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Ethiopia

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  • Lot# : 715 Ethiopia

    1832 (April 19): Entire letter, written in readable french by the Explorer Edward Rupert, datelined "Massaua, sur la côte Abyssinienne", with interesting contents regarding the "les mouvements politiques qui savagent les pays voisins, la malice et la perfidie du Naib d'Arkiko..."; and later mentioning archaeological research, the finding and deciphering of inscription (in Amharic) around a medal etc., mailed by Courier probably via Alexandria with framed "LAZZARETTO SAN / ROCCO DI LIVORNO" cachet on reverse in black (displays well) and without charges as mailed to Cataneo, Director of the Imperial Cabinet in Milan. An extraordinarily early and fine entire.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,900 CHF

    Lot# : 716 Ethiopia

    The Captain W. C. Harris Expedition to Abyssinia 1841 (Aug 21): Entire letter written by Lieutenant Sydney Horton to Hesse-Cassel, Germany datelined "Au Camp de Tajurra, Abyssinie", whilst the Expedition was on it's way to Shewa. Presumably picked up by an East India Company ship at Aden and thence to London by diplomatic mail. Disinfected with slits against Cholera, struck with framed London "Paid" in red (Oct 12) and thence via Holland with two line "Engeland  / over Rotterdam" in red and Waldcappel arrival cds (Oct 18) on reverse in black. Inside shows return address: "S. Horton, 49th Foot, care of Messrs. Cox & Co. Army Agents, Charing Cross". An extremely rare entire, believed to be the sole known private letter from this Expedition.
    Note: A treaty of friendship was signed on this mission to Showa between Captain Harris and Sahle Selassie (1813-1847), the King of the Showa. A similar treaty was signed with the French in 1843.
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF

    Lot# : 717 Ethiopia

    1867 (Dec): Large piece franked by India 1860 8 p. purple on white and vertical strip of three 1865 2 a. orange all tied by fine strikes of framed "F.F." obliterator in black and by London datestamp (Jan 20, 1868) in red. A few blunted perforations at right otherwise a fine and rare piece: proving that the Indian stamps and the obliterator were supplied in late 1867 (see footnote on this piece in Sciaky on page 41).
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 718 Ethiopia

    1867 (Dec 7): Early incoming cover to Captain H. B. Elliot of the Sapper's & Miner's attached to the "Field Force, Abyssinia", franked at Officer's rate by India 1866 4 a. green tied by Bangalore duplex and manuscript "Stamped". Reverse with Bombay transit (Dec 11) and fine strike of "FIELD FORCE POST OFFICE / ABYSSINIA" datestamp "29 DE 67" in red. This cover is mentioned in Sciaky on page 41 as one of two recorded arriving at Zulla prior to 1868. Minor vertical bend to the left of adhesive otherwise a fine and very rare cover.
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,700 CHF

    Lot# : 719 Ethiopia

    1868 (March 22): Mourning cover from Captain H. B. Elliot at Camp Mukkun to Bangalore, franked at Officer's rate of 4 annas by India 1866 4 a. green tied by manuscript date "22-3-68" and by faint "F.F." obliterator in black. Reverse with additional strike of "F.F." obliterator in red alongside the "FIELD FORCE POST OFFICE / ABYSSINIA" datestamp "21 MA 68" in red. Bombay transit (April 21) and Bangalore arrival in red (April 26). Rare-just two recorded strikes of the "F.F." obliterator are known in red.
    Provenance: Ex collection "Menelik", Dec 1989, lot 609.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,700 CHF

    Lot# : 720 Ethiopia

    1868 (March 23): Internal Field Force cover, written by Sir Robert Napier from Camp Lat, 263 miles inland from Zulla, to Major Russell at Base HQ in Zulla, endorsed "O. H. M. Service" at upper left and countersigned "Napier" at lower left and struck with "FIELD FORCE POST OFFICE / ABYSSINIA" datestamp "23 MA 68" in red. Reverse with "F.F." obliterator and "FIELD FORCE POST OFFICE / ABYSSINIA" datestamp in red "28 MA 68". Cover opens well for Exhibit display, one of just two known covers with the "F.F." obliterator in red, both being included in this sale.
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,700 CHF

    Lot# : 721 Ethiopia

    1868 (April 8): Stampless cover and complete contents on Bengal Cavalry notepaper, datelined "Camp Antalo", with interesting contents "I have just arrived here to take command of the Cavalry, but today I have been ordered to escort treasure by double marches to Magdala. Napier is within 30 miles of Theodore's Camp.... stamps are not procureable here, so you will have to pay for this, but not extra as it is an Abyssinia letter". The envelope is endorsed "Abyssinian Letter, via Marseilles" and countersigned at lower left. Reverse shows "F.F." and  "FIELD FORCE POST OFFICE / ABYSSINIA" datestamps in black (April 10 and April 15), London cds in red (May 3) and Bristol arrival cds, where charged 10 d. due (Officer's rate via Marseilles). A remarkable and rare cover, stampless covers from this Campaign numbering less than 10 recorded examples.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,800 CHF

    Lot# : 722 Ethiopia

    1868 (May 28): Cover to Cheltenham endorsed at left "Officer's Letter, Brigadier General Stewart, Commanding at Senafe", franked by India 1867 6 a. 8 p. slate, some minor toning, tied by "F.F." obliterator in black. Reverse with "FIELD FORCE POST OFFICE / ABYSSINIA" cds in black "28 MY 68" and Cheltenham arrival (June 14). A scarce cover.
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 723 Ethiopia

