Lote 540

✉ COSTA DE ORO. 1871 (Nov 5). Envelope, embossed seal 'Spero' on reverse addressed from D. Patrick Chalmers to Edinburgh with superb "CAPE COAST CASTLE" code A (Macrae 7), datestamp in black of despatch. Rated "5" pence in red manuscript due to G.P.O. for ½ ounce rate. 'Paid / Liverpool / Br. Packet' cds in red of transit (Nov 29) and reverse with Edinburgh arrival cds. Very scarce: the datestamp in black was used on prepaid letters until Nov. 1871 only; thereafter on unpaid letters. Biro marks at left, nevertheless rare and attractive cover, unlisted by Sacher.