Corinphila Auction 284-290 Day 3

Cocos (Keeling) Islands 1951: Stampless envelope addressed to Gordon Day on the RMS Orion at Sydney, struck with circular "Per RMS ORION" with manuscript date "12/8/51" inserted, and framed "TIN CAN MAIL / COCOS-KEELING IS" in violet. Reverse with "ERL PARKIN  /COCOS" (Leigh-Parkin) handstamp in violet. Slight water stain and envelope imperfection at top but rare. Sold together with a letter from Gordon Day, the addressee, who states "the Orion drifted close to shore leaving a barrel of mail, magazines, kippers and other supplies to the few Cable & Wireless staff there, and they came out in their tiny boat bringing their post in a tin can which was taken to the first Australian port of call for posting".