NC-EO-2

Distinctive characteristics of this form:

two blue embossed octagonal frames;
top frame has an unusual ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH DESPATCH (or DISPATCH) which is embossed;
lower frame has an embossed IMMEDIATE;
has embossed seal on the peak of the flap on the reverse side;
the main distinction between the two formats is:
2A: has DISPATCH in the top heading and the words are in octagonal boxes;
2B: has DESPATCH in the top heading and the words are in ornamental boxes.

NC-EO-2A.

For local delivery in Sydney.
29 July 1861.

Has 1d Diadem affixed for delivery to a Post Office box.

Characteristics:

words are enclosed in octagonal boxes;
heading changed to DISPATCH;
printed on cream paper;
lower left box has the same design as for the top

Prestige Philately August 2013, Lot 399.

Reverse side of NC-EO-2.

Has an embossed oval with outer oval having
ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH/
NEW SOUTH WALES.
Inner oval has OFFICE which is unusual - see following De La Rue embossed envelopes
(NC-DE-3) . Inner ground is coloured also.

Flap has rounded peak and moderately curved sides.

NC-EO-2B.

Sydney for local delivery.
8 May 1862.

Has 1d Diadem affixed for delivery to a Post Office box.

Characteristics:

words are enclosed in boxes with ornamental outlines;
heading incorporates DESPATCH in keeping with first issue envelope;
printed on very light blue paper;
lower left box has the same design as for the top box.

Sold at:
Spink May 2015, Lot 2168.
Mossgreen June 2017, Lot 701.

Details of use and rarity.

Form sub-number	Schedule number	Earliest recorded date	Rarity rating
EO-2A	None	29 July 1861 at Sydney.	RRR
EO-2B	None	8 May 1862 at Sydney.	RRR

Heading and notes:	No form number. ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH DISPATCH in top octagonal frame in blue.
Message area:	Blank.
Reverse side:	Has embossed seal on flap.
Colours (text & envelope):	Blue on cream.
Size of envelope overall:	79 × 136 mm.