Historical newspapers and magazines from Rhodesia & Zimbabwe, including the early history of newspaper publishing in the country. William Fairbridge 1863-1943 In June, 1891, the Argus Company sent William Fairbridge to Fort Salisbury to obtain reports about the settlement to send back to Britain. In June 1891, he filled a German sausage with glue and treacle, and using it as a roller, printed the first copy of the the Mashonaland & Zambesian Times the country's original newspaper. In 1892 after importing modern printing equipment it became the Rhodesian Herald. The Rhodesia Herald - 1892 After working a year printing from a mud hut, William Fairbridge imported more modern equipment by ox wagon from South Africa, and on 20th October, 1892, the Mashonaland Herald and Zambesian Times became the Rhodesian Herald. Between 1894 and 1923, the company printed the British South Africa Company Government Gazette, which until 30th June, 1899 was a supplement to the Rhodesian Herald. Sth Rhodesian Pamphlet An official Southern Rhodesian information pamphlet handed out at the Rhodesian stand during the Empire Exhibition which was held in Glasgow in 1938. In very good condition. The Outpost - 1940 A December 1940 edition of 'The Outpost' in decent condition with the binding & all pages intact albeit with some minor stains & a small tear to the cover. This was the regimental magazine of the British South Africa Police Force & began life as 'The Police Review' when first launched in 1911 before later being renamed as 'The Outpost'. By 1980 it was the oldest continuously published magazine in central Africa. The Rafters magazine 1944 Rafters - Rhodesia's First National Magazine. This journal dated Aug 1944 has paper covers and is in good condition with just light edge wear. It contains a range of articles pertaining to Rhodesia and WWII. ARAF Newspaper - 1945 AFRAF was Rhodesia’s first services newspaper. It was conceived aboard a ship returning from Europe during World War II. The newspaper was produced for the whole command at RAF Heaney which was located near Bulawayo. The first edition was released on 7th August 1941 & priced at 3p. The editors, John Tither & Alan Brian Chalkley, both had journalistic experience. Within a week of release, the newspaper reached a peak of 2,300 copies. This item is in very good condition & I have 5 others. Royal visit - 1947 In 1947 the British Royal Family embarked upon a world tour. It included an excursion to South Africa, Southern Rhodesia and Bechuanaland Protectorate. It was the first overseas state visit since the outbreak of war in 1939 and was celebrated with much pomp and fanfare. The young Princess Elizabeth also celebrated her 21st birthday during the tour. Rhodesia versus NZ - 1949 The combined rugby sides of Northern and Southern Rhodesia beat the New Zealand All Blacks in Bulawayo 10-8 in 1947. The next test was held in Salisbury which ended in a 3-3 draw, with the All Blacks thereby losing the series. Rhodesia was and still is the only side in the world to have a 100% winning record against the All Blacks in series rugby. Television in Rhodesia - 1960 Rhodesia Television (RTV) was a live-broadcast, television station operating in Southern Rhodesia as a private company. Established on 14 November 1960 first in Salisbury, with transmissions in Bulawayo beginning seven months later. It was only the third TV service in sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria and Egypt, and the first such service in southern Africa, since South Africa did not introduce television until 1976. Belgians flee Congo for Rhodesia Widespread violent rioting against Belgian colonials in the months leading up to, and after the independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1960, caused thousands of Belgians to flee the country with many escaping into Northern Rhodesia with just the clothes on their backs. Rhodesian Front win - 1962 Southern Rhodesia held a general election on 14 December 1962. Voters elected 65 members of the Legislative Assembly. The election was notable for bringing to power the Rhodesian Front, initially under Winston Field, which set the colony on the course for its eventual Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Rhodesian Newspapers A 1952 advert promoting the country's two main national newspapers. The firm behind these papers was the Rhodesian Printing & Publishing Co Ltd. It was a subsidiary of the Argus Printing & Publishing Company, & established to run Argus’ newspapers in Southern Rhodesia which included the Rhodesia Herald, the Sunday Mail & Umtali Post. In 1981 the new government bought the Herald and other papers, using a US$20 mio grant from Nigeria, and established the Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust to operate them. UDI declared - 1965 On 11 November 1965, Southern Rhodesia’s prime minister, Ian Smith, unilaterally declared his territory’s independence from Britain. Not since the United States in 1776 had a British colony declared itself independent, and the Rhodesian declaration was not dissimilar in language and syntax to its American forerunner. That afternoon Smith addressed the nation. He assured them that Rhodesians remained ‘second to none in our loyalty to the Queen’, but ‘the end of the road has been reached’. Daily Mail - 1965 The UK's Daily Mail published on 12th November 1965 discussing Rhodesia's declaration of Unilateral Independence the day before. This newspaper I have is completely original and all pages are clean and intact. Sanctions busting The Rhodesian government was subjected to economic sanctions by the UN soon after UDI was declared including an oil embargo. These sanctions were relatively futile in the beginning as Rhodesia found unique ways to side-step the measures and it ended up being a boon for the country's domestic manufacturing industry. The Umtali Post Newspaper The Umtali Advertiser was the second newspaper to be launched in Southern Rhodesia and preceded The Buluwayo Chronicle. The first edition appeared on December 13, 1893. The newspaper was founded by a Jewish Scotsman named Maurice Henry. In 1934 the paper was bought by the Rhodesian Printing and Publishing Company and in 1949 it was re-named the Umtali Post. Coup in Uganda - 1971 Idi Amin, commander of the Ugandan Army, seized power in Uganda on 25th January 1971 ousting President Milton Obote. Amin's rule was characterised by rampant human rights abuses, including political repression, ethnic persecution & extrajudicial killings, as well as nepotism, corruption & gross economic mismanagement. International observers and human rights groups estimate that between 100,000 to 500,000 people were killed under his regime. He was overthrown in 1979. Zimbabwe-Rhodesia 1979 Under pressure from the international community to satisfy the civil rights movement by black people in Rhodesia, an “Internal Settlement” was drawn up between Ian Smith’s administration & moderate African nationalist parties in 1979. Bishop Muzorewa became PM of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia but the new state did not gain international recognition, with the Commonwealth claiming that it was “no more legal and valid” than the Rhodesia it replaced. Motoring Guide - 1950s A well-used 48 page motoring guide to Rhodesia & Nyasaland which was published on behalf of the Royal Automobile Club of South Africa in the 1950s. This club was originally established in Cape Town on 23 Oct 1901 & was granted a Royal charter in 1911. Rhodesia Calls Rhodesia Calls was a travel magazine published bi-monthly by the Rhodesian Tourism Association and sold worldwide to promote the scenic attractions of the country. This is a May/June 1967 edition in excellent condition, I have several other copies. Illustrated Life Rhodesia - 1970 Illustrated Life Rhodesia was a fortnightly picture magazine published in Salisbury, Rhodesia, between 1968-1978. It carried illustrated articles on Rhodesian history as well as on current affairs and prominent local personalities. This Dec 2nd 1970 issue is in good condition and I have one other. Rhodesian Gazette - 1973 The Responsible Government Association called the Rhodesia Party from 1923, was a political party in Southern Rhodesia. Founded in 1917, it initially advocated responsible government for Southern Rhodesia within the British Empire. This gazette outlines the achievements made within the country between 1923-1973. In very good condition. Guidebook to Zimbabwe Ruins This guidebook to the Zimbabwe Ruins was published in 1960. There is some stains on back cover, but binding is secure and all pages clean. Life with UDI - Cartoons This soft copy book is a follow-on from Rhodesia's first-ever "history" in cartoons. 'Life With UDI' Both books humorously, but faithfully, record the major events and depict the trend of international attitudes immediately prior to and after Rhodesia's Declaration of Independence on 11th November, 1965. Both editions were published in 1966. This book displayed is in very good condition. BSAP Outpost Magazine The Outpost (initially called the Police Review) was the regimental magazine for the British South Africa Police from 1911 to 1979. This is a 1977 edition in good condition and I have several others. Focus on Rhodesia magazines A periodical published by the Ministry of Information in the 1970s. This edition is in good condition and I have several others. Rhodesian Air Force magazine - 1977 The Bateleur magazine was published by the Rhodesian Air Force between 1976 - 1980 and aimed specifically at RHAF personnel. This copy on display is in good condition. Hotel guide 1979 A soft copy booklet providing information on Rhodesia's hotels, cottages, parks and camping sites. This copy was published in 1979 and is in very good condition. Focus On Zimbabwe Rhodesia A periodical published by the Ministry of Information in the 1970s. This version is unique and rare due to the very short period of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia's political existence. Cheetah Magazine - 1980 The Cheetah was the regimental association magazine for the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI). It was last officially published in 1980 at the disbandment of the RLI following the cessation of the bush war. Prior to this, the magazine, renowned for its witty and informed content, was a much sought-after and eagerly-awaited publication for civilians and servicemen alike. This is a rare souvenir copy published in Oct 1980 with the purchaser's receipt attached. Good condition. The Herald - April 1980 The country officially became Zimbabwe on the 18th April 1980. This is the front cover of the Herald Newspaper reporting the event. The paper is in good condition with slight staining from age on sides. Whenwes of Rhodesia Published in 1978 this cartoon book tried to capture the light side of people emigrating from Rhodesia. Fears over the future sees a virtual diaspora of Rhodesian migrants making their way to every corner of the globe; spreading Rhodesian culture and the traditions of the braaivleis, beer-drinking, rugby, cattle-raising, tobacco-growing, financial wizardry, and a host of other peculiarly Rhodesian accomplishments. This is a second edition in very good condition. The Cheetah Magazine This magazine was published in February 2011 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the forming of the Rhodesian Light Infantry. This copy is in very good condition.

Rhodesian medals, badges and other military related items. QSA medal (Rhodesia bar) The Queen's South Africa Medal was awarded to British & Colonial military personnel who served in the Boer War between 11th October 1899 and 31st May 1902. 26 clasps in total were awarded for this medal; 5 “State” clasps, 2 “Date” clasps and 19 “Battle” clasps. Each clasp was subject to various conditions that had to be met to be awarded. This one includes the Rhodesia clasp which meant the holder served under the command of Lieut. General Sir F. Carrington and Colonel Plumer in Rhodesia. Sth Rhodesian Volunteers A pair of original brass buttons in good condition (with lugs) worn by the Southern Rhodesian Volunteer force (SRV). This unit was formed in late 1898 and commanded by Major P.W. Forbes. The SRV was divided into the Eastern Division, based in Salisbury, and the Western Division based in Bulawayo. The SRV served in the Boer War and took part in the relief of Mafeking. The first King’s Colour and Regimental Colour was awarded to the SRV. The unit was disbanded in 1920 due to cost-cutting. PTI Badge - WWI An original and unused Southern Rhodesian army WWI era physical training instructor's metal badge. Proportional to its population, Southern Rhodesia contributed more manpower to the British war effort in WWI than any other dominion or colony. When the Great War broke out Rhodesians were among the first to volunteer for service, and many proceeded to Europe at their own expense to join the Colours. The volunteers were awarded 421 British decorations among which were two VCs, 58 DSOs and 144 MCs. Colonial Police Medal 1948 This silver medal was awarded for 18 years full-time, continuous & efficient service to members in the Police Force of any British Colony or Overseas Territory. The one shown here was issued in Northern Rhodesia in 1948. Unfortunately it is missing its clasp and ribbon. The Rhodesia Regiment A WWII Rhodesia Regiment cap badge in good condition. The initial unit named as the Rhodesia Regiment was formed from volunteers & first saw service in the Boer War of 1899-1902. The Regiment's badge is the Maltese Cross, surmounted by a Crown; in the centre of the Cross is the Rhodesian heraldic lion supporting a tusk of ivory from the old British South Africa Company's Coat of Arms. The Regimental colours were Black, Green & Red. BSAP Badge - 1930s An enamel BSAP lapel badge from the 1920s or 1930s in excellent condition. First time I have seen and purchased one of these if anyone has more information on this type of badge please message me. Northern Rhodesia Regt A Northern Rhodesia Regiment collar badge in good condition. This regiment was founded in 1933. Its members fought in Somaliland, Madagascar, the Middle East, Ceylon & Burma during WWII. The 1st Battalion also served with distinction in the Malayan Emergency from 1953-55. From 1953 - 1963, during Federation with Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, it made up part of the Federal armed forces. Its motto was "Different in Race, Equal in Fidelity" RAF Rhodesia Sq - formed 1917 No. 44 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, was formed on 24 July 1917. In 1941 the Squadron was renamed No 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron in honour of the Rhodesian contribution to Britain’s war effort. It also recognised that up to 25% of the air and ground crew were Rhodesian. The badge is based on the seal of Lobengula, the chief of the Matebele, and the elephant symbolises heavy attacks. Operational Record - 44Sq A 76 page operational record and Roll of Honour for 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron during WWII. selected and compiled by RAF Flight Lt A.N. White and published in 1977. In good condition with all pages clean and intact. RAF 44 Squadron blazer badge No 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron blazer badge in excellent condition LDRG cap badge - 1942 A scarce second world war darkened brass cap badge for the Long Range Desert Group. The L.R.D.G. was formed by Major Ralph Bagnold in 1940 and operated behind enemy lines often with the SAS. Its members consisted primarily of New Zealanders & Rhodesians. Sth Rhodesia Staff Corps A pair of King's Crown brass collar badges issued between 1942 - 1957 to the Southern Rhodesian Staff Corps. The badges are in very good condition and complete with lugs. BSAP cap badge - 1950s A brass BSAP officer's cap badge from the 1950s. There were numerous variants of the police badge in use at different periods prior to WWII. In 1933 a crown was added above the badge to bring it more in-line with other colonial police forces. The crest shows the lion badge encircled by a scroll bearing the BSAP motto Pro Rege, Pro Lege, Pro Patria which can be translated as "For Sovereign, For Law, For Country" Rhodesia & Nyasaland An officer's Rhodesia & Nyasaland Army Services Corp cap badge in excellent condition & with both lugs. (1957-1964) Northern Rhodesia Police Two unused NRP collar badges. This unit had its origins from the Barotse Native Police force, which was formed in 1902. It was merged with the North-Eastern Rhodesia Police Force in 1911 to become the Northern Rhodesia Police. Following independence in 1964 it was renamed the Zambian Police Force. Rhodesian Military Police This well-used Rhodesian military police general service badge dates from the 1970s. On 1st January 1964 the Southern Rhodesia Corps of Military Police was formed. In 1967 it was renamed the Rhodesian Corps of Military Police. The motto of the corps was "Exemplo Ducemus - By Example We Lead" (The same motto as the UK's Corps of Royal Military police). On the 25th September 1977 the Rhodesian Military Police adopted the tune "The Watch Tower" as their Regimental march. Recruitment Poster - 1970s An original Rhodesian Army recruitment poster from the mid-1970s. This particular example is framed and in very good condition. Rhodesian African Rifles pin A silver RAR pin. The RAR was the oldest and largest regiment in the Rhodesian army. Its roots dated to the 1916 formation of the Rhodesia Native Regiment which fought for the British in East Africa during World War I. Rhodesian African Rifles plaque A Rhodesian African Rifles wall plaque. Originally formed as The Rhodesia Native Regiment during World War I, this fine regiment first saw action in East Africa, pitted against German forces. Disbanded and later re-formed, the regiment was to distinguish itself during World War II in the North Africa & Burma campaigns. Using the counter-insurgency experience gleaned from the Malayan Campaign, the RAR provided the front-line troops in the battle for Rhodesia, 1965 - 1980. RAR Colours A guidebook on the RAR colours. For any regiment, the colours are the most visible symbol of the unit’s history. The RAR was no exception. When the Queen Mother presented colours to the RAR in 1953, she publicly and permanently acknowledged the regiment and major campaigns in which it earned honours. Police anti-terror unit plaque Police Anti-terror Unit (PATU) wall plaque. During the Rhodesian Bush War, the BSAP operated several anti-guerrilla units, most prominently PATU, which tracked and engaged nationalist guerrillas. RLI collar set & belt buckle An unused original Rhodesian Light Infantry Collar set (correct opposing faced matched pair) - hollow backed, mounted on original RLI stable belt material, and a No 1 dress white metal/chrome general service belt buckle - maker marked Reutler, Salisbury. In excellent condition. Selous Scouts Plaque A small Selous Scouts wall plaque from the 1970s in excellent condition. The Selous Scouts was a special forces regiment within the Rhodesian Army, that operated from 1973 to 1980. Named after the famous British explorer Frederick Courteney Selous (1851–1917), its motto "Pamwe Chete" was a Shona phrase roughly meaning "all together”. Grey's Scouts An unused anodised Grey's Scouts cap badge from the late 1970s. In 1896 one volunteer unit was seconded from the Bulawayo Field Force to go to the aid of beleaguered settlers in Mashonaland. It was a troop of mounted infantry raised by Captain George Grey, & became known as Grey's Scouts. The troop was later disbanded but reformed as a regiment in 1975. Trained & utilized as mounted infantry this unit achieved exceptional success during the Rhodesian bush war. 1 SAS Rhodesia Regiment An original artwork from the 1970s. C Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment was formed during the Malayan Emergency by volunteers from Rhodesia. It was disbanded in 1953 and became the nucleus of "C" Squadron (Rhodesian) Special Air Service, operational from 1961. In June 1978 "C" Squadron (Rhodesian) Special Air Service became 1 (Rhodesian) Special Air Service Regiment until Rhodesia became Zimbabwe in 1980. Story of C Squadron SAS Letter on back of artwork described in previous slide. This gives some of the history of the SAS Rhodesia regiment. 1 SAS Rhodesia Regiment A 1 SAS Rhodesia Regiment wall plaque made in 1979. SAS Rhodesia - lapel pin A brass SAS winged-dagger pin. C Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment was formed during the Malayan Emergency by volunteers from Rhodesia. It was disbanded in 1953 and became the nucleus of "C" Squadron (Rhodesian) Special Air Service, operational from 1961. In June 1978 "C" Squadron (Rhodesian) Special Air Service became 1 (Rhodesian) Special Air Service Regiment until Rhodesia became Zimbabwe in 1980. SAS Rhodesia - 1970s An invitation card to an SAS Rhodesia squadron event (dinner/drinks etc). Original and unused. SAS stable belt - 1970s A rare and original Rhodesian SAS Stable belt. The SAS had two issues of such belts during their existence. This is a used 2nd issue belt and is stamped ‘Reuteler MFG, Salisbury’ on the reverse of the buckle. The badge is scratched from wear but in overall good condition 22 SAS telex to C Squadron A photocopy of a telex sent by Britain's 22 SAS Regiment congratulating C Squadron (SAS Rhodesia) for its formidable and exemplary record during its years of existence and noting that despite its disbandment by the new government of Zimbabwe in 1980. C squadron's order of battle would forever remain vacant within 22 SAS Regiment to honour their memory. Sth Rhodesia Artillery An unused Southern Rhodesia Artillery cap badge. This badge and name were used right up until 1980. Two Rhodesian batteries served with the allies during WWII and saw action in both Egypt & Italy. Rhodesia Defence Regiment A cap badge of the Rhodesian Defence Regiment. This unit was formed in 1964 and served until 1980. Its primary roles were: 1. To protect/defend designated installations which were of strategic, economic or military importance. 2. To provide escort protection as directed & 3. To act as a reinforcement reserve for other units of the army. Rhodesian Army badge A Rhodesian Army general service brass badge. In worn condition. Pfumo ReVanhu Poster This is an original propaganda poster printed in 1979 ahead of elections which led to the short-lived government of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. Pfumo ReVanhu were an auxiliary force set up as an adjunct to the country's official military units. This example is framed and is in very good condition. T&C Army Brochure This rare 20-page booklet was published in the mid-1970s by the Rhodesian army explaining the general terms & conditions on joining the country's armed forces (including salary scales and guide to the various units). It is in very good condition with only minor wear & tear. Rhodesian Army Insignia An original artwork by Andrew Crous produced in 1980 and displaying all the insignia of the Rhodesian Army. This particular example is framed and in very good condition. It is also one of the only 1000 that were produced. General Service Medal A Rhodesian General Service Medal in good condition, slight stain on ribbon. One side has the head of Cecil John Rhodes. The reverse carries the national armorial bearings The name of the recipient is etched on the rim. The medal was given for service on operations undertaken for the purpose of combating guerrilla or other enemy incursions into Rhodesia. Boxed set of medals 1979 A wooden boxed set of 34 miniature Rhodesian Medals and Awards. The set consists of 27 awards in solid silver of 98% purity, 5 bronze and two gold. Only 500 such sets were made. Zimbabwe Medal 1980 A brass medal issued to celebrate the birth of the state of Zimbabwe in 1980.

