1877: Telegraph 6 pence grey, plate 1, lettered PD, Spray wmk. sideways, perf. 14, good colour and perforations mostly fine, tied by duplex “HASTINGS JY 24 79” to an envelope sent to Chakrata, India, endorsed “Via Brindisi”. Reverse, transit cds “ORE JY 24 79”, “SEA POST OFFICE AUG 1” and arrival “CHAKRATA 17 AUG”. Minor wrinkling to envelope slightly affecting adhesive and a couple of short perforations at top. Fine and scarce transitional 6 pence India & Far East rate; the use of a Telegraph stamp as postage is uncommon.
Note: UK granted a special concession transitional rate of 6d for such mail directed via Brindisi from 1 April 1879 to 31 January 1880.