    1857: 1 d. rose, wmk. Large Crown, perf. 14; used example on somewhat aged piece cancelled by "F.F." (Field Force) obliterator in black. Extremely rare, believed to be the only such usage on piece; also a defective 6 d. mauve pl. 6 cancelleed by superb strike of the "F.F." obliterataor-the only recorded example on this value. Note: The Field Force did not sell British stamps, the few known used examples were all carried to the Campaign by Officers and Soldiers and accepted by the Post Office at Zulla.  
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 724 Ethiopia

    1865: Indian stamps used with "F.F." (Field Force) obliterator, the collection on leaves with 1860 8 p. (6 examples), 1865 ½a. blue (3, one pair and a single on dated piece), 1 a. brown (8 including a rare block of four), 2 a. orange-yellow (3), 1866 4 a. green (7, including a pair), 1867 6 a. 8 p. slate (7) and rare 8 a. carmine (1). A rare and generally fine collection with most strikes well above average.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 725 Ethiopia

    1858: 1 d. red, plate 78, lettered AA, a used example cancelled by "F.F." (Field Force) obliterator in black. Slight blunted at upper left but rare.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 726 Ethiopia

    1867: 1 pi. red, a used example with part strike of the extremely rare "REGIE POSTE EGIZIANE / MASSAWA" intaglio seal handstamp in black and an 1872 1 pi. red similarly struck.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 727 Ethiopia

    1874/75: Large piece bearing 5 pa. brown, perf. 12½ (eight examples) including two vertical tête-bêche pairs and a horzontal pair all cancelled by "POSTE KHEDEVIE EGIZIANE / MASSAWA" datestamps (10 FEB 78) in black. Extremely rare. Provenance: Ex collection Colonel J. R. Danson, April 1977, lot 516.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 728 Ethiopia

    1872/75: The collection with 10 pa. grey vertical tête-bêche pair with unclear cancellation, typographed 20 pa. blue, 1 pi. red (8 examples) and 2 pi. yellow (4 examples) all showing "POSTE KHEDEVIE EGIZIANE / MASSAWA" datestamps in black; dated between December 1872 and January 1879. Generally fine, a rare selection.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 729 Ethiopia

    1873 (Jan 21): Stampless envelope written in the hand of General Charles Gordon and addressed to Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo, struck with intaglio "POST OFFICE EGYPTIAN KHEDEVIATE - MASSAWA -1871" in black (Maktab Bosta Khedevie Mariye Massawa), Arabic manuscript "From the Hospodar General of the Sudan" at left and fine strike of "POSTE KHEDEVIE EGIZIANE / MASSAWA" datestamp in black. Reverse with "Poste Vice-Reali Egiziane / Suez" transit cds (Feb 2) and faint Cairo arrival (Feb 3). A famous and very rare cover. Provenance: Ex collection Colonel J. R. Danson, April 1977, lot 534.
    Starting bid : 3,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 7,500 CHF

    Lot# : 730 Ethiopia

    1868: Interpostal Seals, Type IV examples in black on green (9, reading Massaua) unused, also 1879 Type VII examples in red (2, Massaouah), Type VIII unused example in red (Massaoua) and Type VIIIA example in red (Massawa). A fine group with letter from Tony Schmidt explaining the six sub-types of Type IV.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 731 Ethiopia

    1879/84: De La Rue issue adhesives (23) all cancelled by "MASSAWAH" datestamp, the selection on leaves with 20 pa. blue pair and single (cancelled in blue-green ink), 20 pa. vertical pair cancelled in black (Oct 1883), two pieces each bearing 1884 issue 20 pa. rose carmine pairs tied by fine strikes in black ((June and October 1885), block of four 1884 20 pa. on 5 pi. green etc. A fine and scarce assembly.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 732 Ethiopia

    1882: 10 pa. bluish grey, the used block of four neatly cancelled by "MASSAWAH" datestamp in black (8 FE 83). Exceptional and scarce on such a fine multiple.
    Starting bid : 120 CHF
    Hammer price : 220 CHF