Old and rare photographs as well as illustrations of Rhodesia from the late 1800s to 1980. King Lobengula An illustration of Lobengula who succeeded Mzilikazi as King of the Ndebele people in 1870. Lobengula would not allow photographs of himself believing they would take away his spirit. In Oct 1888 he signed the famous Rudd concession with CD Rudd, a partner of Cecil Rhodes, by which, in return for a 1,000 Martini-Henry rifles, 100,000 rounds of ammunition, £1200 annually & a steamboat, Lobengula unwittingly gave Rhodes & his partners a monopoly of all the metals & minerals in his Kingdom. Cecil Rhodes 1853 - 1902 Cecil John Rhodes was born in England in 1853 the son of a vicar. In 1871 at the age of 18 he entered the diamond trade in Kimberley South Africa & later formed De Beers Ltd which dominated the diamond trade into the 21st century. He also served as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896. His British South Africa Company founded Rhodesia in 1895. He also set up a scholarship in 1902 which to this day enables outstanding students from around the world to attend Oxford University. Pioneer Column - 1890 The Pioneer Column was raised by the British South Africa Company to annex Mashonaland. It consisted of 180 men including soldiers, lawyers, engineers, builders, bakers, butchers & farmers. They marched from Macloutsie in Bechuanaland in June 1890 & reached the site of Fort Salisbury on 12th Sept 1890. The next morning a full dress parade was held, a 7-pounder canon fired a royal salute & Lt Edward Tyndale-Biscoe hoisted the flag atop a kopje overlooking the site of the future capital, Salisbury Frederick Selous:1851-1917 Frederick Selous was a famous hunter, explorer & author. An Englishman by birth he helped chart the southern & eastern regions of Africa, expand the world's zoological knowledge & champion conservation. His real-life adventures inspired Sir Henry Rider Haggard to create the fictional Allan Quartermain character. Selous was also a close friend of Theodore Roosevelt & Cecil Rhodes. He guided the pioneer column into Mashonaland in 1890. King Lewanika 1842-1916 A photograph of King Lewanika, a powerful traditional ruler of the Barotse people who inhabited the north-western part of Rhodesia. In 1890 the King signed a treaty with the British South Africa Company because he was fearful of attack from the Portuguese as well as from the Matabele & so he wished to have British protection. Thus Barotseland became a British protectorate. It was eventually amalgamated with North-Eastern Rhodesia to form Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1911. William Fairbridge - 1891 In June 1891, the Argus Company sent William Fairbridge to Fort Salisbury to obtain reports about the settlement to send back to Britain. On 27 June 1891, he filled a German sausage with glue & treacle using it as a roller to print the first copies of 'The Mashonaland & Zambesian Times' newspaper. After working a year printing from a mud hut he imported more modern equipment by ox wagon & on 20th Oct 1892 the Mashonaland Herald & Zambesian Times became the Rhodesian Herald. Zeederberg Coach Co The Zeederberg Coach Company was a South African horse-drawn mail and stage coach service which began in 1887 when Christiaan Zeederberg & his 3 brothers started the first mail-coach route between Johannesburg & Kimberley. In April 1891 the Zeederberg company inaugurated a route from Pretoria to Pietersburg & then on to Fort Tuli, Fort Victoria & Fort Charter & finally Salisbury. Zeederberg’s were paid £4,500 annually by the BSAC & became the official mail carriers to & from Southern Rhodesia. Trading Station - 1890s A postcard photograph of a trading station in the late 1890s on the Bulawayo to Gwelo transport road. Typically such stations consisted of huts which had mud walls & thatched roofs, with a canteen at one end & the store at the other, separated by a partition, the bar fittings consisted mainly of spirit cases. A round hut, innocent of window frames or doors normally served as the dining room. Mashonaland Police The Mashonaland Mounted Police force was established in January 1892 following the disbandment of the British South Africa Company Police. It was a paramilitary force of mounted infantrymen responsible for policing the occupied region of Mashonaland. 'Afrikander' Volunteers 1893 During 1893 several incidents took place in Matabeleland, including the raiding of Mashona livestock & the theft of a British telegraph line. The Fort Victoria incident in which Matabele raiders attacked the Mashona and besieged the European settlers was the trigger to the first Anglo-Matabele War. During this conflict the Afrikander (Afrikaner) Volunteer Corps was established as a military unit, & provided substantial support to the Rhodesian Police in two decisive battles against the Matabele. Salisbury School - 1894 An 1894 photo of the staff & pupils at the first school in Salisbury. In early 1894 as a result of the efforts of Archdeacon Upcher & his assistant N.C Panilod, All Saints School opened with a handful of pupils. The teacher H.C Rankillor had brought desks, books & other equipment with him from Pretoria. Unfortunately, the school was too small to be economically sustainable & was closed by Bishop Gaul in 1895. Standard Bank - 1894 The Standard Bank of British South Africa Ltd established a pioneering presence in southern Rhodesia in 1892. The first 'branch' was located in a bell tent in Bulawayo. This photo shows the first proper branch building to be erected in Salisbury in 1894. The Kopje Club - 1895 As the Salisbury Club was initially only accessible to civil servants & members of the military, a group of traders got together & built the Kopje Club in Sinoia street, the outside of which is shown in this photograph taken in 1895. Ladies were not normally admitted to either the Salisbury or Kopje clubs. The latter eventually closed down and became the Castle Hotel. Mashona Rebellion - 1896 In 1896 some local tribes were angry over the influx of settlers into Mashonaland & stringent colonial health rules on livestock to prevent rinderpest. In June two spirit mediums, Kagubi & Nehanda, urged the local tribespeople to attack European settlers. Within a few days 119 people had been murdered in the rural areas of Mashonlaland. The European population then moved from their farms & the mines to form laagers in Salisbury, Headlands & Umtali. Farm Attack - 1896 Image of the scene found by Inspector Nesbitt & his Mashonaland Mounted Police patrol at the Porta farm in June 1896 after the entire Norton family & two farm employees living there had been murdered by tribesmen during the `Mashona rebellion. Mazoe Patrol Survivors On 19 June 1896, Captain Nesbitt of the Mashonaland Mounted Police led a 13-man patrol to the rescue of miners & their families at the Alice Mine in the Mazoe Valley located 27 miles from Salisbury, who were surrounded by over a thousand armed rebel Mashona tribesmen. Captain Nesbitt & his patrol fought their way through the enemy & succeeded in getting the beleaguered party back to Salisbury in spite of heavy fighting in which three of the small rescue party were killed & five wounded. Salisbury Laager - 1896 A copy of a sketch map showing the layout of the laager built in Salisbury during the Mashona rebellion. The only substantial brick building existing in Salisbury at that time was the jail house. This was hastily converted into a laager with wagons, sandbags & barbed wire. Then on the afternoon of the 20th June 1896, following a warning that hostile Mashona warriors had been sighted on the outskirts of Salisbury, the town's population were ordered into the laager. Artillery Troop - 1896 Members of the artillery troop who served with the Rhodesia Horse Volunteers group (which was later renamed the Salisbury Horse). This photograph was taken outside of the Salisbury laager in 1896. Defenders of Salisbury Matabeleland & Mashonaland were officially referred to collectively as 'Southern Rhodesia' from 1898 & formally united under that name in 1901. The overall centre of BSAC administration was Salisbury, which was also the Southern Rhodesia capital. The BSAC's administrative centre in North-Eastern Rhodesia was Fort Jameson, while in North-Western Rhodesia the capital was Kalomo initially & then Livingston from 1907. Matabeleland Police - 1897 In 1893 the Matabeleland Mounted Police (a forerunner of the BSA Police) was formed. Both it & the Mashonaland Mounted Police unit came under the umbrella of the Rhodesian Mounted Police, commanded by Captain Charles White. The unit played a central role in both the 1st Matabele War (1893) & the 2nd Matabele War (1896/7) with many troopers also serving in the Jameson Raid. This original photo was taken by William Rausch a well-known photographer at the time. He died in 1900. Khami Ruins - 1897 An original silver gelatine photograph of troops resting by part of the Khami Ruins during the 2nd Matabele War. This image was taken in 1897 by William Rausch. These ancient ruins date from 1450 AD & are remnants of the Torwa dynasty whose capital was called Khami. Chief Gambo A photograph of Chief Gambo who was once one of Lobengula's senior military officers. He later switched sides & fought with the European settlers. He eventually became one of the most influential chiefs in Matebeleland & married one of Lobengula's daughters. Matabeleland - 1897 An original silver gelatine photograph taken by William Rausch of members of the Matabeleland Mounted Police force sitting outside a hut near Bulawayo in 1897. Rhodes Campsite A photograph of Rhodes in front of his camp wagon in Matabeleland, together with his personal secretary John Grimmer and his batman Tony. John Grootboom John Grootboom was a member of the Tembu tribe who fought with the settlers during the Matabele rebellions. He bravely volunteered to go to the Matabele stronghold with a message from Rhodes. This approach eventually led to the 'Great Indaba' & the famous peace agreement. Rhodes later offered Grootboom a substantial reward for this action but his offer was refused. Salisbury - 1898 A copy of an 1898 photograph showing the southern section of Salisbury and highlighting some of the important structures/areas back then. Government House - 1899 An original picture of government house in Bulawayo taken by the famous photographer William Rausch in 1899. In 1897 Cecil Rhodes had this house built as his personal residence on the site of King Lobenguela's original Kraal. The garden contained a large tree under which he and Lobengula held their negotiations. The building, was later used by the BSAC during their administration of Southern and Northern Rhodesia. National Rugby Team -1898 A photo of Rhodesia's first national team ahead of a tour of South Africa in 1898. Rugby was first played in the country by members of the Pioneer Column in 1890 & the Rhodesia Rugby Football Union was formed in 1895. Several Rhodesians/Zimbabweans have also played for the Springboks over the years including Des Van Jaarsveldt, Ian Robertson, Ray Mordt, Tendai Mtawarira & Brian Mujati. In July 2025 Zimbabwe qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991. 1st Board Members BSAC The British South Africa Company was formed in 1899 & backed financially by Baron Nathan de Rothschild & Cecil Rhodes. A Royal Charter encouraged the BSAC to extend the infrastructure of modern capitalism into south-central Africa for the benefit of the British but without any cost falling on the British taxpayer. The BSAC's administration of Rhodesia ended in 1923 when the settlers were granted responsible government. Lt Colonel Spreckley Lt Colonel John ‘Jack’ Spreckley served with the Bulawayo Field Force during the Matabele Rebellion & later as a member of ‘E’ Squadron, the Rhodesia Regiment during the 2nd Boer War (including the relief of Mafeking). Later, whilst on patrol on 20 August 1900, his party was surrounded by a group of Transvaal Boers at Klip Drift. Spreckley & his party were called upon to surrender, but he shouted "Never give in to them, lads" & was immediately killed. 7th Queen's Hussars - 1897 An original photo of the Queen's own 7th Hussars on parade in 1897. This regiment was deployed in Rhodesia between 1896 & 1897 to help quell the Matabele & Mashona rebellions. It was a cavalry regiment in the British Army & was first formed in 1689. It saw service across the world for three centuries, including during WWI & WWII. The regiment survived the immediate post-war reduction in forces, but it was amalgamated with the 3rd The King's Own Hussars, forming the Queen's Own Hussars in 1958. 2nd Boer War - 1899 In 1899 Colonel Baden-Powell was sent out to Rhodesia to raise two regiments, in order to protect the borders of that country & of the Bechuanaland Protectorate from possible Boer attacks. Two regiments, namely the Rhodesian under Colonel Plummer & the Protectorate under Colonel Gore, were raised, trained & equipped. This photograph shows a detachment of Rhodesian volunteers leaving Market Square in Salisbury & heading to the country's south-western border with the Northern Transvaal. Field Telegraph Unit - 1899 This photo shows a field telegraph unit near Fort Tuli in 1899. A police detachment under Sgt McGee was sent on the 5th of August 1899 from Bulawayo to re-establish Tuli's defences. They were joined in September by four troops of the Rhodesia Regiment who arrived just before the Boer War started on 11th Oct 1899. The first fighting in the area broke out on 18th Oct 1899 when a Rhodesian recon unit from Tuli crossed the Limpopo River into the Transvaal & were fired upon by Boer commandos. Salisbury to Umtali 1899 On 23rd May 1899, the Mashonaland Railway Company inaugurated the first rail service between Umtali and Salisbury. The 170 mile line was built with materials transported to Umtali via the Beira railway which had itself been completed in February 1898 and financed by both the BSAC and some Portuguese investors. Hartley Church - 1900s An original postcard photo of the first church in Hartley (now Chegutu) & taken in the early 1900s. This was a Methodist church established by Reverend Owen Watkins & Isaac Shimmin, who were the first Methodist missionaries to settle in the country having arrived there in 1891. Government House - 1900s A colourised postcard photograph (slightly damaged) of Government House in Salisbury (now Harare) & taken in the early 1900s. It was built in 1899 but was destroyed in a fire in 1906. In 1912 the house was rebuilt & enlarged in a much more elegant fashion. It was the official home of the Governor of Southern Rhodesia & later, the Governor-General of Rhodesia. After 1980 it was renamed State House & became the official residence of Zimbabwe's President. Salisbury Hospital - 1901 A 1901 photograph of the staff at Salisbury's first general hospital which opened in 1895. Mashonaland - 1900 A postcard photograph of a wagon train somewhere in Mashonaland and taken around 1900. Before the coming of the railways it was ox wagons that provided all the transport for pioneers trekking across the Limpopo river & into Mashonaland & Matabeleland. The trek ox brought from the coast into the interior all the food, furniture, clothing, household utensils, corrugated sheeting, timber & machinery required. Chief Mutasa - 1900s An original 1900s postcard photo of Chief Mutasa (& wives) of the Manyika tribe. Manyika (a Shona subset) was a historic kingdom in the eastern highlands of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) & parts of Mozambique. The title of its dynastic ruler was originally 'Chikanga" but later changed to 'Mutasa' & is still used by the ruling clan today. By the early 1900s the British South Africa Company had established control & the Kingdom was divided for administrative purposes into the Umtali & Inyanga districts. Hartley Offices - 1900s An original postcard photo taken in the early 1900s of the first administrative offices in the mining settlement of Hartley (now Chegutu) which was established in 1899. In 1901 the railway reached Hartley, which was proclaimed a village in 1903 & then a town in 1942. A Town Council was established in 1968 & Hartley was granted municipality status in 1974. Rhodes Funeral - 1902 An original photograph (taken by SC Turner) of preparations in the Matopas for the funeral of Cecil Rhodes. Samuel Turner was born in England in 1866, arriving in Bulawayo in 1897 & establishing himself as a picture framer, working from his home at 72 Abercorn Street Bulawayo. In 1902 Turner produced a series of 20 photographs of the funeral of Rhodes. From around the mid-1900s Turner published postcards using his photographs, with two series known to exist. He never married & died in July 1941. Matabele Induna - Faku A photograph of Faku an Induna (Commander) under Lobengula who was one of the key senior leaders of the Matabele who signed the peace agreement with Rhodes which ended the rebellion. The two men later became good friends & it was Faku's warriors who gave the Matabele Royal Salute over Rhodes's coffin as he was buried atop a granite hill in the Matopos in 1902. Abercorn street - Bulawayo A photograph looking down Abercorn street Bulawayo & taken in 1902. This city was the first in the country to operate electric street lights in 1897 a time when even London was still using mostly gas lamps. It was also home to Rhodesia's first stock exchange which opened in 1896. Peter Lobengula - 1903 An original vintage postcard photo from 1903 of a well-known performer whose stage name was 'Prince Lobengula' & claimed to come from Matabele royalty. Peter Kushana Lobengula was handsome, fluent in English & emigrated to Britain in 1899 where he performed across the country. In 1901 he married an Irish woman named Lily Magowan in Salford, where he performed in local theatres & eventually became a coal miner. The couple had 5 children but sadly Peter died in November 1913 from Tuberculosis. Smith & James - 1903 George Smith and Jimmy James established a partnership as butchers and bakers to the growing Victoria Falls community in 1903. Proudly promoting their contract as suppliers to the Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company. Salisbury Racetrack - 1905 A postcard photo of Salisbury's horse racing track from 1905. The course was built in the area of Belvedere & run by the Mashonaland Turf Club which was established on 9 Jan 1892 & the first race was held on 24 May 1892. The total stakes for the six races that day being £75. By 1950 the 200 acre club grounds contained a right-handed course of over 1.50 miles long. In 1958 the course was moved to its existing site in Borrowdale, where by 1976 an average of 42 race meetings a year were being held. Ladies Shooting Club A 1903 postcard photograph of the Manicaland Ladies Rifle club. Victoria Falls Station - 1906 An original postcard photograph of Victoria Falls railway station in 1906. The project to build a rail line from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls was commissioned by Cecil Rhodes in 1901. However, construction only began in September 1903 and was handled by the firm of Pauling and Co. The line officially opened in May 1904. Standard Bank - Hartley An original postcard photo from 1908 of the Standard Bank branch which opened in the town of Hartley (now Chegutu) in 1901. The man by the cart in the foreground is the manager of the nearby Glencairn Mine & who had just deposited some gold from the mine at the bank. 