, endorsed ''Via Marseilles'' with message indicating intention to mail in Suez, rated ''1/8'' in ms. for carriage from Egypt, travelling on the ''Indus'' to Malta, where disinfected, and thence to Marseilles on the ''Medina'', with Alexandria June 13 transit, disinfection cachet and London June 23 arrival marks on reverse. Photo.

Aden: Early Military Mail: The Only Recorded Example of the 2s.3d. Rate From Aden, 1850 (Mar. 9) entire to Scotland rated ''2/3'' for double rate (1s. for Red Sea routing, 5d. overland + 10d. French entitlement) and endorsed ''via Marseilles'' in ms., signed by Lt. Col. Walter Hamilton, commanding officer of the 78th Highlanders, and containing an order for tartan cloth and forage caps, with ''CR'' handstamp of Caledonian Railway and backstamped Alexandria Mar. 21, London Apr. 1 and Stirling Apr. 2. Photo.

Aden: Early Military Mail: 1882 sailor's envelope to Birmingham, endorsed ''From M. Sullivan, Skilled Carp. Mate/H.M.S. ''Ruby'', Aden, E. Indies'', initialled by commanding officer, franked by G.B. 1881 2d. pale rose cancelled ''14'' barred oval, Aug. 11 arrival backstamp, some minor tones. Unlisted in ''The Michael Sullivan Correspondence 1874 & 1882 to 1885'' by G.J. Ellott (2007). Photo.

Aden: Captain Haines: 1842 (Aug. 18) entire to Birmingham written and signed by Captain Haines, ''Post-Captain in the Indian Navy'', previously enclosing a letter from the addressee's son who Haines expects to ''return to Aden in about 2 months'', showing full strike of double arc ''INDIA/F'' in red struck at Falmouth, with Oct. 12 arrival backstamp. Photo.

Aden: Captain Haines: Early Mail for Zanzibar, 1851 One of the earliest recorded items inward to Zanzibar, 1851 stampless envelope from his home town of Colmar in France addressed to the 'drogman-chancelier' to the French Consul in Zanzibar, Emile Kuhlmann, ''Care of Captain Haines/Political Agent à/Aden'', showing red framed ''PD'', Colmar Oct. 25 1851 despatch, with Paris next day and Alexandria transit marks on reverse, the cover carried onward from Aden by private vessel with ms. receiving note of May 25 1852. Photo.

Aden: Pre-Stamp Marks: The Boxed ""Bearing"" Marking (Type PS6): Large part entire to Kent showing good strike dated ''Decbr 1841'' in ms., endorsed ''via Falmouth'' and rated 1s. paid on arrival with Jan. 19 datestamps on reverse. One of just three known examples of the 'Bearing' mark sent prior to 1842. Photo.

Aden: Pre-Stamp Marks: The Boxed ""Bearing"" Marking (Type PS6): Privileged Mail, 1850 entire to Calcutta endorsed ''Gough'' at lower left and containing interesting three page letter written and signed by Lord Gough, retiring Commander-in- Chief, India, on board a westbound vessel whilst returning to England and posted to Aden where it received a fair strike of the Bearing mark, this realised struck in error on arrival of the item in Bombay where red oval ''BOMBAY/1850 Febry. 18/FREE'' applied and boxed Bombay Bearing mark on reverse deleted in ms., red Paid counterpart added, and signed ''Walker''. Hugh, 1st Viscount Gough (1779-1869), a veteran of the seizure of the Cape of Good Hope and the Peninsular Wars, had been Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in China during the First Opium War. As Commander-in-Chief, India, he had defeated the Mahrattas in the Gwalior Campaign and commanded the troops at the battles of Mudki, Ferozeshah and Sobraon during the First Anglo-Sikh War and at the batlles of Ramnagar, Chillianwala and Gujarat during the Second Anglo-Sikh War. Gough had retired from active service but under the 1837 India Post Office Act was still entitled to free postage. Photo.

Aden: Pre-Stamp Marks: The Boxed ""Paid"" Marking (Type PS1): 1846 (Jan. 9) missionary's entire in Italian addressed by Father Antonio Bonagiunta Foguet to the President of the Central Council of the Capuchin Propagation of the Faith in Lyon, with fine early strike in red, ''8as'' added in ms. with ''16'' rating noted for French inland postage, showing Maltese disinfection slits and cachet, red Paq. Ang. 1/Marseille Feb. 9 transit c.d.s. and with Alexandria Jan. 22 transit on reverse. Father Foguet of the Servants of Mary, former Secretary of the Apostolic Delegate in Syria, arrived in Aden in August 1841 after the mission in Jeddah became unsafe and was appointed Vice-Prefect of the Aden mission in 1844 when Father Serafini was recalled to Italy, going on to build a school and an orphanage. Photo.

Aden: Pre-Stamp Marks: The Boxed ""Paid"" Marking (Type PS1): Fair strike in red on 1846 large part entire to Bordeaux originating in Mauritius with large red Mauritius Post Office despatch on reverse, despatched ''p ''Juliana''/Via Aden'' with Maltese disinfection cachet, Paq. Ang. 1/Marseille June 7 transit c.d.s., ''19'' rating added for French internal postage, and backstamped Alexandria June 8, Bordeaux June 20 arrival. Carried on the ''Precursor'', Achilles'' and HMS ''Acheron''. Photo.

Aden: Pre-Stamp Marks: The Boxed ""Paid"" Marking (Type PS1): 1850 (Jan. 28) missionary's entire endorsed ''By Suez Steamer'' with fair strike in red (slightly oxidised), ''8as'' added in ms. partially overstruck by Maltese disinfection cachet, also showing ''10'' ms. local rating, and showing on reverse Alexandria Mar. 10 transit and Mar. 20 arrival. A fascinating seven page letter in French telling of the activities of missionaries in both Aden and Ethiopia, including reference to Monsignor (now Saint) Giustino de Jacobis, addressed by Father Luigi Sturla to the President of the Central Council of the Propagation of the Faith in Lyon and incorporating a transcription of a letter in Italian received from Monsignor Massaia, under whose care as the head of Apostolic Vicariate of Galla, Ethiopia, the mission of Aden was now attached. Monsignor, later Cardinal, Lorenzo 'Guglielmo'' Massaia (1809-1889) was the former personal confessor of Prince Victor Emmanuel and the first vicar-apostolic of the mission in Ethiopia. During his thirty-five years as a missionary he was exiled seven times, but always returned. The process of his canonisation has commenced and he is currently referred to as a ''Servant of God''. Photo.

Aden: Pre-Stamp Marks: The Boxed ""SHIPLETTER"" Marking (Type SL2): 1850 (Nov. 28) fine strike in red with ''1a'' added in ms. on entire to Bengal via East India Co. vessel, with Bombay Bearing mark on reverse for 2a. and ms. ''14'', being double rate for carriage by dawk overland to Calcutta. Photo.

Aden: Pre-Stamp Marks: The Boxed ""SHIPLETTER"" Marking (Type SL2): Improvised envelope to Bombay via East India Co. vessel, addressed in Arabic and English, showing good strike in red with ''1a'' added in ms., black Bombay Bearing mark alongside charging 2a. Photo.

Aden: The Circular ""B.P.P."" Markings: 1846 entire from New York to Canton, China, showing fine early strike of the rare type PS2 Paid mark in red, with letter dated July 31 and listings regarding the import of tea, sent by forwarding agent as it was not possible in the U.S. to prepay postage beyond the U.K., thus additionally showing light strikes of framed ''POSTAGE PAID/TO DESTINATION/-BY-/HARNDEN & Co/-OF-/LIVERPOOL'' in black and ''PAID/H & Co'' in circle in red alongside, Hong Kong Oct. 17 double arc transit on reverse. Without further markings as first carried privately, probably on the ''Hibernia'' from Boston to Liverpool, only entering the official system at Aden from where carried to Galle on the ''Precursor'', to Hong Kong on the ''Lady Mary Wood'', apparently thereafter again by private vessel. Photo.

Aden: The Circular ""B.P.P."" Markings: Fine strike of the type PS7 Bearing mark in black on 1858 stampless letter addressed in Hindi to Bombay, 4a. marking added in ms., with handstamped ''St. Bg/As. 4'' in circle receipt for payment, Apr. 3 despatch and and Apr. 10 double arc datestamps on reverse, the outer wrapper slightly damaged. Ex Hibbert. Photo.

