France claimed the unihabited Seychelles Islands in 1756 and Britain assumed ownership in 1794. They were administered as a dependency of Mauritius until 1903 when they became a separate crown colony. Seychelles were one of the 45 colonies and territories to issue stamps of the same design to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. The stamps depict George VI and Queen Mary separated by crossed sceptres with an orb below and a crown above.

The first day cover above is postmarked Victoria and addressed to Mr. Chang Kive in the community of Mahe, which is also the name of the main island of Seychelles on which both towns are located. The addressee is Chang Kive who is listed as a leading Chinese merchant The Great Book of Fathers written in celebration of King George V's Silver Jubilee.

Listing of Chang Kive in The Great Book of Fathers written in celebration of King George V's Silver Jubilee.

This cover is franked with the 12 cent orange and 20 cent blue George VI Coronation Omnibus issues of May 12, 1937 and the 6 cent orange (scarcer of the two colours of this value) "Fishing Pirogue" definitive of January 1, 1938 to pay the charge under the Imperial Postage Agreement for a registered letter of one to two ounces: 38 cents (12 cents for the first ounce + 6 cents for an additional ounce + 20 cents registration).

Under wartime conditions, this cover took more than two months to travel via Singapore (December 12, 1940), Vancouver (January 21, 1941), Campbellton & Levis Express R.P.O. (January 2(?), 1941) (seen under Saint John CDS), and Halifax & Campbellton R.P.O. (January 29). The recipient, Connor's Brothers, is the world's largest sardine canner.

Bibliography

Davenhill, Noel. "Visiting the British Empire: Seychelles." American Philatelist. Dec. 2012: 1114. Print.

Mackay, Dr. James. The Complete Guide to Stamps and Stamp Collecting.London: Hermes House, 2005.

Rossiter, Stuart and John Flower. The Stamp Atlas. London: Macdonald, 1986.

"Seychelles." 2016 Standard Stamp Catalogue. 2015.

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