Auction 321 - 332 Australian States & Commonwealth of Australia, St. Helena, Basutoland, Bechuanaland, Swaziland, Brazil 1843 –1870 - Day 1

1848: Local Ofdficial envelope used within Sydney with embossed circular "GENERAL POST OFFICE / SYDNEY / NEW SOUTH WALES" with Royal Coat of Arms in centre, counter-signed at lower left by George H. FitzRoy, the son of the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Charles August FitzRoy (Governor 1845-1856) who acted as his father's secretary, struck with weak circular "FREE" datestamp (June 28) in red and framed "6 / O'CLOCK" time handstamp in black. Reverse with complete red wax seal 'Private Secretary / New South Wales'. A scarce and most unusual cover.rnrnProvenance: Prestige, Melbourne, 11 May 2012, lot 417.rn