'The Residency' - 1908 An original colourised postcard photograph of the first double-story brick house built in Salisbury (now Harare) on the corner of Baines Ave & Second Street. The house was built in 1895 by the pioneer & explorer Edward Maund at a cost of 4,000 pounds. He leased it out to the BSAC who used it as the home for the Resident Commissioner & bought the property outright in 1901. (Cecil Rhodes himself occupied it from 1896-97). It also hosted the regular 'hunt' meetings as shown in this photograph. BSAP Colour Party - 1909 The Mashonaland Mounted Police was formed in 1892, the Matabeleland Mounted Police in 1893 & the Matebeleland Native Police in 1894. Eventually, these three units together with other forces including municipal forces in both Salisbury & Bulawayo were all merged together into a single force in 1909 when control of the BSA Police transferred to the Imperial government under the command of one Commissioner of Police. Terminus Hotel - Matopas A postcard photograph of the Terminus hotel. It served a recreational railway line which would take visitors from Bulawayo to the Matopas Hills. This line operated between 1903 - 1948 & was funded by the Rhodes Trustees. Livingstone - 1910 An original postcard colourised photograph of the Main Street in the town of Livingstone Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and taken in 1910. St Georges College In 1896, a French Jesuit priest Friar Marc Barthelemy opened the door of a small corrugated-iron two windowed hut to admit the first six pupils into St Georges Boys School in Bulawayo. It was later upgraded & expanded in 1912. But in 1927 the school moved to its current 40 hectare site in Salisbury (now Harare) & renamed St Georges College. It is still considered to be one of the top schools in the country. This photo shows the parents of some of the scholars at St Georges School in Bulawayo. Sir John Norton-Griffiths Sir John Norton-Griffiths (1871-1924) had no formal qualifications as an engineer, yet successfully carried out vast projects including the building of the Benguela Railway & the mining of Messines Ridge. He served in the Mashonaland Field Force & later formed & led the 2nd King Edward's Horse regiment during WWI, during which he was awarded the Legion of Honour (1918), the order of St Vladimir (1917) & the Grand Star of Rumania (1917) for various acts of bravery & ingenuity. Main St Bulawayo - 1908 A 1908 photograph looking up Main Street Bulawayo. The city is well-known for its very wide streets, a legacy of the formative days to allow adequate space for a wagon and full span of oxen to turn around. Bulawayo attained the status of being a city in 1943, while the City Council was the first local authority in Southern Rhodesia to establish a viable African Advisor Board as well as home ownership schemes for Africans. The Umtali Club - 1909 An original postcard photograph of the Umtali Club from 1909. This building was designed by James Cope-Christie in 1897 & stands on the corner of Main street (now Herbert Chitepo St) & Fifth Ave in Umtali (now Mutare). It was originally designed to be a Stock Exchange, a sign of the exuberant spirits of the time when more than 150 gold mines were in the early stages of development in the Penhalonga / Umtali area. Umtali & Rusape FC - 1910 An original photograph taken in 1910 of players in the Umtali & Rusape football clubs. In Southern Rhodesia, football was organised around private clubs. The sport officially became multiracial from 1959 including the national side. Dynamos FC (founded in 1963) is still the country's most successful club. Gladiator Car - 1910 Photo of an unknown woman driver outside the Empire hotel in Salisbury in 1910. The first motor car was brought into Rhodesia in 1902 by Charles Duly. It was a French built Clément-Gladiator, an 8HP vehicle originating from a bicycle manufacturer of the same name. The first vehicle in Salisbury only appeared in 1906 and was a Chenard-Walcker another vehicle evolution by a French bicycle manufacturer. By 1910 there were many more vehicles on the roads and vehicle licensing had been introduced. Camels in the BSAP In 1903 Colonel John ‘Mad Jack’ Flint, began to import a number of camels into Rhodesia as he thought they would be immune to the AHS virus affecting horses in the country at the time. In 1905 Lt Colonel Chester-Master established a camel riding school at Sinoia & camel patrols were eventually deployed to various police camps in the countryside. However the whole exercise was abandoned by 1910 as the camels fell ill with other diseases & were patently unsuitable for police work in the bush. BSAP Constable - 1911 A beautiful colour illustration from 1911 of an African constable in the BSAP with his mule. Rhodesia Regiment Cadets An original postcard photo of the Commandant-General Staff of the Rhodesia Regiment together with cadets on an officers training course in Southern Rhodesia during WWI. Proportional to its population, Rhodesia contributed more personnel to the British armed forces in WWI than any other part of the Empire, including Britain. Salisbury Post Office - 1912 An original postcard photograph of the main Post & Telegraph office in Salisbury (now Harare) taken in 1912. The first telegraph line from South Africa to Rhodesia ran from Mafeking to Palapye & was completed In October 1890. The Tuli telegraph office opened on 28th May 1891, Fort Victoria (now Masvingo) In December that same year & then Salisbury's Post Office (which opened in 1891) was connected on the 16th of February 1892. G H Williams & Co - 1915 A photograph taken in 1915 outside G.H Williams & Co in Baker avenue Salisbury. Willoughby's - 1920 An original colourised postcard photograph of the Main Street in Bulawayo in 1920. The building in the left of picture belonged to Willoughby's Consolidated.This company was founded in 1894 by Sir John Willoughby who was an adventurer & military figure who fought in the Matabele Wars & helped in the early administration of Rhodesia. His company's operations included ranching & mining as well as driving the development of water & electricity utilities for Bulawayo & surrounding districts. New Carlton Hotel - 1921 A photograph taken in-front of the New Carlton Hotel in Orr Street Salibury in 1921. Ethel Jollie Ethel Tawse Jollie was not only the first female MP in Rhodesia's parliament, but also the first female member of any British Empire parliament outside of Britain itself. She was elected to the legislative council in 1920 as member of the Responsible Government Association. This party was dedicated to Rhodesia receiving its own self-government apart from the BSAC and separate from the Union of South Africa. Britain eventually granted self-government to Southern Rhodesia in 1923. Prince Edward - 1925 A professional copy of the original 1925 photograph of Edward Prince of Wales (left) after having just shot a wildebeest on the central estate near Bulawayo Southern Rhodesia. Between the 30th of April and 29th July 1925 the Prince toured Southern Africa. He travelled on a Royal train provided by the South African Railways, visiting the Cape Province, the Orange Free State, Basutoland, Natal, Transvaal, Swaziland, Southern & Northern Rhodesia and the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Railway workers - 1928 Original photograph of railway workers on the Victoria Falls bridge in 1928. The bridge was designed by George Andrew Hobson & crosses both the Zambezi river & the falls. The Zambezi river is a border separating Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia) from Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia) while the bridge links the two countries. The bridge took 14 months to construct & was completed on the 11th of April 1905. It carries road, railway & foot traffic. Vic Falls Bridge - 1930s A 1930s photograph of the Victoria Falls bridge taken from the veranda of the Victoria Falls hotel. Queen Victoria Library A photograph of the Queen Victoria Memorial Library & Museum in Salisbury. It was established in 1902 as a lending and reference library for the colony’s first settlers. It soon built branches in the suburbs of Greendale, Hatfield, Highlands, Mabelreign and Mount Pleasant. In 1982, the Library & Museum separated, with the library portion of it becoming Harare City Library retaining its five branches. Vic Falls Hotel Dining Room A postcard photograph of the Victoria Falls Hotel dining room (date unknown). The original Victoria Falls Hotel was intended only as temporary quarters for the builders of the bridge. However once established in 1904 it was quickly expanded & proved impossible to close due to jump in the number of tourists wishing to visit the Falls. The property itself still belongs to the National Railways of Zimbabwe & there is a shared 50/50 partnership operation between African Sun & Meikles Africa. Manica Road - Salisbury A photograph taken in 1915 of Manica Road in Salisbury. This was the principal business & shopping street in the capital at this time before First Street became more predominant in the 1950s. It was also home to Fereday & Sons which became Rhodesia's most well known supplier of firearms, ammunition, bicycles & camping equipment. Pelhams Furniture shop & the famous Meikles Department store were also located along here. The street was renamed Robert Mugabe Road in 1980. Milton High School - 1927 A 1927 postcard photo (in good condition) of Milton High School. It was located in Borrow Street Bulawayo & opened in 1910. It was the first all-boys government school in the city & named after Sir William Milton. In September of 1927 some 300 boys & staff moved to Milton's present home, which is situated between the suburbs and the racecourse. However it wasn't until the 1st June 1928 that the school was formally opened by Sir John Chancellor as "The Milton School". The 'Big Tree' - 1927 An original postcard photo taken in 1927 of a woman in a horse-drawn buggy in front of a famous huge baobab tree near Victoria Falls. It is one of the biggest & oldest of its species in the region estimated to be over 1,000 years old & remains a significant tourist attraction. BSAP parade ground - 1928 An original photograph of African members of the BSAP standing smartly at attention on their camp parade ground in 1928. Rhodesian road - 1928 This is an original photograph of two Rhodesian settlers after having successfully dug their vehicle's tyres out of the sand in 1928. Until Rhodesia introduced its innovative strip road system in the 1930s, all roads outside the towns were no more than dirt tracks, or at best gravel surfaced. Manica Road - 1930 A postcard photograph of Manica road in Salisbury taken in 1930. Mount Cazalet - Gwanda The township of Gwanda was founded in 1898 & grew quite rapidly with life revolving primarily around the Antenior Mine. The large hill overlooking the town was called Mount Cazalet & was named after the town's first police captain. The story goes that he was able to run from the Police Station to the top of the hill in 10 minutes. The first hotel was also called Mount Cazalet & was initially built of wood and iron before being modernised in brick later as per the above 1930s photograph. Stanley Avenue - 1936 A photograph of Stanley Ave in Salisbury & taken in 1936. It was named after Sir Henry Morton Stanley who was a Welsh explorer, journalist, soldier, colonial administrator, author & politician. He was famous for his exploration of Central Africa & his search for the missionary & explorer David Livingstone. Besides his discovery of Livingstone, he is also known for his search for the sources of the Nile & Congo Rivers. The street was renamed Jason Moyo Avenue after the country became Zimbabwe. Rhodesia Regiment A group of soldiers from the Rhodesia Regiment boarding a Vickers Type 56 'Victoria' plane. This aircraft was developed as a troop transporter capable of carrying 23 fully armed troops over a range of 400 miles & operating from rough fields, with a landing speed of no more than 50 mph. Zambezi Airways - 1937 An original late 1930s photograph of a Zambezi Airways De Havilland DH89 Dragon Rapide aircraft. Not much is known about Zambezi Airways except that it was soon merged into Rhodesia & Nyasaland Airways (RANA) along with Christowitz Air Services & the Rhodesian Aviation Company. Jameson Ave - 1940s A photograph taken in the 1940s looking up Jameson Ave in Salisbury. It was named after Dr Leander Starr Jameson who came to Mashonaland in 1890 with the pioneer column. He was also a friend of Cecil Rhodes & was behind the failed 1895 raid into the Transvaal to overthrow the government of Paul Kruger. This roadway was renamed Samora Michel Ave in 1980. 