Auction 333-341 Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan & Worldwide Postal History - Day 4

1859: 1 peso carmine, three examples with good margins used in combination with 2½ c. green and 5 c. blue, also with good margins, on large judicial wrapper from Pamplona (with four oval framed "PAMPLONA / DEBE" unpaid handstamps), to Bucuramanga, all tied on arrival by oval framed "BUCURAMANGA / FRANCA" handstamps in brownish hue. Reverse with full docketing. Discolouration, occasional worm hole and acid ink faults but the cover represents one of the most important frankings in Colombian philately: the sole first issue cover with the 1 peso value, one of just two covers bearing a three colour franking, one of just three covers recorded bearing the 2½ c. and the highest franking recorded of the first issue. The cover could, perhaps should, be skilfully restored for future protection of this immense rarity.

Provenance: Collection Dr. Norman Hubbard; Investphila, Lugano, 23 Oct 2012, lot 45.