Aden: Privately Contracted Ship Mails, The Earliest Recorded Entire from Aden to the U.S.A., 1846 entire sent by sailor William Hadley to his sisters in Nashua, New Hampshire, headed ''Aden Arabia January 12th 1843'' and endorsed ''In care of/Mr Samuel Shippen'' with ms. ''1''(s.) paid for this service and showing straight line ''SHIP'' and ''SALEM/JUN 9/Mass'' receiving c.d.s. both in red. Hadley writes, ''There is an opportunity for me to send by the Bark Laplata, Capt Hamblet, which will sail for Zanzibar and Salem in a few days, but probably she will not reach Salem before June'' and continues with interesting comments on Zanzibar and Aden. Ex Jerone Hart. Photo.

Aden: India 1854 Issues Cancelled Diamond of Dots (Type K1): The Largest 1a. multiple used in Aden, 1854 1a. red, die I, horizontal strip of six [pos. 42-47] with close to large margins, two just touched, tied by fair to fine strikes of 'diamond of dots' to reverse of cover to Bombay showing good, slightly faded, strike of Aden boxed ""SHIPLETTER"" marking (type SL2), the cover a little fragile with some faults. R.P.S. certificate (1997). Photo.

Aden: India 1854 Issues Cancelled Diamond of Dots (Type K1): The Only Known Use of the 1854 2a. on Cover from Aden, 1854 entire from the 'Kuhlmann' correspondence, sent by 'drogman-chancelier' to the French Consul in Zanzibar, Emile Kuhlmann, to his parents in Colmar, with 1854 2a. green block of four just tied by good to fine strikes of 'diamond of dots' and blue Alexandria Feb. 1(?) 1855 double arc transit to reverse. The entire headed ''Zanzibar le 29 Xha 1854'' and endorsed ''Overland Mail'' with pale strike of boxed Aden Paid mark in red, Marseilles transit and handstruck ''10''(décimes), the block of four stained from additional gumming and affixed over flap resulting in block being torn horizontally on opening. The message containing news of Kuhlmann's safe return to Zanzibar after a period of convalescence in Aden and the illnesses that had affected the Consul, Pierre Joseph Crocquet de Belligny, and his wife in Kuhlmann's absence, written in haste as he has encountered ''un marin américain sur le point de quitter à la voile pour Aden'' (an American sailor on the point of sailing for Aden)''. Illustrated in ''Zanzibar's Postal Legacy'' by G. DuBro, p. 31. Photo.

Aden: India 1854 Issues Cancelled ""124"" Numeral: 1a. red die I with fair strike partly overstruck by London Paid d.s., 1a. dull red die II, 2a. green (2, one slightly toned), each with fine inverted strike and B.P.A. certificate (2000, on buff), margins vary, 4a. blue and rose-red, head die III, frame die II, cut to shape, with fine upright diagonal strike. (5) Ex Jerone Hart. Photo.

Aden: India 1854 Issues Cancelled ""124"" Numeral: 1a. deep red, Die I, cancelled fine upright strike with horizontal ink lines, touched each side, 1a. red, Die I, with fair strike, close to large margins, pressed creasing. Ex Jerone Hart. Both with B.P.A. certificate (2000, on buff due to 'poor' condition). Photo.

Aden: India 1854 Issues Cancelled ""124"" Numeral: 1a. deep red, Die II, touched each side, and 1a. dull red, Die II, with good to very large margins, each with good to fine inverted strike, slight thinnings. Ex Jerone Hart. The latter with B.P.A. certificate (2000, on buff due to 'poor' condition). Photo.

Aden: India 1854 Issues Cancelled ""124"" Numeral: 2a. green with fine sideways strike, good regular margins, slight imperfections. Ex Jerone Hart. The latter with B.P.A. certificate (2000, on buff due to 'poor' condition). Photo.

Aden: India 1854 Issues Cancelled ""124"" Numeral: 2a. green horizontal pair with good to fine inverted strikes, good to large margins three sides, left stamp cut into at top, very rare multiple. Ex Jerone Hart. Photo.

Aden: India 1854 Issues Cancelled ""124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1854-55 4a. blue and red, head die II, frame die I, pair paying 8a. per 1/2oz. rate, cut to shape each side and cancelled by good to fine strikes on reverse of 1855 (Oct.) small envelope to Bombay endorsed ''Aden 10 Octbr./55'' and ''Stamped'' with fair strike of scarce boxed Aden Paid in red, carried on the ''Norna'' with Oct. 23 arrival backstamp, opened for display and slightly trimmed. The latest recorded use of the boxed Aden Paid handstamp. Ex Hornal. Photo.

Aden: India 1854 Issues Cancelled ""124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1854-55 4a. blue and red, head die III, frame die II, cut to shape, on small envelope to Camp Belgaum (addressee name obscured), cancelled by good strike with light circular Aden B.P.P. mark (type PS2) in red alongside, indicating usage at this time not just as a receiving mark, with double arc ''SP 12/1857'' (type D1) despatch, transit and arrival (Sept. 23) datestamps on reverse, the 4a. paying reduced per 1/2oz. introduced on Jan. 1 1856 with ''1'' added in ms. indicating pre-payment of ship letter charge due at port of arrival having been carried by Indian naval vessel or private ship. Photo.

Aden: Crater Office: The ""124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1855 4a. black on blue glazed paper, cancelled by good strike on envelope (opened for display) to Scotland with double arc (type D1) ''OC 23/1856'' despatch and Greenock Nov. 22 arrival on reverse and showing framed ''INDIA PAID'' in red and ms. ''6''. Photo.

Aden: Crater Office: The ""124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1856-64 2a. orange strip of three tied by three good to fine strikes of ''124'' and red Paid ''DE 30/59'' arrival to entire to London ''via Marseille'' with double arc ''DE 11/1859'' (type D1) despatch on reverse and showing framed ''INDIA PAID'' (type PS3) in red. Carried on the ''Colombo'' to Suez, overland to Alexandria and thence to Marseille on the ''Valetta''. Interesting historical message written and signed by Robert Stirling Newall on his arrival aboard the ''Imperador'' having laid the first submarine telegraph cable from Suez to Aden with intention of extending the cable to Muscat and Kooria Mooria where Newall hopes to meet with business partner Gordon who was overseeing the laying of the cable from Karachi. Photo.

Aden: Crater Office: The ""124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1865 (Feb. 4) to London franked 4a. black and 1868 (Oct. 17) to Bombay with 2a. orange pair (slight surface scrapes), two envelopes with mainly fair to good ''124'' cancellations and single arc (type D2) despatch backstamps, some cover faults.

Aden: Crater Office: Late State of ''124'' cancellation at Crater Office (Type K3), covered in cloth due to excessive wear, eight fair to fine strikes in blue cancelling 8p. purple and (on the reverse) 1a. brown block of eight (4 x 2) on 1869 (Nov. 22) envelope to Sussex ''via Marseilles'' with type D1 double arc despatch datestamp, the block additionally tied by Brighton Dec. 13 arrival, slight staining at top. Rate from Apr. 1 1868 was 8a.8p. R.P.S. certificate (2011). Photo.

Aden: Crater Office: The framed ""INDIAUNPAID"" Marking (Type UP1): Fine strike on 1858 (June 12) stampless missionary's entire in French from Father Giovanal to the President of the Central Council of the Capuchin Propagation of the Faith in Lyon, with ms. ''1/-'' and handstruck ''8''(décimes) rate markings, red Pays. Etr. v. Suz June 28 transit in red and, on the reverse, double arc despatch and June 28 arrival. Father Sturla had been succeeded as Prefect earlier this year by the Spanish Capuchin Father Giovanal of Tortosa, who came from Bombay. Before 1862 it was optional for mail to France to be prepaid. Photo.

Aden: Crater Office: Early Registered Mail: The Earliest Recorded Example of Registered Mail from Aden, 1857 (Dec. 28) cover registered to Bombay bearing 4a. black on blue glazed paper pair (faults) cancelled good to fine ''124'' with ms. ''1/-'', circular Aden B.P.P. Paid (type PS2) and straight line ''REGISTERED LETTER'' (type R1) handstamps in red (slightly oxidised) at left, backstamped double arc (type D1) despatch and blue Jan. 6 1858 arrival. According to 1855 Indian P.O. Regulations ''A letter on a fee of 4 annas could be registered by a postal official with distinctly written words ''Registered Letter'' on it. The payment is to be made in Cash, in addition to the postage''. Photo.