'L' Detachment SAS - 1943 Members of 'L' detachment 1 SAS Regiment who worked closely with the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) during WWII & this photograph was taken in North Africa in 1943. Rhodesians & New Zealanders made up an integral component of the LRDG. Rhodesian LRDG Crew An original photograph of a group of Rhodesian members of the Long Range Desert Group. This was taken in the Tunisian Desert in 1943. Both Rhodesians & New Zealanders made up an integral component of the LRDG during WWII. Birchenough Bridge Birchenough bridge was opened on 20 Dec 1935 to link the central & southern districts of Southern Rhodesia. At 329 metres long it was the longest single arch suspension bridge in the world at the time. It cost £145,000 which was funded by the Beit Trust, a foundation chaired at the time by Sir Henry Birchenough whose ashes are buried beneath the structure of the bridge. Its designer was Ralph Freeman who was also the structural designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Shangani Patrol Memorial A 1940s photograph of former BSAC members standing in front of the memorial to the Shangani Patrol. This was a 34-soldier unit of the British South Africa Company that in 1893 was ambushed & completely annihilated by more than 3,000 Matabele warriors during the 1st Matabele War. Headed by Major Allan Wilson, the patrol was attacked just north of the Shangani River in Matabeleland. Railway Station - 1947 An original photograph taken outside Bulawayo station during the 1947 Royal Visit to South Africa, Rhodesia & Bechuanaland. King George VI, Queen Elizabeth & the two Princesses Margaret & Elizabeth flew from South Africa to Salisbury where they later travelled by Royal Train to Victoria Falls & then Bulawayo. On 14th April 1947 the King received survivors of the Pioneer Column, veterans of the Matabele War & the next day held an Indaba for Rhodesian chiefs in the Matopo Hills. The Royal Car - 1947 An original photograph of the car used by the Royal party during their visit to Bulawayo. In 1947 the British Royal Family embarked upon a world tour. It included an excursion to South Africa, Southern Rhodesia and Bechuanaland. This was the first overseas state visit since the outbreak of war in 1939 and was celebrated with much pomp and fanfare. The young Princess Elizabeth also celebrated her 21st birthday during the tour. First Street Salisbury-1950s A 1950s press photo looking down First Street in Salisbury (now Harare) the capital of Southern Rhodesia. (now Zimbabwe) BSAP Charge Office -1950s An original photo of a BSAP Charge Office taken in the 1950s. The Uniform Branch was the mainstay of the BSAP. More specialisation occurred in the larger town stations, giving rise to a number of sections, while a district branch policeman often became a 'Jack of all Trades'. The first line of call by the public to report crime or seek assistance was a police Charge Office. Lusaka street scene - 1950s A 1950s press photo of a street scene taken in the central shopping district of Lusaka, the capital of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Mufulira MOTH Club - 1950 An original photograph of the 'Last Post' M.O.T.H shellhole (club) in Mufulira N. Rhodesia & taken in the 1950s. The Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) was founded in 1927 by Charles Evenden as a brotherhood of Southern African former front-line soldiers who served their country in WWI & WWII. It later accepted veterans from various allied campaigns. It helps veterans in need & remember those who served regardless of race or religion. There are still several MOTH clubs across Southern Africa. Charter House - 1950 A photograph taken in 1950 of Charter House in Salisbury. This was the head office of the British South African Company. The BSAC was a mercantile company incorporated on 29th October 1889 by a royal charter given by Lord Salisbury, the British prime minister, to Cecil Rhodes. Jameson Avenue - 1950s A 1950s press photograph taken from the Pearl Assurance building & looking east down Jameson Avenue (now Samora Machel Ave) in Salisbury (now Harare). Rhino Hotel - 1953 An original 1953 postcard photo of the Rhino Hotel (originally the Lundi Hotel) which was a popular stop for travellers as it provided them with the opportunity to refuel the car, have a meal & stay the night. It was located near the Lundi River (now Runde) halfway between Fort Victoria (now Masvingo) & Beitbridge. The Lundi hotel was originally opened in the early 1930s & run by Mr & Mrs Guy Teale. Livingston Statue - 1950s A 1950s press photo of David Livingston's statue. This famous bronze statue was sculpted by Scottish artist William Reid-Dick & unveiled overlooking the western view on the south bank of the Victoria Falls on 5th August 1934 by Mr Howard Unwin Moffat, CMG, ex-Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia & a nephew of David Livingstone’s wife, Mary Moffat. It stands 3.2 metres high on a 37-ton rough hewn solid granite base. Its $50,000 cost was funded by the Federated Caledonian Societies of SA. Vic Falls - 1950s A 1950s press photograph of an African gentleman seated on a bench and observing the Victoria Falls. Vumba Mountains - 1950s The eastern highlands of the country formed a bastion between Portuguese & British ambitions during the colonial period & has a geographic distinction that tends to cast it in shades of Avalon rather than the central heartland of Africa. It is a beautiful region of green forests, rolling hills & occasional rugged mountain peaks. It has in the past attracted a more genteel class of colonist the 'Bengal Chancers' as they were once known. Kariba Dam Wall - 1958 A 1958 press photo of a construction worker at Kariba Dam. The dam wall with 6 flood gates was built between 1955 - 1959 & over 430,000 tonnes of cement was produced on site for its construction. By 1960 the walls and turbine rooms deep underneath the earth were complete & on 16th May 1960, HM Queen Elizabeth the British Queen Mother switched on the first electricity generators at Kariba Power Station & officially opened Africa's biggest (at the time) hydro power generation project. Chimanimani Hotel A 1960s postcard photo of the Chimanimani Hotel which is based at the foothills of the beautiful Chimanimani Mountains. It was originally called the Chimanimani Arms & owned by Mr & Mrs Townsend-Green. However, issues with the construction of a new main road leading into Melsetter, resulted in few visitors staying at the hotel. After 6 months, the hotel closed. In 1955 it was reopened by new owners & called the Chimanimani Chalet. In 1960 it was renamed the Chimanimani Hotel. St Augustine's Mission An original 1960 postcard photograph of St Augustine's Mission in Penhalonga. Bishop Knight-Bruce founded the mission in 1891 which is situated 18km from Umtali (now Mutare) & became a leading academic institution in the country. Teacher training was introduced with the first African teachers graduating 1923. In 1939 it began providing junior & secondary school education to African children. Edinburgh Hotel - 1963 An original 1963 postcard photo of the Edinburgh Hotel in Kitwe Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). An Australian architect Hans Pawlik designed the hotel which officially opened in 1960. It remains a well-known landmark in Kitwe and is still operational today. Mounted BSAP - 1960s A 1960s postcard photo of a mounted BSAP troop. The BSA Police was first formed as a mounted infantry force & the regiment always had an association with horses. The force can trace its equestrian modus operandi back to the Bechuanaland Border Police, the Cape Mounted Police & the Cape Mounted Rifles. Some suggest it even goes back to the Frontier Armed & Mounted Police of the Cape Colony. All of these units required greater mobility in the open veldt & terrain of Southern Africa. Baker Ave Salisbury - 1950s A photograph taken in the 1950s looking down Baker Ave in Salisbury. This was named after Samuel Baker an English explorer, officer, naturalist, big game hunter, engineer, writer & abolitionist. He also held the titles of Pasha & Major-General in the Ottoman Empire and Egypt. He served as Governor-General of the Equatorial Nile Basin & established the Province of Equatoria. He is remembered as the first European to visit Lake Albert. The street was later renamed Nelson Mandela Ave in 1997. Second St Salisbury-1960s An original postcard photograph taken in the early 1960s looking down Second Street in Salisbury with Cecil Square on the left. Cecil Rhodes - Bulawayo A 1960s postcard photo of Cecil Rhodes Statue in Bulawayo. The statue was unveiled in the city centre on July 7th, 1904 two years after Rhodes died. It was sculpted by a Scottish artist, John Tweed. In 1981 its was removed from its original location & moved into Bulawayo's Natural History Museum. It was later moved to the Matobo Museum but sadly destroyed when the building was set on fire by an arsonist in 2020. First Street - Salisbury 1960 A photograph taken in the 1960s looking down First Street in Salisbury which was the main shopping area and where the head office of Barclays Bank, CABS and the famous Barbours department store were located. Inyangombi Falls An early 1960s postcard photograph of a section of the Inyangombi Falls (now Nyangombe Falls) which are situated in the Inyanga (now Nyanga) National park in the eastern highlands of the country. It consists of a captivating series of cascading waterfalls. The Nyangombe River plunges down a series of rock steps, creating natural swimming pools and a sandy area known as Brighton Beach. The area is also bilharzia-free, making it safe for swimming. Gwelo Town Hall - 1960s A 1960s postcard photograph of the main municipal offices in Gwelo. The name of the town was derived from the original Matabele settlement called iKwelo (“The Steep Place”) after the nearby river’s high banks. The modern town was founded in 1894 as a military outpost, but later developed as an agricultural centre & became a municipality in 1914. In 1939 the famous Bata shoe company decided to set up its first Rhodesian operation in Gwelo. Declaration of UDI - 1965 A framed official press photograph of the signing by Prime Minister Ian Smith and his cabinet of Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence on the 11th of November 1965. Bulawayo City Hall - 1969 A 1969 postcard photograph of Bulawayo's city hall. The foundation stone of the City Hall building was laid on the 14th of June 1939 by the mayor Theodore Holdengarde. The clock and chimes were presented by Mrs Elwyn L. Wynne and were set in motion by her on the 4th of November 1940, the same day that Lady Stanley (the Governor’s wife) unveiled the bas-relief which pictured the Indaba with Rhodes and the Indunas, which was located over the door to the council offices at the base of the tower. BSAP - Patrol Car 1970s In 1971 the BSAP introduced a Peugeot 404 4-Door 1,600cc Sedan into the B-Car fleet & this vehicle was used by both Traffic Section & Information Room. It was intended to replace the Austin Westminsters that were slowly being phased out. The pickup truck version of the Peugeot was also deployed in Rhodesia at suburban stations, & used too by the dog section as a patrol vehicle. The Peugeot served the force into the first Zimbabwe Republic Police era, but phased out in 1982. Finger Rocks Unusual granite outcrops are found throughout Southern Africa but the 'Finger Rocks' near Fort Victoria (now Masvingo) are amongst the most unique. These rocks are also close to Morgenster mission which was opened in 1891 by a member of the Dutch Reformed Church Andries Adriaan Louw, & is still operating today. WWI War Memorial A 1960's postcard photo of the park in Salisbury's CBD with the WWI memorial in the foreground. The obelisk was funded by public donations & built in 1919. Soldiers, one black & one white were depicted in relief on plaques on each side. The inscriptions below read "1914–1918—We fought and died for our King." 5 years later, Lieutenant-Colonel J A Methuen organised the erection on a kopje near Umtali of a stone cross, 30 feet tall to memorialise the country's fallen black soldiers. Bulawayo Flower Market A late 1960s postcard photograph of the famous City Hall flower market in Bulawayo. Historically, about 70% of the country's flower exports came from Banket, Concession, Glendale, Bindura, Salisbury, Goromonzi, Trelawney, and Que Que, growing primarily roses, proteas, asters & chrysanthemums. Salisbury Cathedral - 1960s The Anglican Cathedral of St Mary & All Saints was designed by Sir Herbert Baker & located on the corner of Second Street & Baker Avenue in Salisbury. It stands on the site where the Pioneer Column outspanned in 1890. The foundation stone was laid in 1913 while the choir & sanctuary were finished in 1914. The sandstone structure was built over a period of 50 years and was only fully completed in 1961. The cathedral features a bell tower with 10 bells all of which were cast in London. Montague Ave - 1970 An original 1970 postcard photo of Montague Ave (now Josiah Chinamano Ave) in Salisbury. This jacaranda-lined avenue extends for two kilometres from 10th Ave to Prince Edward Street and was named after Sir Ernest Montague who came to Rhodesia in 1898 as a clerk in the BSAC. He rose to become Secretary of Mines & was also an active chairman of the Tree Planting Committee in there city's early days and was responsible for many of the tree-lined streets of present-day central Harare. Northern Suburbs - 1970s A postcard photo from the 1970s showing a glimpse of Salisbury's (now Harare's) northern suburbs. These areas of the capital city saw significant growth, particularly after 1961. Notable northern suburbs back then included Mount Pleasant, Marlborough, Borrowdale, Emerald Hill, & Alexandra Park. Jameson Ave - Salisbury A 1970s photograph of the famous statue of Cecil Rhodes looking up Jameson Avenue in Salisbury. This statue was built & placed in this position in 1911. In 1980 the statue was removed by the government of the newly independent Zimbabwe & placed inside the National Archives. Blakiston Ave - Salisbury This beautiful avenue is named after John Lionel Blakiston who was born in England. In 1893 he joined the Transcontinental Telegraphs Company in Mashonaland. During the 1896 Shona Rebellion, Blakiston volunteered to help bring back some European settlers stranded at the Alice Mine in Mazoe. However soon after his arrival the mine was surrounded by shona rebels, Blakiston & T.G Routledge managed to send a distress message to Salisbury at the mine's telegraph office before both men were killed. Baker Ave - 1970 An original 1970 photograph of Baker Ave (now Nelson Mandela Ave) in Salisbury showing part of Cecil Square on the right. Livingstone House - 1970 An original 1970 postcard photograph of Jameson Ave (now called Samora Machel Ave) in Salisbury, with the Livingstone House on the left. This building was constructed in 1960/61 in at a cost of £675,000. At 20 stories high it was the tallest building in Rhodesia at the time. Marjem Chatterton who was born in Poland in 1916 & moved to Rhodesia in 1947 was the structural engineer & designer. She designed several more important buildings including the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe head office in 1996. Air Rhodesia Viscount A 1960s photograph of an Air Rhodesia Viscount. Air Rhodesia was the national airline & its head office was located at Salisbury Airport. It was formed as a subsidiary of Central African Airways in June 1964, but became an independent corporation on 1 September 1967. Its mainstay aircraft were Douglas Dakota C-47s, Vickers Viscount 700D turboprops & the Boeing 720 jetliners. Lake Kariba - 1970s A postcard photo of Lake Kariba from the 1970s. Construction of Kariba Dam began in 1956. The Dam wall is 40 metres high & over 24 metres wide which took over a million cubic metres of concrete to build. This engineering marvel was required to sustain intense pressure from almost 10 million litres of water per second passing through the spillway. Lake Kariba covers an area of 6,000 sq km & is home to a number of inhabitants including kapenta, tiger fish, bream, crocodiles & hippos. Ian Smith & his wife - 1973 Ian Smith was born in Selukwe Rhodesia in 1919. He was head prefect, captain of rugby, cricket & tennis at Gwelo High School. He volunteered as fighter pilot with the RAF in 1941 & fought in North Africa & Europe until 1945 when he returned to Rhodesia with an exemplary service record. He married Jane Watt in 1948 & served as Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 1964-1979. Returned to farming in 1980 & later retired to South Africa in 2005 due to ill health. He died in 2007. Ian Smith & HMS Tiger Two framed official press photographs. The one on top is Ian Smith with his wife raising a glass celebrating another year of UDI in 1975. The one below shows Ian Smith with Vice Admiral Michael Pollock on HMS Tiger in 1966. Ian Smith & his Minister of Information Jack Howman held talks onboard this Royal Navy cruiser with the British Prime Minister and his Commonwealth Secretary in an attempt to resolve the Rhodesia situation. However the talks failed. BSAP BMW - 1977 The BMW 2800 and 3.0 vehicles were introduced by the BSAP in the mid 1970s & used primarily by the Highway Patrol based in Salisbury. These cars were extensively modified by the CMED & superseded the Jaguar MK2. Air Rhodesia Boeing 720 A 1970s photo of an Air Rhodesia Boeing 720 at Salisbury airport. The commercial passenger jet age arrived in Rhodesia in 1973 when the national carrier took delivery of three Boeing 720-025 aircraft. The country managed to acquire these jets despite a UN imposed embargo & sanctions resorting to one might say 'Machiavellian' plans the delivery of these aircraft was quite epic. The new planes were put into service on November 1st 1973. Sithole & Muzorewa - 1978 A 1978 press photo of Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole the original founder of the ZANU party & Bishop Abel Muzorewa head of the UANC. They were both moderate African nationalist leaders who signed an agreement in 1978 with Prime Minister Ian Smith to form an interim government. In January 1979 elections were held in which the UANC won a majority & Muzorewa became Prime Minister. The country was renamed Zimbabwe - Rhodesia but this new government was still not recognised by the UN. Mugabe & Nkomo - 1976 A 1976 press photo of Robert Mugabe leader of the ZANU Party & Joshua Nkomo leader of the ZAPU party. These two parties later merged to become ZANU-PF & after signing the UK mediated Lancaster House peace accord agreed to participate in a fresh election in 1980 in which ZANU-PF won a majority, Mugabe became Prime Minister & the country was renamed Zimbabwe.

