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Lot 324
Humphrey Ocean (b. 1951)
Tin Can Island
Closed11 July 2013
Price Realised
GBP 375
More Information
Specialist note
Tin Can Island, also known as Niuafo'ou is a volcanic island in the kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific. It derives its name from the fact that since the island has no natural harbour or wharf, mail is usually delivered by strong swimmers who would retrieve the packages sealed up in biscuit tins and thrown overboard by passing ships. Tin Can Mail was developed in the 19th century, festooning the mail with colourful stamps that have become collectors' items. Tony Reichardt is a passionate stamp collector.