    Lot# : 733 Ethiopia

    1883 (Oct 16): Cover and original contents mailed back to Cento, Italy from the ill-fated Expedition to the source of the White Nile (all the members of the Expedition were assassinated in October 1884), franked by 1879 20 pa. blue with a further stamp missing, tied by "MASSAWAH" cds in black with repeated strike at lower left. The contents were written on June 15, 1883 at Samara (now Debra Tabor) and the envelope bears two chisel slits for disinfection, Suez transit cds (Oct 27) and Cento arrival cds. Just six covers (two were posted in Hodeida, Yemen) are recorded from this Expedition.  
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 734 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : Proof 3
    In 1893 the Emperor Menelik II sold the concession for running a Post Office and issuing stamps (the Emperor correctly realising his population would not use the service), to Leon Chefneux. The stamps were designed in Paris by Eugene Mouchon and later issued in quantity and sold to the Parisian stamp dealer Arthur Maury. A total of 300'000 sets were issued with the higher values being issued in larger quantities than the lower values. As the face value was in Amharic they could not be accepted by the UPU and thus all mail bearing the first issue was sent via Djibouti. Ethiopia itself only received 135'000 sets of the issue, the balance being held in Paris. 1894: King Menelik II, imperforate Die Proof of the 1 g. blue value on thick white paper. Rare.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 735 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : Proof
    1894: Lion of Judah design, imperforate Die Proof for proposed 1 g. value printed in blue on thick white paper. Rare.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 736 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : Proofs
    1894: Emperor Menelik II, final Die Proofs (6) for ¼ g. value in emerald-green and ¼ g. in blue-green, ½ g. in red, 1 g. in blue, 2 g. in brown as issued and 15 g. in black (unissued), all overprinted "SPÉCIMEN" in black. A fine and rare assembly.
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 737 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : Proofs
    1894: Lion of Judah design, Die Proofs (6) imperforate on thick white paper for 4 g. lilac brown and 8 g. lilac as issued, ¼ g. in green, ½ g. in red, 1 g. in blue, 2 g. deep brown unadopted, fresh and fine, all overprinted "SPÉCIMEN" in black. A rare set.
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 738 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : Proof 7
    1894: Lion of Judah final Die Proof, four imperforate examples on white thick paper in miniature sheet format, a fine and scarce Proof.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 739 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : Essays
    1896: Postal Stationery Essays for the head plate, Die Proofs (3) imperforate on white thick paper, with proposed values of 4 g. in reddish-lilac (2) one being overprinted "SPECIMEN" in red, also a 8 g.  value in lilac similarly overprinted "SPECIMEN" in red. Rare and fine.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 740 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 1
    1894: ¼ g. green, the fresh mint block of four and single example overprinted "SPÉCIMEN" in black, fine large part og.
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 741 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 1/7
    1894: The first issue mint (2 sets) and the set in mint blocks of four, together with 1894 Emperor Menelik II design 4 g. lilac-brown (5), 8 g. lilac (4) and 16 g. black (3) unoverprinted, and a block of thirty five 16 g. black showing "4" year date in interpanneau margin also unoverprinted. These latter stamps or Essays were later utilised for the first Postage Due overprint which was issued in 1905. Scarce and fine selection.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 250 CHF

    Lot# : 742 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 2/7
    1894: The first issue, from ½ g. to 16 g. in complete mint sheets of 150 stamps, separated by vertical and horizontal gutters into 6 panes of 25 stamps (5 x 5), all showing "4" in the vertical gutter indicating date of printing (three times on the sheet) and with sheet numbers at lower right corner. Some ageing and splitting but an extraordinary lot, with original gum, the sole surviving complete sheets recorded Mi = € 3'000+.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 743 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : Essay
    1894: Postal Stationery card, the famous Essay, in black on buff stock, without the stamp design at upper left and the Lion of Judah at upper right and with Amharic error in first letter of "C" of Post Card, the ornamental lines below the inscription pointing down instead of upwards in the issued card. Corner bend at upper right, issued card for comparison. Unique.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 744 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : Essay
    1894: Postal Stationery cards, the famous Essays, in black on buff stock, without the stamp design at upper left but with the Lion of Judah at upper right; one with Amharic error in first letter of "C" of Post Card and the second card with this error corrected and the ornamental lines below the inscription pointing down instead of upwards in the issued card. Issued card for comparison, a unique pair.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 745 Ethiopia

    1896: 1 g. blue postal stationery card, a used example to Paris written from Couny (Kuny) on April 4, 1897 cancelled by "HARAR" datestamp (April 7) in black with repeated strike at right, reverse with 1894 Djibouti 10 c. brown & green cancelled by "Djibouti / Postes" datestamp in blue (April 18). Paris arrival cds on front (May 4) in black. Note: The card was written by a Mr. Drouin, a technician for the French company installing telephone lines between Addid Abeba and Harar.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 746 Ethiopia

    1896: 1 g. blue postal stationery card, a fine used example cancelled by "ADIS ABEBA" datestamp (24.V.1901) in black (Type III), "HARAR" transit in blue at right (2/6) and thence with 1894 Djibouti 10 c. brown & green tied by Djibouti cds in blue (June 11) to Zurich. A fine and scarce card written by Alfred Ilg.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 340 CHF

    Lot# : 747 Ethiopia

    1896: 1 g. blue postal stationery card, a fine used example from Alfred Ilg, cancelled by "ENTOTTO" Type II datestamps (25.8.99) in black, mailed to Zurich with "HARAR" transit cds in blue (Sept 3) and 1894 Djibouti 10 c. brown & green tied by circular "Cote Francaises Somalis / Djibouti" in blue (Sept 10). French Paquebot datestamp at right and carried on Steamer 'Natal'. Zurich arrival cds also on front (Sept 15). Scarce and very fine.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 360 CHF

    Lot# : 748 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 1+3
    1896: ¼ g. green postal stationery card, a fine used example with 1894 ¼ g. green and pair of 1 g. blue all cancelled by "ENTOTTO" datestamps (13.2.19 - error for 13.2.00) in blue. Rare "HARAR / POSTES FRANCAISES" datestamp in black at right (Feb 24) and Djibouti 1894 10 c. brown & green applied for onward transmission. "Ligne N / Paq. Fr. No. 5" datestamp in black, carried on Steamer 'Salazie'. Reverse with Harar transit cds in blue. A most unusual card with message "I am sending you a collection of postcards with Abyssinian stamps". Provenance: Collection Ascher.
    Starting bid : 220 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 749 Ethiopia

