Incoming Mail Overland via Brindisi & Suez 1877 (Aug 30): Cover
from Antwerp, Belgium to Brisbane, Queensland endorsed “Via
Brindisi”,
Incoming Mail Overland via Brindisi & Suez 1877 (Aug 30): Cover
from Antwerp, Belgium to Brisbane, Queensland endorsed “Via
Brindisi”, bearing 1869/75 Leopold 25 c. olive-yellow and 50 c.
grey (Michel 29+32) cancelled by indistinct datestamps, prepaying
75 centimes for a 1⁄2 ounce ship letter to Queensland with transit
datestamps on reverse. The rear flap missing and some other small
cover blemishes, however, a rare destination from Belgium. The only
cover recorded from Belgium to Queensland. Route: Departed Antwerp
30 Aug 1877 by rail to Brindisi (7 Sept). P&O Line: Departed
Brindisi (1 Oct) per “Ceylon” to Alexandria (4 Oct); overland to
Suez; “Poonah” (5 Oct) to Galle (19 Oct); “Tanjore” (19 Oct) via
King Georges Sound (5 Nov) and Adelaide (9 Nov) to Melbourne (11
Oct); “Avoca” (12 Nov) to Sydney (15 Nov). Australian Steamship Co:
Departed Sydney (16 Nov) per “Balclutha” to Brisbane, arriving 18
Nov 1877 (80 days)
