Cape of Good Hope 1863 Sailors Letter HMS Orestes at Cape

1863 SAILOR'S LETTER from "M Parrott / HMS Orestes" to London.
Envelope franked GB 1d red cancelled (probable) "B16" numeral (assigned to the P&O Steam Navigation Co 1859-65).
London backstamp SP 10.
Wonderful example of the PENNY CONCESSIONARY RATE, the cover bearing required endorsement & Officer's countersignature for the military concessionary rate.
Particularly elusive as the Naval (Sailor's) variant.
Some imperfections, overall aging patina, an important exhibition piece.
Rare.
Ex Dillaway.
According to Postmaster-General's notice of 31st August 1850: "Seamen will be supplied with Postage Stamps by the Purser of the Vessel to which they are attached." The GB 1d adhesive seen here was applied on board and cancelled in transit or upon arrival in England. The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, confirms "the screw corvette HMS Orestes was stationed at the Cape of Good Hope from September 1861 until around June 1865."

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