    1896: ½ g. red postal stationery card written from LAKE ZUAI to Germany on Nov 25, 1900; mailed via Entotto and struck there with "ENTOTTO" Type II datestamp in blue (29/11), thence via Djibouti (Jan 1, 1901) and struck with datestamp and triangular "T" marking in blue. French Paquebot "La Reunion A  Marseille" in black and carried on Steamer 'Natal'. Rheydt arrival cds on front (Jan 14). A remarkable and interesting card with message reading "I am sending this postcard from Lake Zuai where there is no Post Office. I hope while in transit in Harar they will put on the big stamps". A few small imperfections to edge of card but very rare.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 750 Ethiopia

    1896: 1 g. blue postal stationery card, registered usage to Zurich cancelled on despatch by "ENTOTTO" datestamp (Jan 12), franked by 1894 Djibouti 50 c. blue & red cancelled by "Djibouti / Postes" datestamp in blue (Jan 22). French Paquebot "La Reunion A Marseille" at right and carried on the Steammer 'Iraouaddy' (Feb 3). Zurich arrivals on obverse (Feb 16) in black. A charming and rare usage. Note: The card is written by Alfred Ilg who helped Leon Chefneux establish the Concessionary Post Offices in Addis Abeba, Harar and Entotto.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 751 Ethiopia

    1896: 1 g. blue postal stationery card, registered usage to Zurich from Addis Abeba, franked by 1894 Djibouti 10 c. brown & green and 25 c. rose & blue cancelled by "Djibouti / Postes" datestamp in blue (Feb 22).  Reverse with "HARAR" datestamp in black (Feb 18) and Zurich arrivals on obverse (March 19) in black. A fine and rare usage. Note: The card is written by Alfred Ilg who helped Leon Chefneux establish the Concessionary Post Offices in Addis Abeba, Harar and Entotto.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 752 Ethiopia

    1896: 1 g. blue postal stationery card, a fine used example to Paris cancelled by "HARAR" Type II datestamps in black, (April 1, 1897), Djibouti 1894 25 c. rose & blue applied for onward transmission and cancelled by "Djibouti / Postes" in blue (April 5). Circular "Ligne N / Paq. Fr. No. 3" French Paquebot at right (same day) and carried on the Steamer 'Oceanien'. Interesting message on reverse "we have been received by Ras Makonen" (Governor of the province of Harar) "and we are on our way to Addis Abeba". Some minor faults but scarce.
    Note: The card is written by the French artist and explorer M. Potter, a member of the De Bonchamps expedition that explored the Upper Nile.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 753 Ethiopia

    1896: 1 g. blue postal stationery card, registered 1896 usage to Zurich cancelled on despatch by faint "ENTOTTO" Type I datestamp in black, franked by 1894 Djibouti 10 c. brown & green and 25 c. rose & blue cancelled by "Djibouti / Postes" datestamp in blue (Oct 10). French Paquebot "La Reunion A Marseille" at right and carried on the Steammer 'Iraouaddy' (Oct 18). Zurich arrivals on obverse (Oct 30) in black. A rare usage. Note: The card is written by Alfred Ilg who helped Leon Chefneux establish the Concessionary Post Offices in Addis Abeba, Harar and Entotto, it is the sole recorded usage of this card with the Tyype I "Entotto" datestamp and the only known usage in 1896.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 800 CHF

    Lot# : 754 Ethiopia

    1896: 1 g. blue postal stationery card, a fine used example cancelled by "ENTOTTO" Type II datestamps (14.11.99) in black, mailed to Germany with earliest recorded usage of "HARAR / POSTES FRANCAISES" transit cds in black (Nov 25) and reverse franked by 1894 Djibouti 5 c. green & orange (2) cancelled by Djibouti cds's in blue. "HARAR" cds of transit in blue on reverse (Nov 21) and front with French Paquebot datestamp (Dec 3) carried by Steamer 'Natal'. Königsfeld arrival cds (Dec 16). An extremely rare and fine usage. Provenance: Collection Ascher.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 755 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 4
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    1897 (June 24): Cover to Constantinople franked on reverse with 1894 2 g. deep brown tied by "HARAR" datestamp in black, repeated strike on obverse; franked on front with Djibouti 1894 25 c. blue & rose cancelled by "Djibouti / Postes" datestamps in blue (June 27) and by French Paquebot "Ligne N / Paq. Fr. No. 10" (June 28) and carried up the Red Sea by the Steamer "Sydney". Port Said transit (July 3), Alexandria transit  (July 8) and German P.O. in Constantinople arrival cds (July 13) on reverse. Cover originally opened for display and trimmed at back. Rare. Signed G. Bolaffi (1953), A. Bolaffi and A. Diena; cert. A. Diena (1968).
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 756 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 1+2
    1898 (Aug 2): Registered cover to Kajana, Finland franked on front by 1894 ¼ g. green and ½ g. pale red tied by scarce "ENTOTTO" datestamp in blue, repeated strike above. Framed "R" for registration and reverse with Djibouti 1894 50 c. blue & red tied by "Djibouti / Cote Fran.se Des Somalis" cds (Aug 19) in blue. Faint French Ligne N Paquebot datestamp in black on obverse (carried on the Steamer 'Oceanien'), and address re-written in Cyrillic to benefit the local Postman. A fine and extremely rare first issue cover to a most unusual destination.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,700 CHF

