£2500.00

Cyprus 1879 (AU 8) printed "On Her Majesty's Service" envelope (with embossed Royal arms on flap), addressed to "Somerset French Esqre, British Postmaster, Larnaca", franked by GB 1878-80 1d rose-red plate 218, with small corner fault.

Tied by "969" numeral with NICOSIA despatch circular date stamp alongside and LARNACA arrival backstamp for the same date.

A rare and important 1d inland rate cover, exceptionally neat and clean. The "969" numeral postmark, used in Nicosia, is particularly important as it was the only one used which was not similar to those which had previously been used at post offices in Great Britain.

A similar cover from the Cruttwell collection realised £2,700 + premium (Argyll Etkin 9/03/07, lot 1113).

Great Britain assumed the administration of Cyprus on 11 July 1878. The stamps of Great Britain at the time were supplied to the various post offices as they opened. British stamps continued to be used until the Cyprus administration assumed responsibility for the postal service on 1 April 1880.

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