Aden: Crater Office: The Boxed ""Paid"" Marking (Type PS1): Late strike on reverse of 1868 (Aug. 13) envelope to London ''Via Marseilles'', used at Crater Office in lieu of a datestamp and signifying that payment had been made, with rare strike of Aden Steamer Point unframed single c.d.s. (type D3 being type KD3 duplex adapted and recorded in use for less than a year) alongside, both in red, franked by 2a. yellow and 6a.8p. slate cancelled by slightly indistinct ''124'' cancellations in blue and additionally tied red London Paid arrival of Aug. 31. Photo.

Aden: Aden Cantonment: The ""125"" Numeral (Type K5): A fine strike in blue tying 4a. green to piece from O.H.M.S. wrapper. A short-lived cancellation recorded only between Apr. and Oct. 1871. Photo.

Aden: Aden Cantonment: The ""125"" Numeral (Type K5): 1871 'Henslowe' envelope to Norfolk ''via Southampton'', franked by 2a. orange and 4a. green die I tied by two fine strikes of ''125'' in blue with fine Aden Cantonment ''JU 8/71'' c.d.s. (type D3) in blue on reverse with Lynn July 4 arrival alongside, rare and attractive. Photo.

Aden: Aden Cantonment: The ""A/124"" Duplex (Type KD7): Two fine strikes ''OC 15/72'' unusually incorporating year slugs, together with type D4 Cantonment c.d.s., tying 4a. green die I (2) to envelope to London ''Via Brindisi'' at 8a. rate, showing red London Paid Oct. 28 arrival c.d.s. Photo.

Aden: Aden Cantonment: The ""A/124"" Duplex (Type KD7): Two very light strikes ''DE 16/72'' without year slugs cancelling 2a. orange block of four (lower pair damaged) on reverse of envelope at 8a. rate to London ''Via Brindisi'' and showing fine framed ''INDIA PAID'' in blue (type PS3, two months later than recorded by Proud), the duplex strikes weak and so further attempts made to obliterate by pen and ink with block finally overstruck by Dec. 30 arrival. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1859 (July 11) envelope to U.S.A. carried by Transatlantic steamer, bearing 2a. orange, 4a. black (2), peripheral imperfections, slightly overpaying 9a.6p. rate, tied by three fine ''124'' strikes with fine framed ''INDIAPAID'' (type PD3) in red below, Aden Str. Point Paid (type PD2) on reverse, also showing London Paid transit Aug. 6, ''16'' accountancy mark in ms. and large New York Am. Pkt. Aug. 5 receiver. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): Circular Aden B.P.P. Paid marking (type PD1) with ms. ''4'' on 1860 (June) flimsy entire to Capt. Prendergast of the 5th Light Cavalry at Campbellpur, Punjab, bearing 4a. black cancelled by fine ''124'' with Aden Str. Point Paid despatch (type PD2) on reverse in red (showing ''JA'' month date error) partially overstruck by Lahore transit, red Bombay Paid alongside. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1860 (June 9) envelope to Edinburgh ''Via Marseilles'' franked at 8a. rate by 4a. black pair (horizontal filing crease and trimmed at foot) tied by ''124: cancellations (one fine) with framed ''INDIAPAID'' (type PD3) in red at left, Aden Str. Point Paid (type PD2) and June 27 arrival on reverse. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1860 (Dec. 6) attractive small envelope to Ireland by scarcer routing ''Via Marseilles'', bearing 2a. dull pink and 4a. black paying 6a. rate, tied by fine if light ''124'' cancellations, ms. ''4'' rating and superb framed ''INDIAPAID'' (type PD3) in red at left, crisp Aden Str. Point despatch (Type D2) and Moira Dec. 28 arrival backstamps. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): The 'Layard' Correspondence, 1864 (July 17) envelope to London ''Via Marseilles'' at 6a.8p. rate bearing 8p. purple, 2a. yellow and 4a. grey-black, some trimmed perfs., cancelled by good to fine strikes of ''124'' with framed ''INDIAPAID'' (type PD3) in red below, Aden Str. Point ''JY 17/64'' single arc (type D2) despatch and red Aug. 1 arrival backstamps, the cover numbered ''25'' in the correspondence. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): Telegram Services Cairo-Bombay, 1864 (Dec. 5) printed envelope ''TELEGRAM/Per ALEXANDRIA CAIRO & SUEZ TELEGRAPH'' used to Bombay bearing Great Britain 1s. green pl. 1 tied by slightly smudged ''124'', with Aden Str. Pont despatch backstamp (type D2). Rare, only three examples known bearing 1s. value. Due to the lack of early success in establishing a reliable telegraphic service between Cairo and Bombay, it was accepted practice for telegraph companies to place messages in such envelopes which were normally cancelled by the British office in Suez. Onna few occasions they were bagged and placed on an opportune vessel heading directly for Bombay via Aden, where the bag was offloaded and processed, receiving the Steamer Point ''124'' as cancellation. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): Circular Aden B.P.P. Paid marking (type PD1), fine strike in red on 1865 (Apr. 18) cover to Bombay, franked on reverse by 4a. black pair cancelled by two fair ''124'' with Aden Str. Point despatch (type D2) and oily arrival alongside. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1865 (Aug. 18) small envelope to Pennsylvania, U.S.A., bearing 4a. green strip of three cancelled by good to fine strikes of ''124'' overstruck by Sept. 18 New York large receiving mark, carried by British packet with London Paid Sept. 15 transit over ''1/5'' in ms. (annas-sterling conversion rate), backstamped Aden Str. Point despatch (type D2), scarce and attractive. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1865 (Oct.) small entire to Lisburn, Ireland headed ''Moottan'' on the Red Sea, Thursday 12/Oct 65'' (travelling between Suez and Calcutta), without routing instruction and therefore sent at 4a. rate via Southampton paid by 1a. brown strip of three (crossed by filing fold) and single cancelled by good to fine individual strikes of ''124''. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1866 (Jan. 11) envelope unusually to Réunion by ''Voie Anglaise'', franked by upper marginal 8a. pale carmine cancelled by good ''124'' with ms. rating ''10'' and framed ''INDIAPAID'' (type PD3) at left, backstamped Aden Str. Point despatch (type D3) and Saint-Denis Jan. 22 arrival. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1866 (Mar.) envelope to Madras franked 1/2a. pale blue pair and 1a. brown strip of three cancelled by poor to fair ''124'' strikes and tied by ms. ''Stamped'' to discourage theft of adhesives, framed ''INDIAPAID'' (type PD3) apparently in black (heavily oxidised red) below, backstamped Aden Str. Point despatch (type D2), Bangalore transit and Mar. 27 arrival. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1866 (Mar. 6) rare envelope to Ceylon, endorsed ''Paid'' and bearing 4a. green cancelled by good ''124'' and tied by Aden Str. Point single arc datestamp (type D2), both in blue, with Bombay Mar. 18 transit, redirected from the Survey Department to Dimbula showing Galle Unpaid (Mar. 31) Colombo Unpaid (Apr. 1) and Dimbula Unpaid (Apr. 2) datestamps, the last struck over ms. ''1d'' charge. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1866 (June 19) envelope to the wife of railway engineer Harry Higginson in Mauritius with enclosed letter headed ''Gulf of Aden'', the sender en route from Seychelles, franked by 8a. carmine with good ''124'' cancellation and red framed ''INDIAPAID'' (type PD3), sent shortly before rate increase to 8a.8p. with ms. ''10'' noted on arrival, backstamped Aden Str. Point despatch (type D2) and July 7 receiver. Higginson (later Chief Railway Engineer in New Zealand) was involved in the controversy surrounding the dodo bones discovery at La Mare aux Songes the previous year and left Mauritius later in 1866. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): One of three recorded examples of the Boxed Ship Letter (type SL3) showing ms. 12a. rating, good strike on 1866 cover (slightly foreshortened at left) to Bombay bearing 2a. orange (paying internal India rate for 1/2 tola-1 tola weight) cancelled good to fine ''124'' with framed three line Bombay Ship Letter mark charging 1a. (fee for inward letter to Indian port by private ship), ms. ''13'' total charge due, Aden single arc (type D2) ''16 DE/66'' despatch and Dec. 31 arrival backstamps. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1868 (Apr. 4) 5a.8p. rate to France paid by 2a. orange and 8p. purple pairs, just tied to cover by good to fine strikes of ''124'' with French receiving d.s. and framed ''P.D.'' below, backstamped Aden Str. Point despatch (type D2), transit and Gy Apr. 20 arrival. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1868 (July 25) scarce packet rate envelope to Fort Bombay franked 2a. yellow cancelled by fine ''124'' with single ring Aden despatch (type D4) and arrival backstamps. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Numeral (Type K2): 1870 colourful entire from India to Mauritius via Aden with good strike of rare Aden Steamer Point c.d.s. ''AP 2'' (without year date) with ''PAID'' removed (type D5, being PD2 adapted) in red, sent from Cocanada Feb. 1 franked on reverse at double rate by 8p. pair and 4a. strip of three, other transit and Apr. 15 arrival datestamps. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The framed ""INDIAUNPAID"" Marking (Type UP2): 1859 (Feb. 1) stampless entire originating Dec. 28 1858 in Saint-Denis, Réunion, addressed to Bordeaux endorsed ''Suez'', showing fine strike of the framed ''INDIAUNPAID'' with rare Aden Str. Point Bearing c.d.s. (type UP1, in use for less than two years) showing ''59 FE 1'' reversed date slugs, and with handstruck ''8'' (décimes) French internal rating, Feb. 19 red receiving mark, Cette à Bordeaux T.P.O. and Feb. 21 arrival datestamps, filing folds. Before 1862 it was optional for mail to France to be prepaid and accountancy marks were not required as no credit was payable to the British P.O. One of just three recorded examples of the Aden Str. Point c.d.s., in use for less than two years - see also following lot. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The framed ""INDIAUNPAID"" Marking (Type UP2): 1860 (Jan. 7) stampless entire to Nantes endorsed ''Suez'', showing fine strike of the framed ''INDIAUNPAID'' with rare Aden Str. Point Bearing ''7 JA 60'' c.d.s. (type UP1) and showing handstruck ''8'' (décimes) French internal rating, Jan. 27 red receiving mark, Paris à Nantes T.P.O. and Jan. 29 arrival datestamps. Before 1862 it was optional for mail to France to be prepaid and accountancy marks were not required as no credit was payable to the British P.O. One of just three recorded examples of the Aden Str. Point c.d.s., in use for less than two years - see also previous lot. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The framed ""INDIAUNPAID"" Marking (Type UP2): 1873 stampless envelope to Milan ''Via Brindisi'', sent from the French Consulate in Zanzibar showing ms. endorsement at left and light strike of Consulate cachet on reverse. Consular mail was entitled to free postage but the light strike appears to have been unseen (or unrecognised due to faintness of strike) in Aden and a fine strike of the framed ''INDIAUNPAID'' applied alongside Steamer Point ''NO 3/73'' c.d.s. (type D8), with ms. ''18'' rating, Italian 1870 postage due 40c. pair and 1l. affixed and cancelled on arrival ''14/NOV/73'', Sea Post Office and Brindisi transit backstamps, weak manuscript later reinforced. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: Early Registered Mail: 1865 scarce envelope to Freeport, Maine, U.S.A., franked by 2a. yellow (5) and 4a. grey-black paying 10a. postage + 4a. registration fee, cancelled by mainly fair to good strikes of ''124'' overstruck by U.S. receiving mark having been carried by American vessel, with framed ''INDIAPAID'' (type PD3), London Paid July 17 transit, ''16/CENTS'' accountancy mark (UK-U.S.A. credit), ''1/5'' in ms. (annas-sterling conversion rate), all in red, attractive. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Duplexes: Framed ''124'' in diamond with solid corners from type KD6 duplex, a superb strike on 1868 8a. rose, die II, unusually in red, this colour normally reserved for Paid markings. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Duplexes: Framed ''124'' in diamond with solid corners type KD6 duplex, good to fine strike tying 8a. rose (2) to 1872 (Aug. 9) double rate envelope to Scotland ''Via Brindisi'' with Glasgow Aug. 28 arrival on reverse. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Duplexes: Steamer Point type KD7 duplex, with year slugs, fine strike on 1873 (May 1) mourning envelope to London tying 4a. green pair paying 8a. single rate, with red London Paid and Paddington May 17 arrival backstamp. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The ""A/124"" Duplexes: Steamer Point type KD7 duplex, fine strike without year slugs tying 8a. rose die II (damaged corner), the adhesive also initialled, to 1874 (Apr. 27) envelope ''Via Brindisi'' to London with May 11 arrival on reverse. Very scarce, in use for just 26 months. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The Circular Receiving Datestamp (Type D6): Rare use as cancellation in black ''10 OC/70'' tying 6a.8p. grey to envelope to London ''Via Southampton'' with Nov. 19 arrival backstamp, the adhesive additionally tied by ms. ''Stamped''. The only recorded example of this usage. Photo.