    Lot# : 757 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 4/I
    1901 (Aug 11): Violet "Ethiopie" overprint on 1894 2 g. brown, used on 1901 cover and tied by "ADIS ABEBA" datestamp in black. "HARAR" transit cds in blue below (21/8) and reverse with 1894 Djibouti 25 c. rose red & blue tied by "Djibouti" cds in blue and by Marseille cds and Interlaken (19/9) arrival. Minor opening flap fault on reverse but a significant and rare cover.
    Starting bid : 450 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 758 Ethiopia

    1902 (Nov 27): "Bosta" overprinted 1 g. blue postal stationery card used to Berne, Switzerland cancelled by "ADIS ABEBA" cds in black, "HARAR" transit in blue (8/12) and French Somali Coast 5 c. pale green & green pair applied and tied by Djibouti cds (15/12). French Paquebot "La Reunion A  Marseille / LV No. 2" in black and carried on Steamer 'Yangtse' (15/12). Bern arrival cds on front (28/12). A fien and attractive usage.
    Note: The card is written and signed by H. Muhle, director of the Addis Abeba Post Office.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 759 Ethiopia

    1903 (Sept 6): "Malekt" in violet on 1 g. postal stationery card, a fine used example cancelled "ADDIS ABEBA" (error of year 1902 for 1903) mailed to Metz also franked by French Somali Coast 10 c. rose & red tied by Djibouti cds (Sept 22) in black. Harar transit cds in blue (19/9), Aden cds (23/9) and Metz arrival cds (31/10) alongside. Fine and scarce.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 760 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 1/IV+2/IV
    1903: "Malekt" in violet on ¼ g. green postal stationery card, a used example in combination with Jan 1903 "Malekt" surcharged ¼ g. green and ½ g. red all cancelled by "ADDIS ABEBA" cds in black (Sept 6). Blue transit cds of Harar (9/9), Obock 10 c. (uncancelled) at right and Djibouti cds (22/9), Aden transit (23/9) alongside. A rare issue on cover.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 380 CHF

    Lot# : 761 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 2/III
    1903 (April 18): "Malekt" in black on ¼ g. green postal stationery card, a superb example mailed three days after issue, used with "Bosta" surcharged 1902 ½ g. red tied by "HARAR" cds in blue; sent registered to Paris with Obock 25 c. and French Somali Coast 5 c. green (2) tied by Djibouti datestamps in blue (April 30). A fine and unusual usage.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 762 Ethiopia

    1904 (March 26): "Malekt" in black on 1 g. postal stationery card, a fine used example cancelled "ADDIS ABEBA" mailed to Berlin also franked by French Somali Coast 5 c. green (2) each tied by Djibouti vds's (April 12) in blue. Berlin arrival cds (27/4) alongside.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 170 CHF

    Lot# : 763 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 9
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    1905 (Nov 22): Postcard of Addis Abeba franked by lightly cancelled Jan 1905 "10" c. on 1894 ½ g. pale red, Harar transit in blue at lower right and French Somali Coast 1 c. (2) and 4 c. (2) tied by Djibouti cds's in black and by Zurich arrival cds (15/12). Cert. RPS (1982).
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 764 Ethiopia

    1905: '20' in violet on 1896 1 g. blue postal stationery card, a used example cancelled by "HARAR" datestamp (Feb 9) mailed to Vienna with French Somali Coast 10 c. red & orange tied by Djibouti cds (Feb 11) in blue. Vienna arrival datestamp (24/2) above in black. A fine and attractive usage. Note: The card was written by a member of the Austrian Mission, led by Lieutenant Von Hoehnel, which travelled to Addis Abeba to sign a Treaty between Austria and Ethiopia.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 765 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 16
    1905: ½ g. pale red diagonally bisected and surcharged "5 c/m" in violet on each (five examples), used on 1906 registered cover to Vienna and tied by "HARAR" datestamps (May 15) in blue. Mailed via "HARAR / POSTES FRANCAISES" with green datestamp adjacent (May 16), with 1894 Obock 15 c. blue & red, French Somali Coast  1894 40 c. yellow & blue (on reverse) and two 25 c. blue & pale blue all tied by Djibouti cds's in black (May 18). Cover with crease at base away from adhesives but a very rare usage of these adhesives on letter. Cert. Jamet (1975).
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 950 CHF

    Lot# : 766 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 1/II+1/III+1/IV+8+16/17
    1905 (April 1): Document typed at Harar with violet handstamp at upper left "Administration Des Postes et Telégraphes Ethiopiens / Harar", with side one giving examples of the "Harar" Type I and Type II cancellations struck in blue, thereafter a list of the sequence of the "Ethiopie", "Bosta", "Malekt" and "Malekathe" overprints illustrated with examples of the ¼ g. green (5 stamps all cancelled by Harar Type II cds). Further examples from the 1905 issue are displayed (uncancelled) as the writer explains the 500 stamps issued in March 1905 of  5 c. on 16 g. black issued in March 1905 (two examples) etc. Signed at base of third page by the Postmaster, J. A. Michel. Not all the stamps appear to have genuine overprints, however, an historical and extraordinary piece.    
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 767 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 19/I
    1906: '10' in violet on ½ g. pale red, used on 1906 postcard (of French Consulate in Addis Abeba) to Zurich tied by "ADIS ABEBA" cds in black (Jan 31) with French Somali Coast 10 c. red & black tied by Djibouti cds (Feb 13). Harar transit cds in blue  (11/2) at lower left and Zurich arrival (23/2) alongside. A fine and rare usage.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 260 CHF

