AUSTRALIAN COLONIES, INCOMING MAIL TO THE AUSTRALIAN COLONIES, AUSTRIA

Lot 183		Estimate: $1,700 1871 (6 Oct) stampless envelope from Bruneck to Bairnsdale, Victoria, endorsed 'Via Brindisi' and with Villach and Triest backstamps, but then sent back west overland to Marseilles. With 'FR/2F96c' accountancy handstamp, Melbourne and Bairnsdale (JA 20 1872) backstamps, and oval 'MORE TO PAY' with mss 2/6 inserted. A fascinating cover, and believed to be one of only two known incoming covers with this accountancy handstamp, ex Hugh Freeman
Lot 184		Estimate: $850 1877 (20 Nov) cover to Bairnsdale, Victoria, franked with 10kr Franz Josef pair and single tied by Meran cds, with Bologna, Brindisi and Melbourne transit backstamps, and Bairnsdale arrival cds (JA 6 78). Fine and attractive. The addressee, Alfred William Howitt, was an experienced bushman who led two parties in search of the Burke & Wills Expedition, and later made gold discoveries on the Dargo and Crooked Rivers (biographical notes enclosed with lot)