Aden: Steamer Point: The Circular Receiving Datestamp (Type D6): good strike of this short lived datestamp, used in red as ''DE 30/71'' receiving mark on reverse of incoming P. & O. Co. envelope ''pr French Packet'' from Suez bearing Cérès 40c., Napoléon 20c., 80c., cancelled gros chiffres ''5105'' with Sept. 23 despatch, some faults. Photo.

Aden: Early Incoming Mail: The Earliest Known Inward Letter from the U.S.A., 1856 stampless envelope with enclosed letter addressed to ''Capt. Horace B. Putnam/Aden/Arabia/Asia (On board the Bark Argentine)'' from his wife Rachel in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Feb. 19 with large despatch c.d.s. and straight line ''PAID'', handstruck ''24'' in red, ms. ''1'' and ''45/''(ditto)'', red Mar. 11 London Paid transit and, on the reverse, Boston Feb. 22, New York Am. Pkt. Feb. 23 and Aden Apr. 13 double arc arrival datestamp (type D1). The diary of Rachel Hurd Putnam, 1855-56, in which she writes affectingly of her daily life whilst her merchant captain husband was at sea, is now held in the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachussetts. Photo.

Aden: Early Incoming Mail: 1859 stampless envelope from U.S.A. addressed to the roving commission merchant ''Gustavus Tuckerman Jr. Esq./''Passenger Overland''/Post Office, Aden'' with Boston Paid Jan. 26 despatch and London Paid Feb. 7 transit (over red ms. ''34'') datestamps, carried on Cunard vessel ''Niagara'' at ''39''(c.) rate noted in pencil, with slightly indistinct Aden Str. Point Paid receiving backstamp type PD2 and privately forwarded to Penang with endorsement ''N.J. Kindman's complts./Aden May 23d 1859'' and, on the reverse, June 15 receiving note. Photo.

Aden: Early Incoming Mail: 1861, an exceptional quadruple rate long envelope from the 'Cursetjee' correspondence from Mauritius to Aden endorsed ''pr Str. ''Ottawah'' and franked at 4s. rate by 1859-61 1s. vermilion horizontal strip of four cancelled ''B53'' barred ovals, with ms. ''2/-'', backstamped ''JU 6/61'' despatch and light strike of Aden Str. Point ''18 JU/61'' arrival (type D2) on reverse. Photo.

Aden: Early Incoming Mail: 1863 to 1928, selection of five covers or cards, from France, French Indo-China 1881 franked 5c., 15c. pair with Ligne N datestamps, G.B. 1863 franked 6d. with Grindlay & Co. forwarding agents' cachet, 1928 11/2d. lettercard with added 2d. and airmail etiquette to Dar-es-Salaam with Aden transit, and India.

Aden: Early Incoming Mail: 1884 envelope from London addressed to a ship's carpenter at Aden franked 1880-81 5d. indigo tied by ''JA 25/84'' duplex, unusually redirected to Brisbane, Queensland, showing on reverse type D17 ''FEB. 9'' receiving c.d.s. and type D16 (with year date) for ''13 FEB. 84'' re-despatch, further transit and arrival marks but undelivered, receiving framed ''NOT CALLED FOR'' and red Advertised Unclaimed, having also been refused by Gibbs, Bright & Co. Photo.