Old and modern non-fiction books about Rhodesia & Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls to the Zambezi Explorer Edward Mohr visited the Victoria Falls in 1870 and is credited with naming the Rainforest. He was overawed by the Falls: “It seemed to me as if my own identity were swallowed up in the surrounding glory, the voice of which rolled on forever, like the waves of eternity. But I threw down my pen. No human being can describe the infinite; & what I saw was part of infinity made visible and framed in beauty.” Mohr wrote in 1876. The dust jacket is torn but the book is in good condition. Sunshine & Storm Rhodesia This first edition copy of Sunshine & Storm in Rhodesia was written by the famous British explorer and hunter Frederick Courtney Selous and was published in 1896. The binding is slightly damaged and the cover is stained but all pages are clear & fully intact. The story is a first hand narrative of before, during & after the Matabele rebellion up until the disbandment of the Bulawayo Field Force. Trooper Halket - 1897 A second edition hardcopy of 'Trooper Peter Halket of Mashonaland' by the well-known South African author Olive Schreiner. This book is a bitterly scathing allegory written about her disillusionment with the politics of Cecil John Rhodes. Schreiner was an anti-war campaigner, intellectual, & became most famous for her highly-acclaimed novel “The Story of an African Farm” (1883), which deals with such issues as existential independence, agnosticism, individualism, & the empowerment of women. The downfall of Lobenguela The downfall of Lobengula by WA Willis & LT Collingridge. A Rhodesiana Reprint published in 1971. A hardcover book, the dust jacket is slightly marked but overall is in very good condition. It details the cause, history and effect of the Matabele War. Transvaal & Rhodesia This book titled In New South Africa - 'Travels in the Transvaal & Rhodesia' is a second edition copy published in 1900. It records the personal experiences of Sir Harold Lincoln Tangye who travelled from Pretoria to Salisbury by stage coach in 1896. Harold was the eldest son of Sir Richard Tangye, who with his brother George Tangye, founded the famous Tangye engineering firm in Birmingham in 1857. This book is in good condition with some minor raging marks on inside pages. Via Rhodesia - 1911 Charlotte Mansfield (1881–1936) was an English novelist, poet, and traveler. She wrote a number of books including this one about her travels in Africa titled: Via Rhodesia: A Journey Through Southern Africa. In reviewing the book, The Register of Adelaide commented, "a less fitting person to follow in the steps of Mary Kingsley could hardly be imagined." This first edition was published in 1911 and is in good condition. Old Rhodesian Days - 1928 This is a scarce first edition in fair condition with some foxing & was published in 1928. The 140 pages include a fold-out map of Southern Rhodesia. There are 17 chapters, with titles such as 'Up-Country, Gold, Coach & Rail, Wild Beasts, The Story of Mazoe, & Rhodes'. The book records memories of old Africa, a time when pioneers like the author Hugh Marshall Hole, were breaking new ground, and early settlements were being established in southern Africa. Rhodesian Directory - 1931 This directory is in decent condition although the spine needs repair Romance of Rhodesia This first edition hard copy book was published in 1947. The author, was a Professor of English & History at Elphinstone College, Bombay & wrote many books. In this one he describes his travels around Southern & Northern Rhodesia in 1942 where he says he experienced "unconstrained friendliness & hospitality" from the people there. In 1961 he was honoured with the 'Padma Bhusha' award by the Indian government for his contribution to literature. Battle of Mazoe "The story of the Mazoe Patrol is not only an important part of Rhodesia's history but an epic account of man's determination to survive in the face of overwhelming odds. This book details the incident and events that led to the Mashona rebellion in 1896. A hardcover first edition published in 1973, dust jacket is torn but book itself and text are in good condition. Matabeleland - 1933 This booklet was published in 1933 and is an official illustrated account of the organised public events that took place in Bulawayo during the last week of October that same year, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Occupation of Matabeleland by European settlers. This book has some minor stains but otherwise is in intact and in good condition. Trooper Useless - 1936 A first edition hardcopy of 'Trooper Useless' published in 1936 in good condition but without the dust jacket. The book's author was the English adventure writer Lewis Patrick Greene. He spent several years in Rhodesia & served in the BSAP between 1910-13, before a back injury caused him to be deemed medically unfit for service & he was discharged. In 1918, Greene began to write fiction based on his experiences & this story was also produced for a regional BBC radio program in the late 1930s. Out with the Mounties A hardcopy first edition by Derek Temple & published in 1937. The author describes the history of the Rhodesian Police from its inception in the 1890s to the time of his service in the 1930s. Some ageing stains but pages and binding all intact, although dust jacket is missing. N. Rhodesia - Handbook An official 232-page handbook guide on Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) published in 1950 & still in good condition with binding & all pages intact & the cover only showing some minor signs of ageing. Matabele Thompson - 1954 Francis ('Matabele') Thompson was born at sea near Port Elizabeth in 1857 to British parents. At the age of 13 he was a diamond digger near Barkly West & 4 years on started farming in Griqualand West. He later became secretary & adviser to Cecil Rhodes in Bechuanaland. At the instigation of Rhodes he accompanied Charles Rudd & Rochfort Maguire to Matebeleland in 1888 & obtained from Lobelungela what became known as the Rudd Concession. This book is a revised autobiography published in 1954. Nyasaland & N.E Rhodesia This hardcover 1st edition was published in 1956. It traces the early history of missionary & commercial activity in the region of Lakes Nyasa & Tanganyika, explaining how and why the British Government allowed its interest in that region gradually to increase until eventually, in co-operation with the British South Africa Company, it assumed political control. This copy is in good condition & fully intact although the dust jacket is slightly torn in places. Know your Rhodesia This hardcopy book was published by the Rhodesian Publishing & Printing Company in 1955. It contains 300 selected articles about the countries within the Federation drawn from the more than 1800 that were printed in the Rhodesia Herald newspaper under the 'Know your Rhodesia - Know Nyasaland' series. This copy is in very good condition. Royal Charter A first edition hard copy published in 1970 and written by Robert Cary. The book covers the story of the Chartered Company from the Rudd Concession to the outbreak of the Matabele War. This copy is in good condition although the front of the dust-jacket is slightly torn. A town called Victoria This hardcopy book is a 1994 reprint of the 1978 first edition authored by Katherine Sayce. It tells the early history of the small settlement called Fort Victoria in Rhodesia which was founded in 1890. In the early years it was also the first town reached by the visitor to Rhodesia, but was soon eclipsed by Bulawayo once the railway arrived there in 1897. It was renamed Masvingo in 1982. This copy is in excellent condition and its dust-jacket protected by plastic. Rhodesian Entertainment A first edition hardcopy published in 1968 and detailing the history of theatre in Rhodesia between 1890 and 1930. This copy is in very good condition with plastic covering the dust jacket. Rhodesia & Nyasaland This hardcopy edition was published by the Federal government of Rhodesia & Nyasaland in 1960. It is an extremely detailed 800 page handbook to the, history, cultures, industries, natural resources, activities & local governments in each of the three countries within the federation. It also contains numerous maps and photographs. This copy is in very good condition with plastic protecting its dust jacket. Rugby History 1898-1979 A first edition copy (in good condition but missing dust jacket) of a rare book published in 1979 which traces the history of rugby in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) from 1898 to 1979. The author Jonty Winch played rugby for Umtali Boys’ High & Varese in Italy’s Series B. He also served as a rugby administrator at Wits University. This was his first book but he has since been involved in many others including 'World Champions' the history of South African Rugby published in 2022. A scantling of time This is a first edition copy published in 1965 in very good condition with its dust jacket intact & protected by a plastic cover. The book describes the development of the country's capital city during its first ten dramatic years. A story of hardship, tragedy, triumph and success. Rhodesians in the LRDG This book details the Rhodesian contribution to the Long Range Desert Group in WWII, one of the finest, Special Forces units the world has ever seen. Covering organisation, training and operations, it contains a comprehensive account of the Rhodesian Patrols of the LRDG, as written by men who were actually there. Hardcover Published in 2002. Excellent condition War History - Sth Rhodesia This double volume set entitled 'The War History of Southern Rhodesia 1939-1945' was published by the government in 1947. It details the significant Southern Rhodesian contribution to the allied war effort including both men, women & materiel. The books were presented to the next of kin of those Rhodesians who lost their lives in the war. This set is in good condition but both books are missing their dust-jackets. Folk Lore & Legends - 1961 A small 36-page (2nd edition) booklet published by the Southern Rhodesian Information Dept in 1961. It details the background on how places in the country got their names. For example, Mazoe is a derivative of the Shona word 'Manzovo' which means 'the place of the elephants'. Outpost This hardcopy book was published in 1970 and contains 41 true stories, written by members of the Rhodesian Police force, and lifted from the BSAP magazine 'The Outpost' which was first printed as the Police Review in 1911. The illustrations were drawn by Penny Miller. This copy is in fair condition although the spine is damaged. History of Rhodesia This is the complete history of Rhodesia from 1890 to 1980. It tells how the Royal Charter of 1890 allowed the white occupation of Mashonaland, which led to the subsequent Matabele War, the Matabele and Mashona rebellions and Rhodesian military involvement in the Boer War. It then leads on to the Federation, UDI and finally the transition to Zimbabwe. Softcover book published in 2018. Excellent condition. Crime Scientist A hardcopy edition in very good condition and published by Books of Zimbabwe in 1980. It tells the story of Dr John Thompson who became the first director of the BSAP's forensic science laboratory in 1963, a position he held until his retirement from the force in 1977. 4000 Days Sir Roy Welensky's biographical account of his 4,000 days in office as Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland. This is a hardcover first edition published in 1964, the dust jacket is badly torn but the book is in good overall condition. Sanctions Double-Cross A well used 1979 edition of Sanctions Double-Cross published by Books of Rhodesia. Small tear on back cover. This book by Jorge Jardim covers Portuguese Mozambique's assistance in helping Rhodesia sidestep an oil embargo. Between 1966-1975, the Royal Navy, conducted one of the more unusual blockades of modern history. An operation that became known as the "Beira patrol." and which ultimately failed. Who's Who - 1968 The 52nd edition of Who's Who of Southern Africa. An illustrated biographical sketch book of personalities in Southern Africa, with separate sections for South Africa, SWA, Rhodesia, Zambia, Malawi & Mauritius. This copy is in very good condition although the cover has a small tear on the side. All Our Yesterdays - 1970 A large softcover book in fair condition, telling the story of Rhodesia from 1890 to 1970. Contains a wide cross-section of articles taken from Illustrated Life Rhodesia magazine, including articles on: Rhodes, The Boer War, Pioneer Corps, British South African Company, biographies of important persons such as Kingsley Fairbridge, Leander Starr Jameson, Archibald Colquhoun, Rider Haggard, Roland Welensky, as well as Harold Wilson, The Commonwealth, Ian Smith, etc.. This copy is a second edition. Contact - Rhodesian Army This first edition of Contact was published in 1977. It was aimed at commemorating all those who served in the Rhodesian Army & Air Force. Hardcover, the dust jacket is torn and faded but otherwise is in good condition. Contact 2 - Rhodesian Army The first edition of Contact II was published in 1979. It can stand in its own right as a chronicle for the Rhodesian war and a tribute to its armed forces. The Roll of Honour and Awards lists have been extended to August 1979. Hardcover, dust jacket is torn but overall is in good condition. History of CAA Published in 2004 this is a unique hardcover book detailing the aviation history of Central Africa between 1920 and 1980. This book is in excellent condition with plastic protecting the dust jacket. Rhodesian Air Force History This softcover book was published in 1987 and gives a brief history of the Rhodesian Airforce from 1947 to 1980. In good condition, some slight stains to the cover page. Farmer at War The first edition hardcopy book was published in 1979 and tells the story of the incredible achievements & enormous struggles the country's farmers both black & white experienced whilst being essentially on the frontline of the 1970s bush war. This meant that they & their families were often attacked or ambushed by guerrillas whilst just trying to keep their farms running. This copy is in very good condition although the dust-jacket is worn & has been repaired. The Saints A large hardcopy book with hundreds of colour photos, maps, rolls, honours & award lists. It tells the story of the Rhodesian Light Infantry which became one of the world's most effective counter-insurgency units during the bush war of the 1970s. RLI soldiers were recipients of four Silver Crosses & 42 Bronze Crosses of Rhodesia. This first edition copy was published in 2007, is in very good condition albeit with some minor tears to the dust jacket. Fireforce A hardcopy second edition published by Covos Books in 1997. The author Chris Cocks describes his personal experiences serving as a member of the Rhodesian Light Infantry's 3 Commando from 1976-1979. It is recognised as one of the classic non-fiction books to be written about the country's civil war. This copy is in very good condition. Rhodesian Air Force This first edition was published in 1987 and gives a detailed account of the Rhodesia Air Force from 1932 to 1980. Excellent condition. Rhodesian Snr Schools Pt 1 Hardcopy first edition of Senior Schools in Rhodesia Part 1 published in 1981. The book tells the story of Rhodesia's oldest and most well-known high schools. In used condition but binding is strong, and all pages intact. Cover protected with plastic. Rhodesian Snr Schools Pt 2 A hardcopy first edition of Rhodesian Senior Schools Part 2 published in 1982. In used condition but binding is good and all pages intact. Cover protected with plastic. Prince Edward School A soft copy Prince Edward School magazine published in 1979 and in good condition with slight stains on the cover. I also have a 1980 edition. Prince Edward was first established in 1898 as Salisbury Grammar. It was renamed Salisbury High School in 1906 and adopted its current name during the 1925 Royal visit to Rhodesia of Prince Edward VIII. It is the second oldest boys school in the country after its main sporting rival, St Georges, and was ranked the sixth best high school in Africa in 2003. The Salisbury Club A hardcover 1st edition in good condition. It gives the history of the Salisbury Club which opened on 20 May 1893. This was a gentleman’s club & was frequented by businessmen, civil servants & politicians as well as senior members of the Rhodesian forces. A proposer & a seconder was required to join as well as a vote by members. Women were not allowed to become members, although a ladies restaurant was added later (women could not enter via the front door but rather through a separate entrance). When the going was rough A first edition hardcopy published in 1983. The author James MacBruce, tells the true stories of many ordinary people both black & white who lived and managed to carry on with their lives as best they could throughout the 1970s bush war in & around a small town called Umtali (now called Mutare) which lay close to the border with Mozambique, & as such suffered regular road ambushes, rocket & mortar attacks carried out by guerrilla fighters. This copy is in good condition but w/o its dust jacket. Rhodesia is... This soft-copy first edition was published in 1976 by the Graham Publishing Company and is in very good condition. It contains various photographs (both colour & BW) of Rhodesia's people and places. A great reminder of times gone by. A Shout Thousand Years A first edition signed copy of a short thousand years by Paul Moorcraft. The book covers the political history of Rhodesia from the early 1960s to the creation of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia in 1979. This copy is in good condition with a hard green cover although missing its dust-jacket and there are some small stains on a few pages. War Diaries - A. Dennison A hardcover 1st edition copy in excellent condition. This book was published in 1989 & recounts the activities of 'A' Company of 2RAR during the bush war in Rhodesia, using the diaries kept by its OC between 1976-79. Andre Dennison was a seasoned veteran long before he joined the Rhodesian Army. He had been a paratrooper, member of the British SAS, & had seen action in Suez, Cyprus, Indonesia and Northern Ireland. The Rhodesian War A detailed account of the Rhodesian war. This hard copy version was published in 2008 and is a reprint of the excellent original book which first appeared in 1982. This copy is in perfect condition. The Rhodesian War - Update This is a comprehensively revised and updated version of the original 1982 book. This softcover copy is in very good condition and was published in 2015. The Elite A hard copy book which was published in 1984. The author Barbara Cole, produced this historical account of the Rhodesian SAS and it quickly became a best seller. This is a second edition copy with its dust-jacket intact. The first edition version was leather-bound and printed in a limited amount. The Elite - Pictorial edition Barbara Cole, an award-winning journalist has worked in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, South Africa and England and wrote 'The Elite, the Story of the Rhodesian Special Air Service' while based in South Africa. After the demise of Rhodesia, she formed a publishing company with three SAS officers, including her husband to write 'The Elite' to record the history of this unique unit. This was then followed by a pictorial edition in 1986 such as this one. Hardcover and in good condition. Very rare. SAS Rhodesia - Who dares wins ‘We Dared to Win’ is a must-read for soldiers and scholars who wish to gain a better understanding of the Rhodesian war. It is the perfect companion book to stand alongside Hannes Wessels’ previous book on the Rhodesian SAS, ‘A Handful of Hard Men’. This hardcover book was published in 2018 and is in excellent condition. Men of War A first edition soft copy book in excellent condition which was published in 2020. A first hand account of a former Rhodesian SAS/Selous Scouts and South African Recces member's wartime experiences including historical events of the time. The Rhodesian African Rifles This book was written by author Alexandre Binda with the support of expert Rhodesian historian Dr Richard Wood, former 1RAR OC Brigadier David Heppenstall and many others. This is the second history of this proud regiment, the first being Christopher Owen`s on their contribution to the Allied effort in both WW1 and 2. This first edition hardcover was published in 2007 and is in excellent condition. History of the Selous Scouts The Selous Scouts - The Men Speak: Breaking with conventional military thinking, the Rhodesian Selous Scouts perfected the age-old tradition of pseudo warfare to infiltrate an elusive enemy. In this book the men themselves give their own accounts of the exploits of that famous unit. It provides a comprehensive account of the origins and history of this famous Special Forces unit. This first edition was published in 2007. It is in excellent condition. Top Secret War - Selous Scouts The Selous Scouts were the toughest and most efficient military unit anywhere in Africa at the time. Unconventional in many ways, disregardful of parade ground discipline, unorthodox in their dress, yet a force so tightly knit in the face of danger that those who knew anything about them could only marvel. This first edition of Selous Scouts - Top Secret war was published in 1983 is a hardcover and in very good condition. Pamwe Chete Pamwe Chete is the definitive account of the Selous Scout Regiment’s short but distinguished service in the field of pseudo counter-insurgency during the bitter Rhodesian bush war. This is the revamped and rewritten version of the best-selling Top Secret War, by Ron Reid Daly, with new previously unpublished