GBLA Incoming Mail
Peter Valdner (2024)
During the eight years from 1967 to 1975, thousands of letters were delivered to the sailors of the Great Bitter Lake Association in Suez Canal. Some from relatives and friends, but mostly from stamp collectors, who asked for GBLA stamps and ship cancellations.
Although the number of letters was approximately the same as those sent from the Lake, far fewer covers survived. The reason is simple: letters to the lake were sent for their content (messages, stamps, international reply coupons, cash), and the covers mostly ended up discarded. In the outgoing letters, especially for collectors, the focus was on the covers, so they were preserved.
When creating an exhibit on the GBLA, documenting the received mail can be challenging. However, as you can see, collectors have succeeded in doing so.
The individual catalog value of the received covers is comparable to the value of the sent ones, only the value of the stamps themselves, which is added, is lower. However, their limited number realistically drives up the prices. A well-known British stamp dealer offers a cover for 198 GBP.
If you don't need it urgently, I recommend continuing your search. Even if you don't find a cheaper cover, you can surely find one in better condition. In the GBLA Encyclopaedia, you can see several examples.
Sources: Internet and files of the author
Contact to the author: valdpete@yahoo.com