Aden: Early Incoming Mail: 1914 incoming registered cover from Peitaiho, China, franked Republic 10c. pair, addressed to Cpl. G. Hopkins of the 1st Royal Irish Rifles, reverse (slightly damaged) showing type R9 Aden Reg ''AU 21/14'' receiving datestamp. Photo.

Aden"" The 'All India' Period: Steamer Point G.P.O.: 1877 envelope originating in East Africa with Sea Post Office D ''8 JUN'' backstamp, posted at Aden June 10 with 1a. brown and 4a. green tied by good type KD8 ''B-22'' duplex (short hyphen), addressed to Clemens Denhardt in Berlin with July 2 arrival. An important figure in the history of East Africa during the scramble for territory, Clemens Denhardt (1856-1917), together with brother Gerhard and Gustav Fischer, undertook his first expedition through the Tana River region in the following year, 1878. Photo.

Aden"" The 'All India' Period: Steamer Point G.P.O.: 1881 (Feb. 23) large Luke Thomas & Co. printed envelope ''Via Brindisi'' to London, franked at 50a. rate for a 5oz. item (likely containing documents) by 1a. brown (2) and 2a. orange (24, four pairs and two strips of eight) tied by poor to good strikes of type KD10 ''B'' duplex, with red Mar. 7 London Paid arrival, slight creasing and three vertical filing folds, this the greatest multiple use of the 2a. from Aden. Photo.

Aden"" The 'All India' Period: Steamer Point G.P.O.: Good to fine ''SEP. 6'' strike of type KD11 ''B'' duplex tying 2a. orange to large part front from soldier's letter ''via Brindisi'' to London, from Gunner S. Claydon of the 16/8 Royal Artillery countersigned by commanding officer, with part reverse showing Tottenham ''SP 19/81'' arrival. Photo.

Aden"" The 'All India' Period: Steamer Point G.P.O.: 1885 (Dec. 23) O.H.M.S. envelope franked Official 1a. strip of three tied by B-22 duplex (type KD11), addressed and signed by Major Hunter, First Assistant Political Resident, to Lord Reay, Governor of Bombay, with Sea Post Office A Dec. 17 c.d.s. (the datestamp being set in Bombay at the beginning of the trip and not changed until the ship's return) on reverse. Ex Jerone Hart. Photo.

Aden"" The 'All India' Period: Steamer Point G.P.O.: 1887 (Feb. 25), 1905 (Oct. 15), two covers to London with fair to good type K13 ''B'' in square of bars cancellations, the first franked 1/2a. blue-green, 4a. olive-green, additionally tied by ink crosses, and with Cantonment despatch backstamp, the second registered bearing K.E.VII 1a. (3), showing ''R'' in circle (type R5) and on reverse type R8 c.d.s.

Aden"" The 'All India' Period: Steamer Point G.P.O.: Fine strike of scarce small ''B'' in circle of bars (type K14) cancelling 1895 (Dec. 14) German 10pf. stationery card with printed message ''Reichspostdampfer ''Oldenburg''/im Roten Meer December 1895./HERZLICHEN GLÜCKWUNSCH/zum/NEUEN JAHR!'', unusually addressed to Jersey with fine type D27 c.d.s. at left. Photo.

Aden"" The 'All India' Period: Steamer Point G.P.O.: 1898 (Apr. 11) German 10pf. stationery card to Frankfurt cancelled by fine strike of scarce small ''B'' in circle of bars (type K14) and blue pencil cross, with scarce type D29 c.d.s., large framed ''PAQUEBOT'' (type SL5, state 1), Marseille transit and Apr. 23 arrival, some bends. Photo.

Aden: The 'All India' Period: Aden Camp/Cantonment: 1877 (Jan. 28) entire at printed matter rate from noted merchant Cesar Tian to Réunion, redirected to Mauritius, with 1a. brown cancelled by good Aden Camp (21mm) ''B-22/I'' duplex (type KD9), Tian personal datestamp and ''1d./TO PAY'' due marking at left, Aden type D13 Jan. 28 c.d.s. below, Mauritius Feb. 19 receiving mark on reverse. Photo.

Aden: The 'All India' Period: Aden Camp/Cantonment: 1880 (Nov. 24) 9pi. Soldier's and Seamen's Envelope sent by Pte. G. Street of the 62nd Regiment to Hampshire, countersigned by commanding officer, cancelled by fine ''B'' in square of bars (type K11) with type D6 Aden Camp c.d.s., showing ''DE 16/80'' Southampton Ship Letter c.d.s. and ''T'' in circle (ms. charge 45c. at right), subsequently deleted, Sea Post Office and Fareham arrival backstamps, a little creased and soiled. Photo.

Aden: The 'All India' Period: Aden Camp/Cantonment: Aden Cantonment c.d.s. (type D8) used in conjunction with fine ''B'' in square of bars (type K11) cancellation tying 4a.6p. green to 1887 (June 23) Prince of Wales Regt. envelope ''via Brindisi'' to London with Sea Post Office E June 21 and July 11 arrival c.d.s.'s on reverse, fine strikes. Photo.

Aden: Registered Mail 1878 to 1936: 1880 (Jan. 20) envelope registered to Sussex bearing a colourful combination of 1a. deep brown (2), 2a. orange (2) and 4a. blue-green (2) paying 14a. rate (double 5a. rate + 4a. registration) cancelled by fair to good strikes of scarce ''B'' in square of horizontal bars (type K12) with Aden c.d.s. alongside, London transit in red, and showing boxed four line ''REGISTERED'' handstamp (type R3) on reverse. Photo.

Aden: Registered Mail 1878 to 1936: 1883 large official envelope from the Italian Civil Commissariat in Assab, Eritrea, with Consulate cachet at left, addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Rome ''via Brindisi'', registered from Aden bearing 1a. brown-purple and 3a. orange pairs, 1r. slate strip of three tied by five mainly good to fine strikes of ''B'' in square of bars (type K11) cancellations with Aden Cant. Dec. 4 type D7 c.d.s., ''R'' in circle (type R8) and three line boxed Aden Camp Registered handstamp (type R6) alongside, the 56a. total paying nine times single 6a. rate + 2a. registration fee, backstamped Sea Post Office Nov. 30 and Dec. 21 arrival, part flap missing. With disinfection slits due to cholera pandemic known to have been disseminated by pilgrims returning from Mecca. Photo.

Aden: Registered Mail 1878 to 1936: 1884 large official envelope from the Italian Civil Commissariat in Assab, Eritrea, addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Rome ''via Brindisi'', sent from Aden bearing 1a. brown-purple pair, 4a. pair and block of eight (4 x 2) tied by fair to good strikes of ''B'' in square of bars (type K11) cancellations with Aden Cant. Feb. 21 type D7 c.d.s. alongside, backstamped Sea Post Office D Feb. 15 and Apr. 23 arrival, the 42a. total paying seven times single 6a. rate, some adhesive faults due to creasing and disinfection slits introduced due to cholera pandemic known to have been disseminated by pilgrims returning from Mecca. Sorani certificate (1998). Photo.

Aden: Registered Mail 1878 to 1936: 1884 (June 14) Eastern Telegraph Co. Ltd. Telegram envelope registered to Mauritius bearing 2a. orange and 1a.6p. sepia pair cancelled by two fine strikes of scarce ''B'' in square of horizontal bars (type K13) with Aden c.d.s. (type D16), boxed four line ''REGISTERED'' handstamp (type R3) and ''R'' in circle (type R5) at left, oval ''26 JU 84'' receiving mark in red, most attractive. Photo.

Aden: Registered Mail 1878 to 1936: 1884 (Aug. 12) envelope registered to Modena bearing 2a. orange and 3a. orange tied by fine ''B-22'' type KD11 duplex with boxed four line ''REGISTERED'' handstamp (type R3) and ''R'' in circle (type R5) below, originating elsewhere with ''SEA/POST OFFICE/E/5 AUG 84'', transit and Aug. 22 arrival backstamps, also 1882 (Apr. 13) with 3a. and 4a. cancelled type K9 duplex with R3 handstamp and London arrival below. (2 items) Photo.

Aden: Registered Mail 1878 to 1936: 1885 (July 2) Eastern Telegraph Co. Ltd. Telegram envelope registered to Mauritius bearing 1/2a. blue pair and 4a. blue-green tied by two good to fine strikes of ''B'' in square of horizontal bars (type K13) and Aden c.d.s. (type D16), with boxed three line ''REGISTERED'' handstamp (type R4) and ''R'' in circle (type R5) at left, oval ''26 JU 84'' receiving mark in red. Ex Murray Graham. Photo.