    Lot# : 768 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 18/I
    1906: '05' in violet on ½ g. green used on 1906 cover to Grandson, Switzerland tied by "HARAR" datestamp in blue (July 16), with Somali Coast 25 c. blue at right tied by "Djibouti" cds in black for onward transmission. French Paquebot "Ligne N / Paq. Fr. No. 3" at upper right and carried on Steamer 'Oceanien'. Reverse of envelope with "Telegraphes Ethiopiennes" coloured seal and Grandson arrival (27/7) cds. A fine and scarce cover.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 769 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : P10
    1 / 1
    1905 (Nov 11): Cover from Chicago to Addis Abeba franked by Lincoln 5 c. blue, reverse of envelope with Aden transit cds (Dec 3) and Djibouti cds (Dec 6). Third Issue Postage Due 1905 violet overprinted 1 g. blue applied and tied by "HARAR" cds (Dec 11) in blue. A rare and appealing cover. Cert. RPS (1975).
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 770 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : P3
    1905: Great Britain 1 d. red stationery envelope up-rated for UPU rate to Addis Abeba with 1902 perfinned 1½ d. deep lilac & green tied by London machine cancellaion (April 28). Cover struck on reverse with "Aden" transit cds (May 7) and Djibouti cds in blue (May 16). The envelope was then charged (not taxed) for internal transmission with April 1905 Postage Due "T" (Type II) in violet on 1894 1 g. blue tied by "HARAR" Type II datestamp (May 16). Some edge wear to envelope but a rarity of Ethiopian philately.
    Note: Contrary to Michel's listing, this issue has been recorded used from April 28th 1905. The stamps were only used in Harar.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 771 Ethiopia

    1905 (Aug 25): Cover from Germany to Addis Abeba endorsed "via Genoa" franked with 2 pf. grey (2) and 3 pf. pale brown (2) tied by Schwedt cds's. Reverse with Aden cds (Sept 3), Djibouti transit cds (Sept 5). Obverse with circular "T" marking, straight line "INCONNU" and framed handstamp in black of same; two line "RETOUR / A L'ENVOYEUR" and "HARAR" cds in blue applied on return of cover (Nov 24). Fine and scarce cover.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 772 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : P9
    1906: Cover from Hong Kong to Addis Abeba, franked by 10 c. violet & blue tied by Victoria / Hong cds, with third issue Postage Due July 1906 ½ g. pale red vertical pair applied on arrival for internal rate (not the double surcharge of "Taxe à Percevoir" on upper stamp) tied by "HARAR" cds's in blue (Dec 19). Reverse with Aden (Dec 5) and Djibouti (Dec 10) transit datestamps. A remarkable and extremely rare cover and most probably a unique usage from Hong Kong.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 773 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : P10
    1906: Cover from Mexico bearing 1899 20 c. blue & red tied by Mexico DF cds, mailed to Addis Abeba with transits of Aden and Djibouti on reverse (April 27), internal rate being paid by 1906 third issue Postage Due 1 g. blue tied by "HARAR" cds in blue. Rare and most unusual cover.
    Note: The Michel catalogue is again incorrect on date of issue, Michel P8/P14 being issued in September 1905. Again the use was restricted to Harar where they were applied to collect the internal postage.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 774 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 3
    1906 (May 25): Cover from Djibouti franked by Somali Coast 25 c. blue & pale blue tied by Djibouti cds, addressed to Aouara-Malka, Ethiopia and franked on reverse with 1894 1 g. blue tied by "HARAR" cds (29/5) for internal postage. Slight vertical file fold but a rare usage.
    Starting bid : 220 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 775 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : A46/G46
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    1911: Dirre Daoua Manuscript Provisionals, the superb mint set of seven values overprinted "AFF EXCEP / FAUTE TIMB" with values in manuscript, all in fresh and fine blocks of four, six of which are sheet marginal; the 2 g. on 2 g. brown with minor splitting, otherwise in superlative condition for these rarities. Plentifully signed. Certs RPS (1975) Mi = € 6'400.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 776 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : A46/G46
    1911: Dirre Daoua Manuscript Provisionals, the superb used set of seven values overprinted "AFF EXCEP / FAUTE TIMB" with values in manuscript, a fine and fresh set, all cancelled on day of issue by Dirre-Daoua datestamps (Oct 1, 1911) in blue. A scarce set with just 600 issued Mi = € 800.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 777 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 96/105 var
    1925/28: Definitive pictorial set (as issued in 1928), imperforate on two 'album' sheets dated three years prior to issue, showing the set of ten designs by Mignon and Delziers, with imprint at base of page "Atelier De Fabrications Des Timbres-Poste-Paris". An unusual item.  
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 778 Ethiopia

