9d Bistre Sg86? Or Sg87?

This one is to close to tell if its 9d Bistre or 9d Straw. I think its SG86 but would like a 2nd opinion. Thank you in advance for your help

From the scan I'd say it's bistre.

Thanks yes I thought it was bistre which on cover should be a high cat price

The 2018 SG has this stamp at £1200 on cover.

The obliterator is a London West Central and the 9d rate via Marseilles is correct.

The address "Victoria N.S.W." says something about the age of the sender of the letter, the colonies having separated in July 1851.

Wow that's massive cat value is it rare?

I've never actually focused on GB inwards mail to the Australian colonies but I'd say this stamp would be rare.

One to India https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3920156...392015627450

A completed but unsold item, also to India https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GB-1862...253512121269

The other thing you have is VERY early usage. The stamp was issued on 15 January 1862 and 733,300 were printed that year.

Wow the unsold one was asking $495. I think the one I have here is nicer with use to Victoria Colony. It must be rare coming to Australia. To bad no ship mentioned, it could have been carried on a convict ship

It wouldn't have been a convict ship. Transportation to New South Wales ceased in 1840. At this time Victoria was a part of NSW.

Your cover was carried by the Sultan which left Marseilles 28 February, arrived Alexandria 7 March, left Suez aboard the Bengal 8 March and arrived at Galle 26 March. Left there aboard the Madras same day and arrived Melbourne 17 April.

Source: Aust/NZ/UK mails, Tabeart Vol. 1 p.230

Just for a comparison, I have only 3 covers with the NSW 9d stamp to the UK (it was issued 1871), two singles (1872 & 1875) and a pair (1872) and an 1888 cover to Germany with a pair.

Thanks for your help, amazing the details that can be found on just one postal history cover

My pleasure Duncanvr

When did this type of Bar cancel found on your cover come into use (WC 21).?

Good question 1860s would be early for this cancellation. But I don't know the exact year this barred numeral started. In 1844 they were still using the Maltese Cross. In 1854 the QV stamps changed from imporforated to perforated. Several numeral cancellations were already in use by 1860.

Hi perf12,

These types came into use in 1857.

Got another one here, is it Bistre also? This one going to India. Take a look thanks

Yes bistre too!

Which cover is nicer?