Aden: Registered Mail 1878 to 1936: 1887 (Oct. 11), 1899 (Feb. 26), two registered covers with fair to good ''B'' in square of horizontal bars (type K13) cancellations, the first (a little fragile and damaged but with original enclosure) to Bombay with 3a., 4a. (2), Aden c.d.s. and boxed three line ''REGISTERED'' handstamp (type R4) and ''R'' in circle (type R45) at left, the second an Indian 2a. stationery envelope cancelled by fine Aden Reg. c.d.s., type R6 with added 1a., used to London.

Aden: Registered Mail 1878 to 1936: The Only Recorded Use on Cover from Aden of the Queen Victoria 3r., 1903 (Dec. 7) large registered and insured cover to Yokohama bearing 6a. olive-bistre (corner fault), 8a. dull mauve and 3r. brown and green cancelled by ''B'' in square of bars (type K13) with type R5 ''R'' in circle at left, showing on reverse type R8 despatch, Kobe transit, Jan. 29 arrival and Aden Coal Company red wax seals. The cover endorsed ''Value insured for Thirty Pounds'', this corresponding to 450r. for which a fee of 45a. (9a. per 100r.) was due, ''79g.'' (2.78oz.) weight of item noted in ms. which, at the 21/2a. per 1/2oz. U.P.U. rate to Japan, totalled 15a., these together with the 2a. registration fee creating the need for this exceptional 62a. franking. Photo.

Aden: Registered Mail 1878 to 1936: The Only Recorded Aden/Yemen Mixed Franking, 1904 large registered cover to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Rome, sent from the Italian Consulate at Hodeida bearing Ottoman Posts 1901 20pa. magenta pair and 5pi. yellow-buff tied by fine strikes of Hudeida bilingual c.d.s., supplemented by India 1902 2a.6p. ultramarine block of eight (4 x 2, pair at right slightly faded) added at Aden for 31/2oz. weight and registration fee, cancelled by fair to fine strikes of ''B'' in square of bars (type K13), with ''R'' in circle (type R5) alongside, and showing on reverse Aden Reg. ''JU 14/04'' c.d.s. (type R8), Rome June 25 arrival and good impression of Consulate red wax seal on reverse A great rarity. All registered mail from the Yemen was obliged to pass through Aden at this time. Photo.

Aden: The Squared Circle Datestamps: Small Aden Cantonment Squared Circle (type KD12), fine strike cancelling 1884 (Sept. 9) 9pi. Soldier's and Seamen's Envelope to Ireland, sent by Col. Sergt. R. Welch of the West Riding Regt., countersigned by commanding officer, backstamped Sea Post Office F Sept. 3 and Naas Sept. 22 arrival. Photo.

Aden: The Squared Circle Datestamps: G.P.O. first type (four bars in each corner) KD17, mainly fine strikes from 1885, cancelling 1/2a. and 4a. on (Apr. 10) envelope to London and India 11/2a. stationery card sent (Oct. 11) to Hamburg, the former with Sea Post Office D backstamp, the latter originating from Zanzibar with Sea Post Office F c.d.s.

Aden: The Squared Circle Datestamps: Official Mail, 1887 (Dec. 13) O.H.M.S. envelope, addressed and signed by Adam G.F. Hogg, Political Resident, to Lord Reay, Governor of Bombay, franked by ''On/H/M.S.'' 1a. brown-purple and 2a. orange tied by fair to good strikes of type KD18 squared circle with Sea Post Office B Dec. 8 c.d.s. on reverse. Also Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department envelope to New York and On Postal Service envelope registered locally to HMS ''Pigeon'', both stampless with framed ''ADEN' office of origin handstamp, the latter (some creasing) with ''JL. 11/96'' type R7 backstamp. (3 items) Photo.

Aden: The Squared Circle Datestamps: 1889 to 1894, selection of five items variously addressed and cancelled by good to fine Aden squared cycles (KD18/20, three bars in each corner), comprising 1889 (Feb. 13) 11/2a. stationery card to Danzig, 1890 (Jan. 6) to Montana with 1a.6p. strip of three (and enclosed letter), (Mar. 10) envelope to Germany with 1/2a. and 2a. additionally tied by Aden Coal Co. framed cachet in blue (the only recorded example), 1891 (Aug. 30) 1/4a. postcard locally addressed, and 1894 (July 18) 2a.6p. on 2a. envelope to Berlin.

Aden: The Squared Circle Datestamps: Small Aden Cantonment Squared Circle (type KD12), fine strikes cancelling 2a.6p. yellow-green on 1891 (Oct. 13) envelope to London with Oct. 26 arrival backstamp, and East India Service 1/4a. stationery card (rare usage, only two recorded) sent from ''Crater Position/28th Sept 92'' to the officer commanding the Kings Regt. at the Isthmus, three fair strikes cancelling 9p. pair and 1a. on 1891 (Dec. 30) New Oriental Bank Corporation Ltd. envelope (torn on opening) to Melbourne, the adhesives additionally tied by Bank's cachet in blue. (3 items) Photo.

Aden: The Squared Circle Datestamps: Large Aden Camp Squared Circle (type KD13), fine strike cancelling 1894 (Feb. 21) 9pi. Soldier's and Seamen's Envelope (late usage) to Birmingham, sent by Bandsman J. Martin of the 2nd Battalion Gloucestershire Regt., handstamped countersignature of commanding officer, backstamped Mar. 6 arrival. Photo.

Aden: The Squared Circle Datestamps: 1894 (Apr. 12) India 1a. on 11/2a. stationery card addressed unusually to Turks Islands, cancelled by fine type KD20 squared circle with ''MY 23'' arrival alongside and London May 1 quartered circle ''L'' in red at left, written from the P&O vessel ''Oleana''. Photo.

Aden: The Circular Datestamps: Fine strike of Aden-Cant thimble c.d.s. (type D11) ''NO 7/88'' cancelling scarce On H M's Service 1/4a. postcard used within Aden with G.P.O. type D18 c.d.s. and showing on reverse violet Treasury Office double oval datestamp. Photo.

Aden: The Circular Datestamps: Insured Mail, Registered single circle datestamp, type R6 thimble ''FE 4/89'' on registered article receipt, larger type R11 tying 6a. to 1911 (Sept. 20) Cudos Watches advertising envelope registered and insured (for £1.10s.) to London with ''INSURED/(VALEUR DECLARÉE)'' and registration labels, Jamshedjid Lakdawalla red wax seals. Photo.

Aden: The Circular Datestamps: Double circle datestamps, first small type (KD21) cancelling 1a. on 1903 picture postcard to French Polynesia and 2a.6p. on 1904 envelope to Massachusetts, larger types with time of delivery, type KD22 cancelling K.E.VII 1a. on 1907 picture postcard to Bloemfontein and on 1908 stampless card to France (also showing unframed ''T'' mark type UP6 with French 10c. postage due affixed and cancelled at Bar-sur-Seine), and type KD24 cancelling K.E.VII 1a. on picture postcards 1910 to Manila (with Penang to Singapore transit) and 1910 to Somerset, good to fine strikes. (5 items)