material, including the role of honour, and full schedules of citations and wings. Hardcover in excellent condition. Three Sips of Gin A first edition soft copy published in 2013 and written by Tim Bax. This book tells the story of the author's experiences of growing up in Africa, with a focus on his time spent in both the Rhodesian Light Infantry and the Selous Scouts. This copy is in very good condition with some minor damage to the top edges of some pages. Greys' Scouts The Equus Men" makes for an engaging read. Trained and utilised as mounted infantry as opposed to cavalry, this unit saw exceptional success in the field. Lightly equipped, they were able to cover great distances at speed, live off the veldt with minimal support and through ‘shock action', quickly engage and destroy insurgent forces. At its peak the Regiment numbered some 600 soldiers, both men and women, black and white. Hardcover edition published in 2016 & in excellent condition. The British South Africa Police A definitive one volume history of the British South Africa Police. The BSAP held the honour of occupying the Right of the Line―and was considered to be one of the most respected police forces of the British Empire. This hardcover first edition is in excellent condition and was published in 2009. History of the BSAP - condensed A condensed history of the BSAP. This hardcover book chronicles events leading to the formation of the Force and the foundation of the country it later policed. The foremost personalities involved are described, with biographical details and photographs. Published in 2000. Bunny Rabbetts This is the memoir of William Henry 'Bunny' Rabbetts who served in the BSAP between 1902-1911. William was born in England in 1882 but ran away to sea at age 12. He fought in the Second Boer War, the Natal Rebellion, WWI & WWII. This book is a 2nd edition was published in 2022 & is in excellent condition . Men who made Rhodesia A classical record of the British South Africa Company's Police Force. Created in 1889 and disbanded in 1891. It tells the story of the unit's origins and pioneering services in protecting the settlers and merchants who were flooding into Mashonaland and Matabeleland towards the end of the 19th century. This first edition softcover version was published in 2015 and is in excellent condition. Mapolisa Soft cover edition first published in 1998 and in good condition. The book was written by David Craven and tells the story of his time as a member of the BSAP from 1948 to 1969. City of Salisbury Guide A hardcopy first edition guidebook to Salisbury published by the city council in 1952. The book provides a wide spectrum of information including; the history of the city, entertainment, sports & social facilities, commerce, industry, services and institutions as well as recommended tours & excursions. It also contains a number of black & white photographs. This copy is in fair to good condition with minor stains on a few pages. Rhodesian book of the road A hard copy edition published in 1974 by MO Collins and produced by the Automobile Association of Rhodesia and the National Tourism Board. The book details the history of Rhodesia's roads, but also contains modern maps, driving tips, and the country's major attractions to visit. This copy is in very good condition with plastic protecting the dust-jacket. Perhaps Tomorrow This first edition hardcopy was written by Major Tom Wigglesworth, who had retired from the British Army to become a farmer in Rhodesia in 1974. This book describes the author's experience of being kidnapped from his farm in 1978 by ZANLA guerrillas and taken into Mozambique where he was held until Feb 1979. This copy is in very good condition and has plastic protecting the dust-jacket. History of Rhodesia in newspapers The late Beryl Salt was born in London in 1931. She emigrated to Southern Rhodesia in 1952 to get married. In 1953 she joined the Southern Rhodesian Broadcasting Services (later the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation, the RBC). With a love of history she published several books , including this first edition of the Valiant Years a history of Rhodesia via local newspapers. A Hardcover book it was published in 1978 and is in good condition. Rhodesia Legacy This coffee table book was published in 1979 and was an immediate best seller. The stunning photography caught the very essence of Rhodesia. A pictorial documentary of the country, with some the best photographs of their day. This book has its dust jacket and is in very good condition. Rhodes - The race for Africa Rhodes arrived in southern Africa as a sickly 18-year-old in 1871. But by the age of 30 he was the wealthiest man in the western world. 10 years later a country was named in his honour - Rhodesia. This biography presents Rhodes as a man consumed by ambition, blessed with charisma, but tortured by love. It is a story of diamonds & gold, of a lust for power that started wars & destroyed nations, of a priceless empire carved in the image of an extraordinary man. This soft copy is in good condition. The Great Betrayal - Ian Smith This is a signed first edition copy which was published in 1997, is an autobiography written by Ian Smith, focusing on his time as Prime Minister of the self-governing British colony of Southern Rhodesia, (later Rhodesia) from April 13, 1964 – June 1, 1979. Bitter Harvest In a follow-on to his first book The Great Betrayal. This revealing and important historical document titled Bitter Harvest, Ian Smith charts the rise and fall of a once-great nation. He tells the remarkable story behind the signing of the UDI, as well as the excesses of power that Robert Mugabe used after Rhodesia became Zimbabwe in 1980. PK Van der Byl biography This book provides an overview of the history of the European in southern Africa with detailed emphasis on the Rhodesian story through the life and times of PK van der Byl; one of the major players in a political drama that ended in the accession to power of Robert Mugabe. By his very nature PK was controversial and confrontational. This account may give offense to some because it portrays him as bluntly as he was in real life. This edition was published in 2010 and is in excellent condition. John Edmond - autobiography The autobiography of John Edmond who was born in Luanshya -Northern Rhodesia in 1936. Following his service in the Rhodesian army, he emigrated to South Africa. He was a member of several well known bands, "The Bushcats" - "The new Trends" and went on to become a household name on South African radio and television. He subsequently became an independent music publisher and is still performing regularly. This edition was published in 2019 and is in excellent condition. Beneath a Zimbabwe Sun This book showcases Zimbabwe's spellbinding effect of contrasts: the timeless, savage grandeur of Africa is at hand within minutes of leaving any of its sophisticated cities of sleek skyscrapers and urban bustle. Beneath a Zimbabwe Sun shows this diversity in a uniquely evocative way. It reveals the spendour, the beauty and the freshness of a country still unspoiled at the time, the true nature of a relatively unknown part of Africa." Published in 1987 this copy is in good condition. Guns, Golf & Glory This soft cover first edition is in excellent condition and was published in 2019. It covers important parts of the history of golf in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe including personal stories about well-known players of the game. Jack Malloch A first edition copy of Jack Malloch - Legend of the African Skies in excellent condition. "Jack epitomised the spirit of Rhodesia; as a WWII Spitfire pilot, to a fearless sanctions-busting aviator in tumultuous times, he took enormous risks to save the country he loved so dearly. His story really is the stuff of legend.” - Air Vice-Marshal Hugh Slatter Pilot - Prisoner - Patriot This is the autobiography of Air Vice Marshal Hugh Slater. It tells the story of his extraordinary life serving in the Rhodesian Air Force, his harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Zimbabwe after falsely being accused of sabotage and his later time living in the UK and US. This softcover version is in very good condition. Watch My Tracer A soft copy book in very good condition which was first published in 2018. This tells the story of a third generation Rhodesian's upbringing on a farm and his days learning to track & survive in the bush. Later he would use this knowledge in special forces operations during the country's civil war in the 1970s. The battle for Zimbabwe The author goes inside Robert Mugabe's, ZANU-PF, and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. He met with members of both parties giving him behind-the-scenes information. The book considers the role of critics and observers - the role and treatment of the press within Zimbabwe, and the often contradictory responses to Mugabe from the international community. It also looks at the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans living in a collapsing economy. Published in 2003 it is in excellent condition. Our Votes Our Guns The story of what Robert Mugabe and his administration did to the once-flourishing African state of Zimbabwe: how it happened, why it happened, and its implications for Africa. This hardcopy book was published in 2003. Two Weeks in November This first edition soft cover book was published in 2019 and is in very good condition. It reveals the story of the two weeks in November 2017 which led to Robert Mugabe's fall from power. Mike West - Special Forces This book tells the story of Mike West. Born poor, Mike battled on the streets of the mining towns near Johannesburg; from orphanage to reformatory to prison warder. He later went north to join the fight for Rhodesia, serving with distinction in the Grey Scouts, the RLI & the SAS. He returned to South Africa in 1980 & joined the Recces. This is a soft copy version printed in 2023 & in good condition.

Old banknotes and coins from Rhodesia and Zimbabwe. First Rhodesian Banknotes In 1896, the Salisbury branch of the Standard Bank of South Africa introduced the first Southern Rhodesian banknotes, in denominations of 1 & 5 pounds which were also equal in value to the British Pound. Standard later issued 10 shilling notes. The Bank of Africa, Barclays Bank & the National Bank of South Africa also issued notes until private bank issues ended in 1938 when the Southern Rhodesia Currency Board was established & the country's Reserve Bank took over the issuance of paper money. Rhodesian 'Tickey' Coins Three examples of the 'Tickey' silver coin in good condition & I have several more. The first from 1952 is a Southern Rhodesian three-pence with King George's head , the second from 1962 is a Rhodesia & Nyasaland three-pence with Queen Elizabeth's head & the third from 1970 is a Rhodesia 2.5 cent coin with three assegais. The Southern Rhodesia & Rhodesia & Nyasaland coins were minted by the Royal Mint in England. The Rhodesia 2.5 cent coin was made by the South African mint due to UK sanctions. Southern Rhodesia Crown 1953 In 1953 a crown (5 shilling) coin of .500 fineness (.45 ounce actual silver weight) was minted to commemorate the centennial of the birth of Cecil Rhodes. 124,000 were produced for circulation, plus 1500 minted as Proof coinage. Coins 1940/50s The first southern Rhodesian coins were issued in 1934 with only the nickel and silver coins showing the Bust of the British Monarch, and the half and one penny coins only the title. This currency mirrored the English Pound Sterling system with 12 Pennies to the Shilling and 20 Shillings to the Pound. The last southern Rhodesian coins were issued in 1952, before the Rhodesia & Nyasaland coins & notes began to be issued. Ten Rhodesian Shillings 1964 The Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland was formed in 1953, and a new currency was created in 1955 to replace the Southern Rhodesian pound which had been circulating up to then. The Rhodesia and Nyasaland pound replaced the Southern Rhodesian pound and was pegged at par to the British pound. The Federation broke up at the end of 1963. Southern Rhodesia then declared a name change to Rhodesia & issued its own pound but still kept at par with the British pound. Malawi Coin set - 1964 A set of mint uncirculated Malawi coins in their original box and issued in 1964. Nyasaland became Malawi on the 6th of July 1964. The Rhodesia and Nyasaland pound replaced by the Malawian pound that same year, This new pound was subdivided into 20 shillings, each of 12 pence. The Malawi Pound was replaced by the Kwacha in 1971 Zambian Coin set 1968 A set of mint uncirculated Zambian coins in their original small green box, with Bank Of Zambia printed on the cover. This set was issued in 1968. Northern Rhodesia officially became Zambia on the 24th of Oct 1964. The Zambian pound and shilling were issued from 1965 until 1968 when they were replaced by the Kwacha note and Ngwee coins. One Rhodesian Dollar 1976 The Rhodesian dollar was introduced on February 17, 1970, less than a month before the declaration of the Republic of Rhodesia. On March 2, 1970. It replaced the Rhodesian pound at a rate of 2 dollars to 1 pound. Two Rhodesian Dollars 1977 A Rhodesian Two Dollar note from 1977, hardly used and in very good condition. Five Rhodesian Dollars 1976 A Rhodesian Five Dollar note from 1976. In very fine condition. Ironically this note had far more buying power in 1976 than a One Hundred Trillion Zimbabwe Dollar note had in 2008. Ten Rhodesian Dollars 1975 A Rhodesian Ten Dollar Note from 1975. In very fine condition. Rhodesian Coins - 1975 The first Rhodesian coins were issued in 1964, converting from Pound Sterling (as was used by Rhodesia Nyasaland and Southern Rhodesia before that) to Dollar and Cents. As such, the coins issued in 1964 show the conversion. Full fledged cent coins were issued from 1970 to 1977, with 100 Cents making a Dollar. At the beginning, 1964 to 1966, the coins depicted a bust of Queen Elizabeth II, but in 1970 changed to the Coat of Arms. Zimbabwe Coin Set 1980 A set of mint uncirculated first issue Zimbabwe coins in their original small plastic folder which was issued in 1980 to celebrate the country's independence. One Zimbabwe Dollar 1980 The 1 dollar coin is a former circulation piece of the Republic of Zimbabwe, issued in two varieties from 1980 to 2003. The first variety was introduced in 1980, shortly after the recognition of Zimbabwe's independence, and later struck again in 1993 and 1997. It was followed in 2001 by a similar piece, which differed only by its composition and measurements. This second coin was minted annually until 2003. Zimbabwe Coins 1980 A 50, 10 and 5 Zimbabwean cent piece issued in 1980. All three are well used. Such cupronickel coins were issued between 1980-1997. After that the coins were made of cheaper nickel plated steel and continued to be issued until 2003 Twenty Trillion ZWD - 2008 The Zimbabwean Dollar was established to replace the Rhodesian Dollar and to signify the nation’s independence from the UK in 1980. It was redenominated 3 times until its eventual collapse in 2009 due to hyperinflation caused by unregulated printing of money, the contreversial Land reform program, and government involvement in the Second Congo War under Robert Mugabe. Fifty Trillion ZWD - 2008 During the height of inflation from 2008 - 2009, it was difficult to measure because the Zimbabwe government stopped filing official inflation statistics. However, the peak month of inflation was estimated at 89.7 sextillion percent y/y in mid-November 2008. Hundred trillion ZWD - 2008 In April 2009, Zimbabwe stopped printing its currency, with currencies from other countries being used. In mid-2015, Zimbabwe announced plans to switch to the US dollar and inflation dropped to single digits. In June 2019, the government announced the reintroduction of the RTGS dollar, now to be known simply as the "Zimbabwe dollar", and that all foreign currency was no longer legal tender. Within a year hyperinflation returned & was last recorded at 737% in July 2020.

Old Rhodesian adverts from the early 1900s until 1980. Victoria Falls Victoria Falls is the only waterfall in the world with a length of more than a kilometer and a height of more than 100 metres. The noise of Victoria Falls can be heard from a distance of 40 km while the spray and mist from the falling water can be seen from a distance of 50km. No wonder that the local tribes used to call the waterfall Mosi-o-Tunya “The smoke that thunders".Scottish missionary & famous explorer of Africa David Livingstone discovered it in 1855 & named it after Queen Victoria. Lake Kariba Lake Kariba is the world's largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume and was completed in 1959. The filling of the lake between 1958-1963 caused more than 20 earthquakes of greater than 5 magnitude on the Richter Scale. It also led to Operation Noah, a 5‐year wildlife rescue operation which successfully relocated over 6,000 animals, mostly to the Matusadona National Park whilst Lake Kariba was filling up following completion of the dam wall. The Casino Hotel The Victoria Falls Casino Hotel was constructed in 1966 on the site immediately next to the Victoria Falls Hotel due to growing tourism demands. The casino was the first in the country and an added attraction advertised even by the Falls Hotel itself. The Flamboyant Motel This motel first opened for business in 1963 in the pioneer town of Fort Victoria. Although the town was renamed Masvingo following the coming of Zimbabwe in 1980 it is still operating and is owned by the Regency Hotels group. St Christophers Car Hire The Jameson Hotel The Jameson Hotel is one of the grand old dames that have been part of the capital city's history and social scene since 1958. It was originally part of the Ridgeway Group. United Touring Company Once one of the largest and oldest touring companies in the country. Sadly UTC went bankrupt in 2011. The Karoi Hotel The name Karoi was reportedly a contraction of the local Shona word 'Kamuroyi' meaning “little witch”. Tribal folklore has it that witches in the area were once given a form of trial which included their immersion in the local river. Other Hotels - 1960s An advert from the 1960s highlighting other hotels in Salisbury for the more budget conscious visitor. The Victoria Falls Hotel The original Victoria Falls Hotel was built in 1904 & intended only as temporary quarters for railway employees. However it quickly expanded & proved impossible to close. By the beginning of 1905, tourist traffic to the falls had increased & it was necessary to enlarge the accommodation. The design for the next reconstruction of the hotel were supplied by Frank Scott and carried out between 1914-17. The hotel continues to operate today & is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World Group. Ottoman Bank The Ottoman Bank was founded in 1856 in Constantinople (now Istanbul). In 1958 the bank opened a number of branches in Southern Africa including Rhodesia. In 1969 the Bank sold its branches in London, Cyprus, Sudan, Jordan, Palestine, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Kenya and Rhodesia to National and Grindlays Bank. The Montclair Hotel The Montclair Hotel was built in 1949 & originally known as the Dannakay Hotel. In 1970 Mr & Mrs Lound bought and renamed it the Montclair after their faithful dog. A few years later it was bought by the Southern Sun Hotels Group & in 1977 a casino was added at a cost of Rh$100,000. In 1987, the Zimbabwe Sun Hotels Group took over management of the hotel and called it the Montclair Casino Hotel. Rhodesia is Super A poster used by Rhodesia's Tourism department during the late 1970s, the “Rhodesia is super,” campaign was aimed primarily at potential visitors from South Africa. It offered some excellent value all-inclusive packages such as a roundtrip airfare from South Africa, six nights at a four‐star hotel in Victoria Falls with breakfast and a boat trip on the Zambezi from the equivalent of just US$219. Chimanimani Hotel The Chimanimani Hotel is based at the foothills of the Chimanimani Mountains, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Mr and Mrs Townsend-Green began construction in 1951 and the hotel was officially opened on the 21st March, 1953. The Palace Hotel A 1941 advert for the Palace Hotel in Bulawayo. The famous explorer Henry Morton Stanley is said to have stayed in this hotel in 1897, and is rumoured to have said back then that it was "scarcely suitable for a gentleman let alone ladies." The State Lottery The idea of a State Lottery first appeared in 1929 when railwaymen were especially hard hit by the depression. In an attempt to raise funds for needy cases, the trade unionist leader & MP Jackie Keller, ran the ‘Unity Stakes’. This unofficial lottery was a success, benefiting many charities & poor individuals. The State Lotteries Act was later passed in March 1935 making sweepstakes legal under Government control in S.Rhodesia. The first official draw was held on the 20th December 1935. Karina Textiles Karina was first established in 1959 under the name Ferguson Shiers, manufacturing carpets in Umtali. The company was expanded 10 years later when it ventured into knitting yarn manufacturing. Sadly this once famous local brand went into liquidation in 2014 United Tobacco Co In 1902 the UK's Imperial Tobacco Company & the United States’ American Tobacco Company agreed to form a joint venture, the British-American Tobacco Company Ltd. In 1904 the company bought out a number of South African tobacco companies including Holt & Holt Ltd, Acme Cigarette Company, and the British Tobacco Company (South Africa) Ltd. The new company, who’s operations covered South Africa, Rhodesia and Nyasaland, was named the United Tobacco Companies Ltd. Menezes Supermarket A Portuguese family owned supermarket which was well