    1936: Cover to Lahore from Soldier of the 14th Punjabi Regiment protecting the British Legation in Addis Abeba during the Italo - Ethiopian War, with circular red cachet "ABYSSINIA CONTINGENT / ADDIS ADABA / DET 5th. BN 14th PUNJAB REGT. (PATHANS)" at lower left counter-signed by Commanding Officer. Forwarded by Diplomatic Courier and franked by India Official 1 a. chocolate and tied by "Aden Camp" cds (July 2) in black. Exceedingly rare cover, the 127 soldiers in Addis Abeba protected British subjects during the War, for further information see Sciaky addendum, page 39.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 779 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 207/211+209 var
    1943 (Nov 3): "Obelisk" surcharged set of five values mint, fresh and fine; with additional unissued Proof showing "15" overprint in red (instead of black) on the 10 c. value, unmounted og. and scarce Mi = € 500+.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 780 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 222 var
    1947: Airmail Essay for the surcharg surcharge: 4 c. green & blue black, surcharged in red in amharic only, as the Airmail issue of 1947, without the date "20-4-39", in larger font in red. A fresh and fine mint example from the top of sheet, unmounted og. Unlisted and most unusual.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 210 CHF

    Lot# : 781 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 222/224+223F
    1947: Airmail set of three values surcharged with new values: 12 c. on 4 c., 50 c. on 25 c. and $ 2 on 60 c., fresh and fine unmounted og., also the 50 c. on 25 c. with error of date in overprint "26.12.44" instead of "29.12.46", the error with large part og. A rare set Mi = € 640.
    Starting bid : 160 CHF
    Hammer price : 210 CHF

    Lot# : 782 Ethiopia

    1883: "Estero" 20 c. orange (3) and 40 c. carmine, off-cover examples cancelled "BAIA DI ASSAB" straight line in blue-green, a few minor imperfections but a very rare Colonial cancellation used prior to the P.O. being up-graded in March 1884. All signed A. Diena or Sorani.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 340 CHF

    Lot# : 783 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 39
    1879: Italy 20 c. orange used on 1886 cover to Messina, boldly tied by "3862" numeral obliterator with corresponding "MASSAUA / (MAR ROSSO)" datestamp at right (Aug 1) in black. Reverse with Brindisi transit cds (Aug 25) and arrival cds on reverse. Some ageing to envelope but a scarce cover. Note: Massawa was occupied by Italy on February 5, 1885 displacing the Egyptian influence. A Post Office was opened on February 22, 1885.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 784 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 42
    1879: Italy 50 c. violet, single usage on registered cover to Livorno, tied by bold strike of "3862" numeral obliterator with "MASSAUA / (MAR ROSSO)" datestamp at left (Aug 19) and perforated registered label above. Reverse with minor imperfections and both Naples and Livorno datestamps. A scarce and attractive franking.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 785 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 39
    1879: Italy 20 c. orange used on 1886 cover to Gioiosa Marea, Italy tied by "3862" numeral obliterator with superb strike of "MASSAUA / (MAR ROSSO) / *" datestamp at right (Bianchi Type II). Messina transit cds on reverse and arrival (April 6) cds. Minor imperfections but an attractive cover.
    Starting bid : 180 CHF
    Hammer price : 180 CHF

    Lot# : 786 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : 38
    1879: Italy 10 c. carmine rose, seven examples used on reverse of 1889 double rate registered cover to Rome, all tied by neat strikes of "MASSAUA * (MAR ROSSO)" datestamps (Type III). Obverse with perforated registered label and further strike of Massaua datestamp. Some wear but a very attractive franking.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 787 Ethiopia

    1886/1889: Covers (5) and pieces (3) all bearing Italian 1879 issue adhesives, used from Massaua and cancelled by numeral obliteration "3862" or by "MASSAUA (MAR ROSSO)" datestamps, also a further 1886 cover with 20 c. used with numeral "3840" with "ASSAB" datestamp alongside.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 788 Ethiopia

    1906: Imperforate set of three values, with 25 c. bright blue marginal from top of sheet, unmounted og.; Merson 50 c. brown & grey-blue marginal from base of sheet and 1 fr. wine-red & olive green, the latter two values unused; fresh and fine. A rare set. All signed Brun Yvert = € 1'300.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 789 Ethiopia

    1906: The mint set of three values, 25 c. bright blue, Merson 50 c. brown & grey-blue and 1 fr. wine-red & olive green, a rare set, fresh and fine, large part og. Merson values signed Brun Yvert = € 720.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 790 Ethiopia

    1902: Registered Telegram envelope addressed to Alfred Ilg, with Lion of Judah at upper left, mailed with "HARAR" datestamp in blue (Dec 4) and franked by Obock Peace & Commerce 50 c. carmine tied by "Djibouti" cds in black (Dec 11) paying registered Colonial rate to Zurich. Reverse with wax seal in amharic "Posta Harar", French Paquebot "La Reunion A Marseille / L. V. No. 2" (Dec 15) and carried on Steamer 'Yangtse'. Zurich arrival cds (Dec 28) also on reverse of a fine and rare cover.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,800 CHF

    Lot# : 791 Ethiopia

    1907: Port Said 1902 25 c. blue, vertical pair used on registered cover to Porrentruy, Switzerland tied by dotted "DIRRE DAOUA / ABYSSINIE" datestamp (Oct 6) with repeated strike at left and arrival cds (Oct 19) on reverse. Minor opening tear to envelope at upper left but a fine and rare commercial cover.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 792 Ethiopia

