This tin can mail cover is franked with a 1/2 penny coat of arms
definitive of 1934 and the 2 penny Queen Salote definitive of 1924.


Backstamps on cover

Mail to and from the Tongan Island of Niuafoou was sealed in a five gallon
container and carried to and from a drop off point outside the reef by a
swimmer or by canoe. The service was operated by Walt Quensell who was
responsible for the the cachets applied to out-going covers for a small fee.
The service was discontinued after World War II when the island was evacuted
when it was threated by volcanic activity. The island was resettled in 1958
and the island post office was re-opened in 1962. Explaining the termination
of the tin can mail service, Samuel Grossman notes, "The practice was discon-
tinued due to casualties suffered by swimmers in the shark-infested waters."


This tin can mail cover is franked with a 2 1/2 penny commemorative of 1938
celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Accession of Queen Salote Tupou.


Backstamps on cover