known in Salisbury at the time. Speciss College Speciss College first opened its doors in 1958 and is still the largest private educational institution in the country. Barclays Bank Barclays originated from the Bank of Africa (founded 1879), which had established branches as early as 1895 in Rhodesia and was acquired by the National Bank of South Africa in 1912. In 1925, the National Bank of South Africa was acquired by Barclays Bank (Dominion, Colonial and Overseas). In Rhodesia it eventually became Barclays Bank International and was later incorporated as Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Ltd in June, 1981 which at the time had more than 50 branches. Hotel Cecil - Bulawayo A 1950s ad for Hotel Cecil in Bulawayo. This hotel first opened in the 1900s. During the 1920’s, the proprietor was W Scott-Rodger. He had over 40 years experience in both catering & hotel service. For many of those years he operated in connection with the dining saloons of the railways, and was manager of several famous hotels in Southern Rhodesia including: the Victoria Falls Hotel, the Grand Hotel & the Carlton Hotel. He always made cuisine the key focus point for each one. CABS The Old Mutual Building Society was registered in South Africa in 1888. It began insurance operations in Salisbury and Bulawayo in 1900. In 1954 it changed its name to the Old Mutual Building of Central Africa. On 1 July 1961, the society merged with the Central African Building Society and Bulawayo & National Building Society. The new amalgamation retained the name of Central African Building Society & is still operating today as CABS Zimbabwe a part of the Old Mutual Group. Supersonic In the early 1950s two Canadian born brothers, Jacques and Arthur Chassay, formed a radio manufacturing company called Chassay Bros Pvt Ltd in Bulawayo Rhodesia. They became well-known for producing portable radios, tape decks, and very high quality HiFi equipment until the 1980s, all of which were sold under the brandname Supersonic. Most of the parts they used were designed and manufactured in-house. Netherlands Bank The Netherlands Bank was founded in 1888 in Amsterdam as the Nederlandsche Bank en Credietvereeniging voor Zuid-Afrika. The bank split in 1951, renaming its South African part as Netherlands Bank of South Africa Ltd. In August 1967, these operations were sold to the Netherlands Bank of Rhodesia & in 1972 the company changed its name to Rhodesia Banking Corporation Limited & then Rhobank in 1979. In 1981 the new government bought a majority stake & renamed it the Zimbabwe Banking Corporation. The Enkeldoorn Hotel The “Republic of Enkeldoorn” was a small town 85 miles from Salisbury and there life centered primarily on farming and the Enkeldoorn Hotel or, to be more precise, on its pub. If a visitor was accepted, the bartender will stamp an Enkeldoorn visa on his passport. If not, he was liable to be tossed into a makeshift “jail.” Henry Cook was the hotel's owner & "Prime Minister" of the town while Buck Rogers was the President of the "Republic"—as an inscription on his bar stool used to state. Rufaro Beer A late 1960s ad for Rufaro beer which competed for the African market against Chibuku. The first commercial beer in the country was made in 1895 by Charter Brewery in Bulawayo. In 1898 the foundation stone was laid for a larger brewery in Salisbury (now Harare). However archeologists have found evidence of beer sediment in clay pots dating back to the Iron Age at the famous Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Biskit Chocolate The Charhons confectionary company was originally established in the Midlands by Mateo Charon whose parents arrived in Southern Rhodesia around 1920. The firm was sold many years later to Willards which was finally absorbed into Cairns Food Ltd who still produce those famous Charhons biscuits and chocolates today. Terreskane Hotel This hotel in Salisbury was once a popular 'watering hole' especially for Rhodesian servicemen on R&R in the 1970s. Kaya Nyama Steaks This restaurant which was in Salisbury's Park Lane Hotel, became renowned for its delicious albeit huge steaks. so big in fact they supplied guests with branded 'Doggy Bags' to take your steak home in if you couldn't quite finish it. Sadly both the hotel & this restaurant are no longer. Puzey & Payne Puzey & Payne was established in 1897, becoming one of the earliest businesses to be founded in Bulawayo. The company was started by Leonard Puzey & his wife Gertrude Payne. “Puzeys,” as it affectionately became known, first sold ox drawn wagons & bicycles as well as offering repair services. It later became the sole sales & service agent for a variety of car brands in Rhodesia including: Rolls Royce, Dodge, Leyland, Wolsey, Austin, Hudson, Morris, BSA, Morgan, Jaguar, Ford, Mazda, Mini & VW. The Bamboo Inn The much-loved Bamboo Inn was situated in the old Yorkshire building on Manica Road in Salisbury and was famous for its delicious Cantonese style cooking. It was established by a Mr Kee in the 1950s. Sadly the restaurant closed in 1999. Rennies Tablets These indigestion tablets were originally invented by a Briton called John Rennie & were first launched in 1931.They remain a popular antacid globally to this day. Im sure you remember the ad on Rhodesian TV ' Suck a Rennies !' Eric Davis Eric Davis was a high-end men’s clothing store in First Street Salisbury. One of its radio jingles used to go: “It pays in the end to get the best in the beginning!” Sadly this well known landmark no longer exists. Milk Advert - 1979 A Dairboard advert from 1979 promoting the consumption of milk.The forerunner to Dairibord was the amalgamation of Matebeleland, Midlands and Mashonaland Co-operatives to form the Dairy Marketing Board (DMB) in 1952. In 1956, the DMB assumed responsibility over Rhodesia Co-operative Milk Company & Bulawayo Creamery. DMB was privatized in 1997 when the government sold its 75% stake to private investors. Kingstons In the late 1940’s the Rhodesian Printing and Publishing Co Ltd sold off its book stores in both Southern and Northern Rhodesia. Its successor was Kingstons which was the place to find that favourite book or vinyl. Today, Kingston Holdings Ltd is now 51% owned by the Zimbabwean Government. Kingstons is currently the holding company for Art Stationers, Kingstons Ltd, Textbook Sales, Kingston Properties, Queens Stationers, R Johnstone & Co and Kingston Entertainment. Olivine Industries Rhodesian Industries was established by Harry & Salman Margolis in 1931 in Nyazura, before they moved to Salisbury. Their family originated from Lithuania & of the nine children born between 1875 and 1898, three brothers ended up in Rhodesia: Harry, Salman & Berel. In the 1940’s the company developed it’s most prestigious product Olivine oil. It later produced margarine (Helio) & bakers fats. In the 1970s it was renamed Olivine Industries & in 1982 it became a joint-venture with Heinz. Lobels Bakery Lobels was established in 1948 under the name Wonder Bakery (Pvt) Ltd. The company was established by the Lobel Brothers in Bulawayo baking both bread and biscuits. The company later became Lobel Brothers (Pvt) Ltd and then Lobels Bread (Pvt) Ltd in 2000. In 2002 the company discontinued bread production & installed a sweet manufacturing facility before changing its name to Lobels Biscuits & Sweets. Gremlin Drive-In Restaurant Gremlins was the spot to head to when hungry for a quick bite on Friday or Saturday night. In 1977 a chocolate milkshake would cost you the princely sum of just 16 cents, while a steak, chips and peas was just one Rhodesian dollar. Caltex Ad - 1970s This energy brand (part of Chevron) began in Southern Africa as the Texas Company SA Ltd before becoming Caltex Africa Ltd in 1941 & then Caltex Oil SA Ltd in 1964. After UDI was declared, oil was directed from South Africa into Rhodesia in arrangement with Caltex & Mobil. On 1st December 1978 the Caltex refinery in Salisbury was attacked by ZANLA guerrillas who fired rockets at the facility. The storage tanks burned for 5 days & resulted in the loss of 500,000 barrels of petroleum products. Plate Glass Industries The Plate Glass Company was founded in Bulawayo in 1949. It began as a merchandiser of glass & timber. Over the years it diversified into a wide range of products and services to include timber boards, cement, cement products, hardware, plumbing, glass, windscreens, wood & glass-based value-added products. It was listed on the Rhodesian Stock Exchange in 1969 & remains one of the top ten companies in the country. Beverley Building Society Beverley Building Society was once the country's second largest mortgage issuer after CABS. In 2004 it was acquired by the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe. Kel77 soaps Lorraine Wine The Pioneers brought grapevines to Rhodesia in 1890. Commercial production dates back to the early 1960s following trade sanctions imposed by Britain after Rhodesia declared UDI in 1965. Worringham was one of the country's earliest & most successful vineyards despite initially being plagued by grape hungry warthogs. It is still situated in Essexvale (now Esigodoni). Castle Lager Prior to incorporation in the year 1895, Castle Brewery had operations in Cape Town to serve the steady expansion of a settler community from the mid-17th century. The company's earliest international venture was in 1910 when it founded Rhodesian Breweries in Southern Rhodesia. This subsidiary spearheaded SAB's initial international expansion efforts, having established a new brewery in Northern Rhodesia, (now Zambia) in the early 1950s. Bezant - 1960s A 1960s advert for Bezant orange juice. It came in a can and was pretty damn sweet. It also became the name of an infamous drinking game. David Whitehead Ltd David Whitehead Limited was established as a textile mill in Hartley, Southern Rhodesia, in 1952. The company was established as part of a strategy to set up textile mills in the British colonies by a Lancaster-based textile company, David Whitehead UK. Following the takeover of David Whitehead UK by Lonrho in 1970 the latter acquired a 65% holding in David Whitehead Textiles Rhodesia. Kemsley & Konchel This store was originally formed after WWII by two Royal Air Force friends George Kemsley and Mervyn Dawes and started life as an electrical spares & repair shop on Gordon Avenue in Salisbury called Kemsley & Dawes. As business grew Mervyn’s father arrived to help manage the accounts. Later on Dick Konschel joined the firm, as did Don Brown, another ex RAF friend. The Marriage Bureau Salisbury's Marriage Bureau was a matchmaking agency whose clients ranged from shop girls and debutantes to widowers and war veterans. All seeking security, social acceptance, or just simply love. Creamline Taxis Creamline and Rixi were the most well-known taxi services in Salisbury and each had a large fleet of Renault-4 vehicles. French-made cars dominated Rhodesia's streets from 1968 until 1980 as somehow they managed to side-step sanctions, although their low fuel consumption also helped. Rhodesians nicknamed the Renault-4 the 'Noddy Car'. Greatermans Dept Store Thomas Meikle was born in Scotland & emigrated to South Africa in 1869 with his parents & siblings. He worked initially as a transport rider, then as a gold prospector, finally settling as a trader in Mashonaland. In 1894 he set up stores in Bulawayo and Gwelo. By the mid 1970’s Thomas Meikle Stores was a thriving Group of Department Stores and supermarkets, having acquired the Greatermans and Checkers brands in the country. Thomas was also the founder of the famous Meikles Hotel in Salisbury. MacCullagh & Bothwell A 1940s advert for uniforms by MacCullagh & Bothwell. This well-known clothing store was started by Isaac McCullagh and Samuel Bothwell, both from Northern Ireland. The mens business partnership began in Kimberley South Africa in 1893 as “Men’s and Boy’s Complete Outfitters and Boot Merchants.” In 1897, Sam Bothwell was on the first train to Bulawayo and opened his first store there within weeks of arriving in Southern Rhodesia. Founders Building Society Founders Building Society was incorporated in Rhodesia in 1961 and received its Certificate of Registration on 1st July 1961. The institution changed its name from Founders to Intermarket Building Society on 1st October 2002. Embassy cigarettes By the 1950s, Rhodesia was producing over 100 million pounds of tobacco each year, 99% of it Virginia flue-cured tobacco. At its peak, Rhodesia produced 20% of the world's flue-cured tobacco. Rhodesian Railways Construction of the country's first railway line (Bulawayo to Francistown) was completed in Oct1897 and the Umtali line in Feb 1898. The link between Salisbury and Bulawayo was operational from Oct 1902. In 1905 the line from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls was completed & reached the Congo border in Dec1909. From 1927 the entire system was run by the Rhodesia Railways Company which became the National Railways of Zimbabwe in 1980. Schweppes Central Africa Ltd Schweppes was born in Geneva Switzerland in 1783 under the guidance of Jacob Schweppes when he discovered a way to manufacture carbonated mineral water. Schweppes Central Africa Limited was listed on the Rhodesian stock market in 1945 following the merger of Spa Foods with Schweppes International Sanders Dept Store Sanders was a very popular department store in First Street Salisbury (now Harare). Its famous 'Bird Cage' tea room was one of the 'meeting places' in the city and used to serve up delicious chocolate cakes. Sadly the store no longer exists. Mazoe Orange Juice Arthur Sturgess started a small soft drink factory in Bulawayo around the 1930s. As he experimented with his small soft drink factory he noted a glaring gap in the local market for a real fruit juice. He reasoned that the most readily available fruits were oranges from the Mazoe Valley. However Sturgess struggled to come up with a name for the orange squash he had developed until his wife suggested naming the drink Mazoe, and thus a national treasure was born. The Dairy Den The Dairy Den was the go-to-place for ice cream. Anyone remember their famous choc-99s? which only cost 10 cents in the 1970s. Ludgates Dept Store Ludgates was a department store in Gwelo, owned and operated by brothers Ted Prior Morgan and Fred Hilton Morgan after WWII. Ted’s wife Georgina Daisy Morgan also worked in the store. In the 1960’s Ludgates was sold to OK Bazaars. Contessa Liqueur In April 1944, P J Joubert Ltd was registered in Bulawayo & initially, its activities were centred around the sale & distribution of imported spirits, liqueurs and wines. In 1946, the company changed its name to African Distillers (Rhodesia) Ltd. During that same year a distillery was acquired in Umtali & the local production of a range of spirits (including Contessa) began. In 1951 the firm was listed on the stock exchange & in 1974, it moved to its present headquarters at Stapleford. Silhouette Studios The first modelling studio to be established in Rhodesia it remains one of the premier agencies in the country. Cuthberts Shoe Store The firm of WM Cuthbert & Co, shoe merchants, was established in Johannesburg in 1882. It soon established a strong brand and opened stores across Southern Africa including Rhodesia. Rhonat Insurance In 1974, the Assurance Company of Rhodesia, was renamed the Rhodesia National Farmers Union Insurance Society. Given this development, the major line of business became farming. As a result, the Assurance Company of Rhodesia became known informally as Rhodesia National Insurance (RhoNat). After the country became Zimbabwe in 1980, the name of the company changed to Zimnat Insurance Company. Meikles Hotel In 1913, Thomas Meikle decided to pursue his vision of constructing a hotel on the influential site of Cecil Square (now Africa Unity Square) in the heart of Salisbury (now Harare). The hotel was officially opened on the 5th November, 1915. By 1916, an annex was added bringing the capacity to 160 rooms. Haddon & Sly Haddon & Sly Ltd was first established in Bulawayo in 1894 as a general dealer by two traders WH Haddon & JW Sly. In the early days it provided a tea room & ladies rest room for country customers who had journeyed into Bulawayo by wagon. But Haddon died in 1921 & Sly in 1925. Thus the business was taken over by family members. In 1910, the company opened a men’s outfitting establishment on Manica Road, Salisbury & in 1928, it opened a second branch in Salisbury followed later by one in Gwelo. Leopards Rock Hotel The most popular hotel in the Vumba mountains is the Leopard Rock Hotel. Described by the Queen Mother as 'the most beautiful place in Africa' when she visited with her daughter in 1953, the hotel is a must-visit for one of the most beautiful golf landscapes in the country and possibly throughout the world. It has also played host to an array of film and sports personalities. Dairiboard The Dairy Marketing Board was established on the 1st Oct 1952 and was responsible for the manufacture and orderly sale of dairy products across the country. In 1997 the state owned company was privatised. Holiday Inn - Bulawayo This hotel opened its doors in 1973 & was the first Holiday Inn franchise in the country. The next one opened in Harare in 1983 followed by the Holiday Inn Mutare in 2017. Mark Manolios Sports Mark Manolios was national hockey coach from 1970-85, developing world-class players and leading several highly successful overseas tours, the like of which have never been matched by any Zimbabwean sports team in a global- class arena. He also attended nine Olympic Games in the capacity as coach or administrator. Mark Manolios Sports shop opened on the 13th August 1973 at the Avondale Shopping Centre in Salisbury. Lifebuoy Soap Lifebuoy was introduced by Lever Brothers in 1895. Originally a carbolic soap containing phenol, different varieties were later introduced without the medicinal carbolic smell, such as the coral-coloured Lifebuoy during the late 1950s. Nagrani Silk House The Nagrani Silk House opened in Bulawayo in 1926. The store was started by Vishindas Nagrani who was born in Hyderabad India & moved to Rhodesia in 1924. Another store soon followed called Nagrani in Fife Ave Salisbury (now Harare). He also founded the Indian School in Bulawayo & was General Secretary of the Rhodesian Indian Association. The advert above is from 1945. Alick Stuart An 1940s advert for Hercules bicycles. Alick Stuart ran a popular sporting goods & bicycle store in Bulawayo which operated during the first half of the 20th Century. At one stage he also owned a bus company that serviced the Bulawayo - Fort Victoria route. Grantham Ltd Salisbury Another Rhodesian advert from 1940. The Morris '8 ' was the hugely successful replacement for the Morris Minor & first shown to the British public at the 1934 Motor Show in London. Intended to compete with successful rivals such as the Ford Model Y, the '8' boasted a new & more powerful 918cc side-valve engine. This advert shows the upgraded series 'E' model released in 1938. Regarded fondly by enthusiasts as 'the poor man's MG', the roadster versions are today much sought after. Grand Hotel - Salisbury A 1940s advert for the Grand Hotel in Salisbury. In 1911, the Commercial Hotel was demolished and a new building was erected based on the designs of James Cope-Christie and Thomas Sladdin. The new building cost £11,000 and was re-opened in August 1914 as the Grand Hotel. Salusa 45 When 40 to 50-year olds were called up for military duty during the country's civil war in the 1970s, they were given the nickname ‘Salusa Scouts’ (after the name of a well-known and locally manufactured multivitamin for the elderly called Salusa 45). Rubin's Tobacco Rubin's Navy Cut was a cake of locally sourced tobacco which was manufactured in Rhodesia under license from the Rand Tobacco Company in South Africa. Forbes & Son Watches Thomas Forbes was born in Alford Scotland in 1879. He served his apprenticeship with John Watt, a well-known watchmaker. Forbes left Scotland in 1905 and moved to Bulawayo Rhodesia where he joined the respected jewellery firm of William Caie, serving as chief watch & clock repairer. Caie died in 1927 leaving the shop to Forbes who ran it with his sons before he passed away in 1971. George Elcombe Ltd George Elcombe began offering a haulage service to the commercial community of Salisbury in 1903 with just two mules and one small trolley. 50 years later it had grown into one of the largest road transport firms in Southern Rhodesia. George also once served as the mayor of Salisbury from 1917 to 1920. The advert above is from 1947. Gloria Cycle Works Gloria Cycle Works was located on Abercorn Street (now Jason Moyo st) in Bulawayo. This wholesale and retail cycle merchant was established in 1907 by Abram Radowsky and was once one of the oldest in the country specialising in bicycles and related accessories. This advert is from the 1930s. Dulys Car Company Charles Duly, a fully qualified engineer of 24 years of age, cycled from Johannesburg, arriving in Bulawayo in 1894. By 1896, he had opened as a Bicycle Dealer in Abercorn St. In 1902, he imported the first car into Rhodesia and by 1911 the Company was appointed as a “Dealer” for Ford Motor Product in what was then Northern and Southern Rhodesia. Rhodesia Railways - 1903 A Rhodesia Railways ad published in a South African newspaper in 1903. Railway construction in Rhodesia began in Sept 1892. The Bulawayo line was completed in Oct 1897 & the Umtali line in Feb 1898. The link between Salisbury & Bulawayo was opened in Oct 1902 after delays due to the outbreak of the Boer War in 1899. Work on the line north from Bulawayo began in 1903, it crossed the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls in Sept 1905 & eventually reached the Congo border in Dec 1909. Hepworths - 1902 Hepworths Ltd were tailors, clothiers and outfitters based in both Salisbury and Bulawayo.