    1906: Collection on leaves with Levant set of three used on piece and additional examples of the Merson 50 c. and 1 fr. cancelled at Dirre-Daoua, Port Said values similarly cancelled and a mixed issue cover (rare), French Somali Coast usages showing Harar "Maltese Cross" cancellation, "Harar Postes Francaises" cancels, 1908 cover to Djibouti bearing Somali Coast 5 c. and two 10 c. values cancelled "Dirre Daoua" dotted cds, Ethiopia and Somali Coast 1908 combination usage on postcard etc. A fine and seldom seen group.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 793 Ethiopia

    1894/1911: The specialised predominantly mint study on exhibition leaves with 1901 set of seven with Ilg's original blue "Ethiopie" handstamp, 1901 sets of seven values complete and some varieties, 1902 "Bosta" and 1903 "Malekt" and "Malekathe" issue studies, 1905/07 "Menelik" Type I and Type II overprints and the "Dagmawi" overprint issues, the specialised h Jan 1906 set complete and 1 g. value with double "Menelik" surcharge, July 1906 large part set and used (rare) 10 c. on ½ g., July 1907 "Dagmawi" overprint on1908 1 pi. on ½ g. pale red multiples (one with inverted overprint), Nov 1908 set of seven and varieties, 1911 provisional set mint. Also covers and cards with usages to Palestine, Russia, Somali Coast and Switzerland etc., and the Cockrill booklets on these issues.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,800 CHF

    Lot# : 794 Ethiopia

    Catalogue# : 15+16
    1905 (Jan 24): Small group on exhibition leaves with "5 c/m" on 1894 ¼ g. green in a block of four, two further mint examples and a "Lion of Judah" violet overprint on 1894 ¼ g. green, "5 c/m" on 1894 ½ g. pale red mint study, with un-bisected examples (6, including a pair with bisect), varieties including overprint double in violet, overprints on 'wrong' corners variety, bent diagonal bar variety etc. A fine lot.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 795 Ethiopia

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    Catalogue# : P1-P28
    1905/1908: Postage Due collection on leaves with 1905 "T" overprints mint, Sept 1905 issue varieties and a mis-directed cover from Cairo to Addis Abeba travelling via Singapore and bearing a Sept 1905 1 g. blue; 1908 "Askafil" surcharge set of seven mint and some multiples and varieties.  
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 796 Ethiopia

    1917/1960c.: Collection in a box, mounted haphazardly on leaves, with specialised study of the 1917 overprint issue with multiples and varieties, May 1917 surcharges mint sets, 1929 Airmail sets mint, 1936 unissued set of five values in mint blocks of ten, 1943 "Obelisk" set of four mint,1945  "VV" double overprint on block of 15 of the 10 c. red, 1947 Airmail surcharge set of three mint,1951 surharges on 1949 Exposition set including varieties, 1952 pictorial set of nine mint, 1953 Eritrea set in mint blocks of four etc. A fine and interesting lot.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 797 Ethiopia

    1929/55: The Exhibit collection with study of the 1929 issue and showing in tremendous detail, the three types of surcharge, with se-tenant red & violet surcharges, doubled and inverted surcharges, pairs with overprint omitted on one stamp, with multiples and complete panes of 25 of all values, a superb single issue study that deserves a specialised article in itself; 1929 card signed by the Pilot Andre Maillet, no less than 29 covers from the first Addis Abeba / Dirre Daoua Flight, 2nd Flight Addis to Djibouti with five covers, 1931 issue with sheets of some values, 1st Flight cover Addis to Zeila, Addis to Dessie and return (1931), the 1932 flights with covers from Djibouti to France. A voluminous and extraordinary collection.
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,000 CHF

    Lot# : 798 Ethiopia

    Italian Expansion in Ethiopia 1935/41 The superb Exhibit collection on leaves, witth mint Ethiopia set (Mi 1/7) and 132 covers or cards and a few pieces, showing the entire gamaut of this Colonial War, with remarkable covers from: Abbi Addi, Ada, Addi-Arcai, Addis Abeba, Adigrat, Adua, Agordat, Aiscia, Amara, Aselle, Auasc, Axum, Debarek, Debra Berhan, Debra Sina, Dessie, Dire Daua, Gigh-Giga, Gimma, Gondar, Gorgora, Harar, Iavelleo, Macalle, Moggio, Neghelli, Oletta, Quora, Soddu; Military stationery cards, Military Post Offices (# =1L, 01S, 1E, 12, 15, 25, 55, 70, 84, 90, 92, 98, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 123, 126, 130, 210), Officer's cachets (Titolare) together with study of the Censorship labels and markings by District, incoming mail etc. A wonderful and extraordinary collection.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,000 CHF

    Lot# : 799 Ethiopia

    1894/1911: Forgeries collection, from first issue Fournier (including a sheet of 16 ¼ g. green, 1 g. blue and 4 g. lilac brown) types through to more technically proficient 1911 Dirre Dawa set on cover, a mite haphazardly arranged on leaves but much of interest, faked cover with 1 g. blue cut-out from the 'Province' block, many hundreds of stamps and one or two 'Michel' inspired covers. A marvellous Exhibit in itself.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 800 Ethiopia

    Literature "Colonia Eritrea 1883/1903" by Paolo Bianchi; "Ethiopia 1867/1908" and  hard-bound "Ethiopia 1867/1936" by Sciaky; Auction Catalogues with J. R. Danson Egypt (1977) and Sudan (1977), Paolo Bianchi (1989), Rev. Eric Payne Collection (1995), Sciaky Collection (2006).
    Starting bid : 100 CHF
    Hammer price : 130 CHF
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