Description:

1863 (Aug 22) cover with 'PRIVATE OBSERVATORY/Hobart Town' imprint at lower-left & embossed Tasmanian coat-of-arms on the flap, to London with Imperf 4d dull blue (apparently a Dry Print) & 6d slate-violet (both with full margins, the 6d with minor rounded corner at upper-left) just tied by bars cancels of Hobart, 34mm GPO cds & London arrival cds of OC15/63 both in red, minor blemishes. Most attractive. Carried per "Madras", departed Melbourne 26/8/1863; "Candia" from Galle; & "Euxine" from Alexandria, arrived Marseilles 13/10/1863.



The 10d via Marseilles rate was introduced in GB on 1/6/1863. The first voyage to depart GB after that date was "Poonah", departed Southampton 20/6/1863; completed by "Northam", arrived Melbourne 12/8/1863 & Sydney 14/8/1863. This cover was carried on the first 10d rate "homeward" voyage.