PS

CHIEF SECRETARY: Die 5 on huge undated envelope (385x328mm) with 'COMMONWEALTH CELEBRATIONS/...' imprint at L/L (S&W unrecorded), vertical fold but remarkably fine for these items. The largest postal stationery item from any of the Colonies/States or the Commonwealth. [This was a small special printing for posting the oversize illustrated invitations to attend key Federation events in Melbourne. All other examples we have seen are badly damaged]

250.00

No longer available

PS

A-

CHIEF SECRETARY: Die 5 on 1901 envelope with 'COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA/THE SENATE' imprint at L/L & all printing in rosine (S&W #E680), with Sydney b/s.

250.00

No longer available

PS

A/A-

DEFENCE, MINISTER OF: 1901 and 1902 Postal Cards during post-Federation Period, the second with 'Commonwealth of Australia/ DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE' header on the reverse. Both unrecorded in the census. (Qty 2)

150.00

No longer available

C

A/B

GOVERNOR-GENERAL: 1900-02 envelopes with the h/s in blue, the first an irregular & unauthorised pre-Federation usage within NSW with Sydney DE29/00 cds & 'Government House Sydney/[Arms]' in red on the flap, the others with 'GOVERNOR GENERAL OF AUSTRALIA/[Arms]' in black (mourning cover, the flap damaged) or ultramarine on the flap, both to England with 'VICTORIA/[crown]/OFFICIAL PAID' h/s. All absent from the census but the first is illustrated at page 87 where it is wrongly identified as #E40. [See also Lot 281250 ] (Qty 3)

750.00

$600.00

C

A+

GOVERNOR-GENERAL: 1901 mourning envelope-front with magnificent strike of the h/s in blue, to England with Sydney & 'POSTAGE PAID SYDNEY/FE11/1901/NSW' cds. Superb! Not included in the Census.

Although the Governor-General was a Commonwealth official, until 1927 he was based in Melbourne. There was no Commonwealth legislation in respect of postal franks so the regulations of Victoria (& NSW) applied, as evidenced by the fact that the Governor-General frank was withdrawn at the same time as the State types, on 31.10.1902.

400.00

$300.00

CL

B

GOVERNOR-GENERAL: 1901 mourning envelope with very fine h/s in violet & Melbourne cds of 22.6.01 (S&W #90), to the Administrator of Tasmania, flap removed & minor blemishes. Rated RRRR: the only cover recorded with the h/s in violet. [From the period between the departure of Tasmanian Governor The Lord Gormanston and the arrival of Captain Sir Arthur Havelock]

750.00

$600.00

PS

C

GOVERNOR-GENERAL: 1902 usage of Queensland 1d Postal Card ("Gold Mine and Works Charters Towers") with unnecessary usage of the frank h/s in blue (S&W #P20) to London with Brisbane d/s of OC4/02 & message on the reverse headed "Government House", rather aged & with a repaired tear at the top. The only such item recorded but we have seen another similar card (in worse condition).

400.00

$300.00

C

A+

SPEAKER, THE: Handstamp in blue very fine but light strike on undated envelope with 'FEDERAL CONVENTION/PARLIAMENT HOUSE MELBOURNE' imprint at L/L & 'FEDERAL CONVENTION/[arms]/VICTORIA' crest in grey on the flap (#E60; the only recorded example), unused. Superb! An important item for the collector of Federation material. [The 1897-98 Federal Convention was held in stages, firstly in Adelaide, then in Sydney & finally, in January 1898, in sweltering Melbourne. This Convention resulted in the Draft Constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia]

400.00

No longer available