Aden: The Circular Datestamps: Parcels, Single circle datestamp (type PP2), a good to fine strike tying K.G.V 12a. (paying 6oz. gross weight) to 1913 (Dec. 3) customs declaration form for prepaid duty on consignment of cigarettes with part Foreign & Colonial Post, red and purple 'France Droit' and C.G. Varcados & Co. despatch labels, full U.K. Parcel Post resealing label, a rare item. Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Adhesive Inadmissible Manuscript Marking, Straits Settlements 2c. and Ceylon 5c. stationery cards posted at Aden and unaccepted, showing ms. ''0'' markings at corners (U.P.U. instruction for inadmissibility), the former sent 1892 (July 20) to the Netherlands with 2a.6p. added and correctly cancelled, the latter 1893 (June 20) back to Ceylon with ''T'' in triangle and two different Ligne N datestamps.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Advice of Receipt, The ''AR'' marking in double circle (type AR2), a fine strike and very early use, seven years earlier than recorded by Proud, on 1892 (Sept. 14) envelope registered to Trieste, with Aden Cantonment registration handstamp (type R6), franked on reverse by 2a., 2a.6p. and 3a. tied by good to fine Cantonment squared circles (type KD12) with Sept. 24 arrival alongside. Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Deposit Room and Delivery Markings, 1896 incoming Portuguese India 1t. postal stationery card from Saligão (July 17) with receiving c.d.s. and fine Aden Dep. thimble (type DP1) of July 30; 1914 incoming picture postcard from Pasewalk, Germany, with both Aden and Aden Camp ''DELY'' c.d.s.'s (types DY2) of May 4 timed ''8.30.AM'' and ''2 30PM'' respectively. (2 items) Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Postage Due, 1896 (May 7) underpaid cover from Aden to Hodeida, Yemen, with fine ''T'' in circle (type UP5), and bearing on reverse 1/2a. blue-green tied by Aden Camp c.d.s. (type KD14), same day G.P.O. type D26, charged on arrival by Ottoman P.O. with 1892 1pi. dull blue affixed and cancelled. A very rare combination. Ex Parker. Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Postage Due, Small ''ADEN/15 AU 04/UNPAID'' in green (type UP11), with framed two line ''FOREIGN POSTAGE DUE/1 ANNA'' (type UP19) and ''T'' in circle (type UP5, late use a year after Proud) with receiving c.d.s. on incoming picture postcard from Malta, sent from Valletta Aug. 1 bearing 1/2d. Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Postage Due, Small ''ADEN/12 OC 05/UNPAID'' (type UP11) unusually in violet (only two seen), with two fair to good strikes of framed two line ''FOREIGN POSTAGE DUE/1 ANNA'' (type UP19) and unrecorded bold ''T'' in hexagon, with receiving c.d.s., on incoming picture postcard (real photographic of Morestead) from Twyford, Hampshire, bearing 1/2d. Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Postage Due, Fine framed ''FOREIGNPOSTAGE DUE/1 ANNA'' two line marking (type UP19) and good octagonal ''ADEN/27 AUG 28/UNPAID'' (type UP13) on underpaid picture postcard from Kent bearing 1d. with British hexagonal ''T/10/258'' below. Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Postage Due, Framed three line ''SHIP LETTER/POSTAGE DUE/ONE ANNA'' (type UP55), fair strike, and fine boxed ''REFUSED'' (type I13) markings, on India 1/2a. stationery envelope registered to Aden from Nusseerabad Nov. 8 1888 with added 1a. (3, one removed), arriving Nov. 21, readdressed to Zaila arriving Nov. 29 but ''Refused'', sent back to Aden (Dec. 3) and returned via Sea Post Office A (Dec. 5) to Nusseerabad (Dec. 15). Rare markings. Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Redirection, Framed ''REDIRECTED'' marking (type I9), good strike on 1894 envelope (large part flap missing) from Calcutta Dec. 5 to homeward bound P&O passenger, franked 1a. pair tied by squared circles and crossed by ink lines, redirected by request to Surrey with Camberley Dec. 26 arrival, large part flap missing. Fewer than ten covers recorded. Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Redirection, Framed ''REDIRECTED'' marking (type I9), fine strike on 1898 envelope sent from Ceylon, sent June 28 from Galle franked 5c. (additionally tied by ms. line), arriving July 12 and re-despatched same day to Meerut, India, transit and arrival (July 25) datestamps incl. scarce ''ADEN/DEP'' thimble (type DP1) and Indian circular ''OVERLAND POSTAGE/DUE/A-P/3-6''. Fewer than ten covers recorded. Photo.

Aden: Instructional Markings: Redirection, Unframed ''réexpédié'' italic marking (type I10), fine strike on Barbados 1d. stationery card cancelled by June 13 1896 bootheel duplex, arriving July 6 and re-despatched same day to London from where sent on to Isle of Wight with Holt & Co. forwarding agents' cachet in violet. A scarce mark, fewer than ten examples having been recorded. Photo.

Aden: World War I Censorship: 1916, 1917, interesting selection of four covers comprising 1916 (Aug. 20) to U.S.A. franked 2a.p. with fine first type straight line ''PASSED BY CENSOR, ADEN'' in violet with ''Opened by Censor.'' label on reverse, two to England with scalloped circular mark in purple numbered ''AB-105'' franked 1/2a. (flap missing) and 1/2a. pair respectively, and 1917 from New York unusually to Cheren, Eritrea with mark numbered ''A 156'', two strikes of ''OPENED BY CENSOR.'' on reverse after resealing, and two line Eritrean censor, undelivered and returned.

Aden: Maritime Markings: Aden-Bombay Sea Post Office, Selection of covers and cards from 1881 to 1912, showing mainly good to fine strikes of Sea Post Office c.d.s's from offices A, B or C, used as cancellation or transit markings, incl. type D6 on reverse of 1881 envelope from U.S.A. to India, type KD7 code A (1908) and B (1912) tying India 1a. to picture postcards to Dutch Guiana and Germany respectively, etc. (12 items)

Aden: Maritime Markings: Aden-Bombay Sea Post Office, Framed ''SEA P. O A.. SET.'' registration handstamp in purple, light to fair strikes on three G.B. 3d. registered envelopes one (slightly fragile) type 1 (R6) sent 1904 (2) or type 2 (R7) 1907 to India. Very scarce markings, fewer than a dozen examples believed to exist. Photo.

Aden: Maritime Markings: Austrian Lloyd Co., 1899 (Jan. 19) picture postcard of the camel market written in Aden and addressed to Silesia, franked 1a. cancelled by ''LLOYD AUSTRIACO/XXXIII'' c.d.s. with additional strike at left with Piroscafo double oval cachet on picture side, all in blue. Photo.

Aden: Maritime Markings: German Seapost, 1890 to 1914 selection of ten stationery or picture postcards variously addressed and showing Aden datestamps, the cards or adhesives cancelled by c.d.s's of Australische Hauptlinie (2), Ost-Afrika Linie (2), Ost-Africanische Hauptlinie (3) or Ost-Asiatische Hauptlinie (3, one also showing Ligne N octagonal d.s.), also Ligne T d.s. on 1895 India 1a. on 11/2a. card from Aden to Berlin and Ligne N cancelling French 25c. on 1890 envelope to Bordeaux with Aden transit backstamp. (12 items)

Aden: Italian Service to Eritrea 1897 to 1901: Boxed datestamp type 1 (1897-99), The Only Known Cover Bearing Strikes from Two Voyages, 1897 (June 3) Austria 5k. stationery envelope addressed to Massaua, uprated by 5k. carmine and 10k. ultramarine and registered from Trieste with registration label at left, showing two good to fine strikes of the rare framed ''POSTE ITALIANE/ADEN MASSAUA'' handstamp dated June 16 and July 21 1897 respectively, the cover having been returned to Rome (July 4) and re-sent. Sorani certificate (1990). Photo.

Aden: Dthali and the 1903 Aden-Yemen Boundary Commission: Stampless envelope to Lucknow endorsed ''On Field Service, Aden Column/No Postage Stamps Available'' by Pte. F.L. Stenning from the first detachment of the 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regt., countersigned by commanding officer, showing two line ''ACTIVE SERVICE/UNPAID'' (type I14) in violet, with ''T'' in circle (type UP5) and circular Overland Postage Due marks, being charged at soldier's rate of 1/2a., showing on reverse Aden ''FE 15/03'' despatch, Feb. 23 arrival and small oval Lucknow Unpaid in green. This cover described on p. 2 of ''Indian Field Post Offices 1903-04: The Aden-Yemini Boundary Commission, The Somaliland Field Force'' by Robson Lowe (1979). Stenning was later killed at Gallipoli in 1915. Ex Barnard. Photo.

Aden: Dthali and the 1903 Aden-Yemen Boundary Commission: 1903 (Mar. 23) two mainly fine strikes of Experimental P.O. B.84 c.d.s (type D1, then issued to Nobat Dakim) cancelling India 1a. on 2a.6p. stationery envelope with added 1a. carmine (small corner fault, tied for extra security by ms. line) to pay 2a. double rate, addressed to Hampshire by Lt. H.W.C. Bowden-Smith of the 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regt., redirected to Kent, with Aden Mar. 25, Petersfield Apr. 4 and next day Brockenhurst arrival c.d.s's on reverse. Photo.

Aden: Dthali and the 1903 Aden-Yemen Boundary Commission: 1905, the rare single circle Dthali ''15 SE/05'' receiving c.d.s. (unlisted), a fine example on reverse of incoming envelope addressed to Lt. George Francis Innes Harkness of the Indian Medical Service, Officiating Medical Officer with the 102nd King Edward's Own Grenadiers, bearing Hong Kong 4c. cancelled by Foochow c.d.s., with Foochow Aug. 24 and Aden Sept. 14 transit datestamps. The rarest of all Aden Sub-Post Office markings. One of three known examples. Photo.

Aden: Khormaksar: The Earliest Known Cover from Khormaksar, 1898 (May 15) O.H.M.S. 1a. stationery envelope to Bombay, endorsed from the Clerk to the Aden Troop, cancelled by good strike of ''KHOR-MAKSAR'' type D2 c.d.s. with small date slugs, backstamped Aden Camp, Aden, Sea Post Office and May 24 arrival. The only known cover showing small date slugs. Ex Murray Graham. Photo.

Aden: Khormaksar: 1905 (Apr. 7) envelope to India franked 1a. cancelled by fine small ''B'' in circle of bars (type K1), backstamped ''KHOR-MAKSAR/B.O.'' (type D3) despatch, Aden Camp and Aden same day, Ajmer Apr. 16 arrival, horizontal filing fold and slightly trimmed at left. Photo.

Aden: Maalla: Scarce Delivery c.d.s. ''3 SEP 24'' type DY1 on reverse of 1924 incoming envelope from French Somali Coast sent from Djibouti Aug. 30 franked 75c. addressed to Aden Camp and redirected to Maalla, additionally showing datestamps of Aden G.P.O. type D41 and Aden Camp type KD16 Sept. 1 (seven weeks earlier than recorded by Proud), Aden Camp Delivery type DY2 Sept. 2 and further type KD16 of Sept. 3. Photo.

Aden: Nobat-Dakim: 1904 (Feb.) 'Civil and Military Times' newspaper, with printed address label ''Shaikh Chand, Butler,/c/o Major Pullen, R.A./Nobat Dakin, Aden Column,/Aden'', bearing 3pi. grey tied to newspaper by Ikba-Lganj c.d.s. A rare incoming item to the expedition into the hinterland. Major A. F. Pullen of the Royal Garrison Artillery succeeded Major Davidson as Road Commandant when the latter took command of the Royal Garrison Artillery in Aden, and acted as his staff officer during the expedition against the rebellious Kotaibi hill tribes. Photo.

Aden: Nobat-Dakim: 'Street' Correspondence, 1904 (Feb. 4) fine large part strike of Mobile P.O. type D1 Experimental P.O. B.48 (''84'' accidentally transposed) c.d.s used in Musemir area, cancelling India 1a. on envelope to Hampshire, endorsed from Lance Sergt. A.E. Street of the 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regt., with Aden transit and Farnborough Feb. 24 arrival datestamps on reverse. Photo.

Aden: Perim: 1857(ca.) early front addressed to Perim showing fair Crater Office boxed ""SHIPLETTER"" Paid marking (type SL2) in red (with added ms. value) and bearing 2a. orange cancelled ''124'', with faults but rare. Photo.

Aden: Perim: 1881 4a.6p. stationery envelope to London showing on reverse ''ADEN COAL COMPANY/27 DEC 81/ADEN'' oval datestamp in blue, the envelope cancelled by Aden ''B'' in square of bars ''DEC 28'' duplex (type KD10) with Jan. 9 1882 London Paid in red at left. The only known example of this datestamp and a recent discovery. Photo.

Aden: Perim: 1883 (Sept. 19) company envelope to Bombay franked by 3a. orange cancelled by fine strike of ''ADEN COAL COMPANY LIMITED/19 SEP 83/ADEN'' double oval in blue, overstruck by Aden ''B-22'' duplex (type KD11), with Sea Post Office B Sept. 13 c.d.s. on reverse. One of two known examples of this datestamp. Photo.

Aden: Perim: 1891(ca.) to 1912 selection comprising 1882 3a. tied to piece by double oval ''ADEN COAL COMPANY LIMITED/21 MAR 91/ADEN'' datestamp in blue and Aden squared circle, with Ligne T octagonal datestamp alongside, 1868 8a. and 1876 12a. with part strikes of datestamp, 1895 Egypt 3m. stationery card (faults), 1900 5c. envelope from France and 1901 cover from Port Said franked 1pi. incoming items addressed to Perim, and 1912 postcard to Surrey endorsed ''Off Perim'' bearing Austria 10h. tied by light Hapsburg OE Lloyd mark in violet and Aden c.d.s. Ex Jerone Hart. (7 items)

Aden: Perim: 1901 envelope to Amsterdam with large boxed cachet ''THE PERIM COAL Co,/LIMITED/PERIM ISLAND'' dated ''in 13.10.01/out 15.10.01'' in ms., franked by 2a.6p. green tied by Aden double circle c.d.s. (type KD21), with Amsterdam Oct. 26 arrival. Photo.

Aden: Perim: Scarce incoming picture postcard from Japan to ''Mrs Sara Spence/Perim Island/Via Aden'' franked 4s. tied by Yokohama violet c.d.s. with Aden large double circle ''11 AUG. 13'' type D40 receiving c.d.s. Photo.

Aden: Sheikh Othman: 1912 (Dec. 3) fine strike of type D4 c.d.s. cancelling 1911 1a. with type KD15 Aden Camp same day c.d.s. alongside on picture postcard to Paris. Photo.

Aden: Somali Coast Post Offices: Berbera, 1900 India 1a. on 11/2a. stationery card to Mauritius, cancelled ''B'' in circle of bars (type K1) with fine strike of Berbera ''MA 23/00'' thimble c.d.s. (type D1) below, Curepipe Apr. 16 arrival at left, endorsed from ''Zariba at Syk/16-3-1900'' and return address provided as ''P.A. Carrier Captn./2/B. C. Africa Rifles/SOMALILAND/via Aden'', slight creasing. An exceptional soldier, described by a fellow officer as ''mentally and physically one of the biggest men in the army'', Paul Albert Charrier served in operations against the Ashanti, with the Imperial Yeomanry during the Anglo-Boer War and again in Somaliland with the Somaliland Field Force. He was killed on Aug. 27 1914 at Etreux whilst commanding the 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers in a desperate rearguard action during the retreat from Mons, delaying nine German battalions for fourteen hours with just three companies, would have merited a Victoria Cross under other circumstances. Photo.

Aden: Somali Coast Post Offices: Berbera, 1902 India K.E.VII 1/2a. stationery envelope with added 1/2a. to London, cancelled by fine ''B'' in circle of bars (type K1), showing on reverse fine ''AU 20/02'' thimble (type D1) and Aden Aug. 30 transit (type D27) datestamps, the cover opened and refolded for display. Photo.

Aden: Somali Coast Post Offices: Zaila, 1894 India 1a. on 11/2a. stationery card to Jamaica, cancelled ''B'' in circle of bars (type K1) with Zaila ''JA 13/94'' thimble c.d.s. (type D1) and Aden Jan.16 transit (type D27) alongside, with Kingston Feb. 16 arrival, the return address provided as ''Lieutenant P.Z. Cox/Assistant Political Resident/Zaila, E. Africa/via Aden'', horizontal fold. Sir Percy Zachariah Cox (1864-1957) was deeply involved in the affairs of the Middle East, holding a range of influential positions before becoming British High Commissioner for Iraq from 1920 to 1923. In May 1895, promoted to captain, he was given command of an expedition against the Red Hared clan, which had blocked trade routes and was raiding the coast. With a force of only 52 Indian and Somali regulars and 1,500 poor quality, untrained local irregulars, he defeated the Red Hared in six weeks. Photo.

Aden: Somali Coast Post Offices: Zaila, 1901 India 1a. on 11/2a. stationery card sent to London, by H.Z. Darrah, cancelled ''B'' in circle of bars (type K1) with large Zaila, Somali Coast ''3 DE/01'' c.d.s. (type D2) and Aden Dec. 7 transit (type D29) alongside some staining. Henry Zouch Darrah (1854-1909), later Commissioner for Allahabad, was about to embark on an extended voyage of observation and big-game hunting. Photo.