Interesting historical postal covers and other philatelic items from Rhodesia. Hartley to Bromley - 1897 An interesting cover with a small tear on top left & posted in 1897 from England to a British South Africa Company office in Hartley (now Chegutu) via Salisbury (now Harare) in Rhodesia. This office was set-up by the BSAC to manage mining claims & certificates. The cover was redirected to Bromley ( a staging post established in 1892 on the road from Salisbury to Umtali) as the recipient must have moved. It's also worth noting that 1897 was the year of Queen Victoria's Jubilee. Kopje Cover - 1897 A cover posted in Salisbury on 3rd April 1897 with two One Penny BSAC stamps and rare 'Kopje' cancels on the front and back. The envelope is slightly torn but still in good condition overall. Latvia to Gwelo - 1898 A rare cover in good condition posted on 18 Sep 1898 from Libau in Latvia (then part of the Russian Empire) to Gwelo (now Gweru) in Southern Rhodesia, via London. The letter arrived on 20 Dec 1898. The recipient was Peter Falk a prominent pioneer settler who emigrated from Germany to Pietersburg South Africa in 1892 before he and his wife Agnes moved by ox wagon to Gwelo in 1894. There he established himself as a merchant, eventually opening a successful florist & nursery business. Mashonaland Card - 1899 Rhodesia's first postal service was established in 1888 by the British South Africa Company & initially consisted of a route from Bulawayo to Mafeking. A service in Mashonaland & Manicaland was established in 1890 & Rhodesia joined the South African postal union in 1892. This rare postcard was posted from Lomagundi to England via Salisbury & Cape Town in 1899. Anglo-French Matabeleland Co This letter was posted in 1900 from Belingwe to the Bulawayo Board of Executors in an Anglo-French Matabeleland Company cover. This company bought 154,000 acres of a farm called Inyanga Block from the BSAC in 1895. In 1930 the farm was split into two sections & sold. 90,000 acres went to the London Rhodesia Company (Lonrho) & the rest to the Hanmer Brothers. Prince Vincent & Co - 1900 A cover passed by the military censor & posted from Bulawayo in 1900 to the firm of Prince, Vintcent & Co in South Africa. This company was established in 1863 in Mossel bay by Joseph Vintcent and JS Prince, as importers and exporters of a variety of products including sugar, steel, timber, whisky & firearms. In 1887 they opened a branch in Oudtshoorn on the corner of Church and the then Queens Street. This specific expansion was due to a booming ostrich feather industry in the Klein Karoo. Bank of Africa - 1901 The Bank of Africa was founded in the Cape Colony in 1879 to take over the South African operations of the Oriental Bank Corporation. It later established branches in Rhodesia & the first one opened in Bulawayo in 1895. In 1912 it was taken over by the National Bank of South Africa the forerunner of Barclays Bank which came into being in 1925. This cover was posted from Lourenço Marques in Mozambique to Salisbury Rhodesia in 1901. Standard Bank - 1902 A cover in good condition with British Army & censor cachets posted on 14 Jan 1902 to the Standard Bank of South Africa branch in Bulawayo during the 2nd Boer War. In 1892 Standard Bank of South Africa opened its first Rhodesian branch in a ‘bell tent’ in Bulawayo. In 1896 the Salisbury branch introduced the first Southern Rhodesian bank notes. Then in 1992, Standard Bank of SA acquired ANZ Grindlays Bank in 8 African countries, including Zimbabwe & the merged operations were renamed Stanbic. Smart & Copley 1903 A cover posted by Smart & Copley Chemists in Southern Rhodesia to their pharmaceutical suppliers Sive Bros & Karnovsky Ltd in Johannesburg. Two British chemists, Harold Smart & William Copley opened their first shop in 1897 on the corner of 8th Ave & Fife St, Bulawayo. In 1899 they moved to larger premises in Main St. The following year they added a photographic dept which was believed to be the most advanced in Bulawayo at that time. In 1910, Smart left the partnership to establish Smart & Co. Dr Fleming - 1907 A cover posted to Dr Fleming in 1907. In Oct 1894 Andrew Fleming was appointed as medical officer in charge of Salisbury Hospital. That same year he acted as principal medical officer to the forces of the BSAC. He later became Chief of Health & played a leading role in establishing a modern medical service in Rhodesia. He died in 1954 but Salisbury's main public hospital which was built in 1972 was named after him. It was later renamed Parirenyatwa after the country became Zimbabwe in 1980. Selukwe - 1907 A Selukwe Mining Company Ltd cover posted in Bulawayo on 13 Sept 1907. Gold producing in Rhodesia began in the latter part of 1898, when the first returns were made by the Selukwe Gold Mining Ltd near the town of Selukwe which became the centre of a chrome & gold mining district. The name of the town derives from a nearby bare oval granite kopje, in the same shape as the pig pens that the BaVenda people used to build. The Venda word for “pig pen” is chirugwe, varied by the Matabele to Selukwe. Umtali to ORC - 1909 A registered cover posted from Southern Rhodesia on the 4th of June 1909 to the Bank of Africa in the ORC (Orange River Colony). The ORC was created after Britain first occupied (1900) & then annexed (1902) the independent Orange Free State in the 2nd Boer War. This colony ceased to exist in 1910, when it was absorbed into the Union of South Africa as a province called the Orange Free State. The Bank of Africa was established in 1879 & bought the South African business of India's Oriental Bank. Lennon Ltd Cover - 1910 A Lennon Ltd company cover posted from Salisbury to Victoria in 1910. In 1850 an Irishman, Barry Lennon, emigrated to South Africa & started a successful chemist & druggist store in Port Elizabeth, later opening branches across South Africa. In 1894 he expanded his stores into Rhodesia & by 1930 his company had become the largest pharmaceutical business in the southern hemisphere. Finland Cover - 1912 A cover in good condition posted on 28 July 1912 from Bulawayo to Helsingfors in Finland which was a rare destination for mail from Rhodesia at that time. (Helsingfors is Finnish for Helsinki). A fair number of Finns migrated to Rhodesia in the early 20th century often seeking new opportunities and escaping difficult economic conditions in Finland. These settlers came from various backgrounds, including farmers, laborers, & those with professional skills. Std Bank Cover - 1913 A Standard Bank cover in good condition with rare 'hairpin flaw' (ex-Gunnar). Posted from Bulawayo to Stewarts & Lloyds Ltd in England in July 1913. This Birmingham based steel firm began as Lloyd & Lloyd & opened branches in Cape Town & Kimberley in 1898. They later merged in 1903 to become Stewart & Lloyds in 1903 opening more branches in SA. In 1927 it became a South African based company with its head office in Vereeniging. During WWII it was an important supplier of munitions to the allies. Bulawayo to Wynberg -1914 A Board of Executors & Trust Company cover in good condition, posted from Bulawayo to Wynberg in Cape Town in Oct 1914. This cover has a cachet in English, Afrikaans & French applied by the SA Post office, stating that the recipient was no longer at the address listed. Livingstone to Irene - 1917 This cover was posted on 13th March 1917 from Livingstone in Northern Rhodesia to Irene in South Africa. Livingstone was the capital of Northern Rhodesia from 1907 to 1935 & became the country’s first municipality in 1927. The town was named after Dr. David Livingstone, the first European to see, name & publicise the Victoria Falls. The Scottish explorer's journey & first sight of the Falls in 1855 opened up Central Africa to other missionaries, hunters, & traders. Queen's Hotel - 1920 A Queen's Hotel cover posted from N. Rhodesia in Sept 1920 to the USA. This hotel in Kimberley South Africa was built in 1881 & was first owned by James & Catherine Jardine, who later sold it to Henry Orkin. James & Catherine had come to Africa from Scotland & moved to Kimberley during the 1860s diamond rush. Catherine was known as “Mother” to most of her patrons, being the “Mother of the Diggers.” Famous guests included: Cecil John Rhodes, Sir Charles Warren, Sir Alfred Milner & Emily Hobhouse. Johnson & Fletcher - 1926 A cover in excellent condition posted from Bulawayo to NY using a J&F envelope. Harold Fletcher & George Johnson opened a consulting & general engineering business in Southern Rhodesia in 1897. In the 1930s & 40s the firm expanded into the supply of lumber, electrical & building materials. It also established branches in Bulawayo, Salisbury and Beira. Johnson & Fletcher finally closed its doors in 2010. Kasama to Chateauneuf A cover in good condition but with aging stains, posted from Kasama in Northern Rhodesia to Andre-Paul Gensoul the owner of Chateaneuf Castle in France in March 1927 (The Gensoul family have owned the castle since 1872). The town of Kasama was a regional & administrative centre established in the North-eastern area of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1898 by the British South Africa Company. Motilal Vasanji - 1928 A registered cover in decent condition posted in August 1928 from Blantyre in Nyasaland (now Malawi) by Motilal Vasanji, a cloth and cutlery merchant, to a relative of his in Porbandar India. During the early 1900s, Blantyre & its neighbouring town, Limbe, became hubs for Indian wholesale & retail shops. Many of these traders, like Motilal Vasanji, originated from the Gujarat region of India & were instrumental in providing consumer goods to the local population in this Central African country. Taylor & Nisbet - 1930 This cover in very good condition was posted by Taylor & Nisbet merchants from Southern Rhodesia to the US in 1930 using their official company envelope. The cover includes 'Postage Due' & 'Support Rhodesian Industries' cachets. Fred Taylor came to Rhodesia in 1901 to work for the Meikles Group in Umtali. In 1923 he formed a business partnership with James Nisbet & they opened a trading store. Taylor later bought a beautiful farm which he bequeathed to Rhodesia & it became Vumba National Park. Umtali to India - 1930 An interesting cover in fair condition posted on 17 Feb 1930 from Umtali to Porbandar in India via Durban & Bombay. On top left corner the writing in Gujarati language says the letter is to be delivered to the daughter of Hakim Abdul Karim Haji Joosab. The port city of Porbandar is where Mahatma Ghandi was born. Experimental FFC - 1931 This cover marks a special Christmas mail flight on Imperial Airways from London to Cape Town via Southern Rhodesia in December 1931. The plane 'City of Basra' landed in Salisbury on 19th December 1931. Letters posted between Salisbury & Cape Town had a violet or black cachet 'Experimental Flight' applied. This cover is in good condition with some minor foxing. FFC - Nth Rhodesia to RSA This unique cover was posted in December 1931 from Broken Hill in Northern Rhodesia to South Africa. It joined the special Christmas Imperial Airways mail flight en-route from London to Cape Town. This cover is especially unique due to the use of an Aero Philatelic Club Calcutta envelope. This club was founded by the pioneering Indian aerospace engineer, Stephen Smith in Calcutta during the 1920s. Smith is recognised as the father of Aerophilately in India. Imperial Airways - 1931 A very rare Christmas and New Year greetings card in excellent condition, sent by air mail from Imperial Airways headquarters (sub branch) in Wilton Road Hudson's Park England to select companies in Rhodesia & South Africa in December 1931. The quote inside the card reads: 'And I finally concluded that if I did not fly thither it was impossible to make the journey' - The Travels & Adventures of Pero Tafur 1435-39 First Flight - Internal 1931 Another first flight cover from 1931 in very good condition. This one flew internally from Salisbury to Bulawayo on the first southbound Imperial Airways experimental Xmas flight from London to Cape Town. Franked with correct 4d rate, cancel Salisbury 20/12/31, back-stamp Bulawayo on the same day. Also has experimental flight cachet in violet. Rhodesian Milling - 1931 A 1931 cover commemorating the first Imperial airways flight between England & South Africa. This cover in good condition is complete with a scarce Imperial Airways greetings card & was posted from Wilton Road, Hudson's Place (Imperial Airways Headquarters sub office) to the Rhodesian Milling Company in Salisbury Southern Rhodesia. FFC - 1932 On the 20th Jan 1932 an Imperial Airways Handley Page named 'Helena', departed London on the airline’s new intercontinental mail service to South Africa. The flights would leave at 12:30 p.m. on a Wednesday & arrive in Cape Town 10 days later. The route was London, Cairo, Khartoum, Juba, Nairobi, Mbeya, Salisbury, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The initial flights carried mail only, but a passenger service was soon added. The cover shown here is in good condition & was posted from Salisbury. Gatooma Mail - 1932 A Gatooma Mail company cover posted from Gatooma to Johannesburg in 1932. The Gatooma Mail newspaper was established by Joe Burke in 1912 & was published weekly. He later bought the town's Royalty Theatre in 1925. Joe passed away in 1958 but his son David continued to run the theatre until 1969 when it was sadly closed. The name "Gatooma" was derived from the local Sindebele phrase "Kaduma" meaning "does not make a noise". The town was founded in 1906 & renamed Kadoma in 1982. Double Crash Cover - 1932 A 1932 Cape Town South Africa to Croydon England Imperial Airways double crash cover posted in Salisbury Southern Rhodesia on 28 Jan 1932. The 'City of Basra' aircraft crashed on take-off in Salisbury owing to the sodden nature of the aerodrome. The relief plane ‘City of Delhi’ ran into a violent storm & force landed in a swamp near Broken Hill in northern Rhodesia. The mail eventually arrived at Croydon 9 days late on the 16th February & then its final Bristol destination the following day. Salisbury - London 1932 A cover from 1932 commemorating the first official flight by the Imperial Airways mail service from Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia to London. This cover is in good condition for its age with a small tear in top right-hand corner. Midlands Hotel - 1932 A Midlands Hotel cover in fair condition posted on 27 Jan 1932 from Gwelo to England via the first official Imperial Airways mail flight. The Midlands Hotel was built in 1927 by the Meikle brothers & became one of the oldest hotels in Gwelo (now Gweru) and is still operating today. First Official Mail - 1932 Another cover celebrating the first official air mail flight on Imperial Airways from Cape Town to London on 28th Jan 1932 & was posted from Bulawayo in Southern Rhodesia. It has some minor stains but still in good condition with beautiful stamps. This custom envelope was produced for the South African Travel Bureau. FFC Bulawayo - 1932 An FFC posted from Bulawayo to Montreal in Canada on 28th Jan 1932 & arriving on 24th Feb 1932. Harris Bros & Co was established in Bulawayo in 1920. Their most famous products was the Red Seal brand first used in 1925. In 1956 Harris Bros was purchased by the Rhodesian Milling & Manufacturing Co Ltd. But the Red Seal brand was taken over by the Harris Maize Milling & Produce founded the same year by three sons of C Harris, the founder of Harris Bros & Co. Red Seal is now owned by National Foods Imperial Mail Route - 1933 A 1933 Imperial Airways pamphlet in perfect condition, showing the flight route between London & South Africa, with stops in Sudan, Kenya, Tanganyika, Nyasaland, Northern & Southern Rhodesia & the Union of South Africa. Royal Mail Insert - 1933 A 1933 Royal Mail pamphlet insert in excellent condition, showing on one side the average number of days for airmail delivery between London and various cities in the Middle East, India & Africa. While the other side lists the respective postage rates. Imperial Airways - 1933 A 1933 Imperial Airways marketing pamphlet insert in excellent condition, highlighting the cost and travel time savings for businessmen travelling from London to sub-saharan Africa by air instead of land or sea. Roan Antelope Mine - 1933 This Roan Antelope Copper Mine cover from 1933 was posted from Luyanshya in N. Rhodesia to the USA by the wife of Frank Ayer, an American citizen who was general manager of the mine from 1933-1941. The cover also contains the original 4-page letter written by Frank's wife on company headed paper which gives a unique insight into what life was like there at the time, especially as her husband had only just taken up the role from the previous manager David Irwin. Bhimjee Naik - 1934 A cover posted by Bhimjee Naik from Salisbury Southern Rhodesia to the MJ Emden & Sons store in Hamburg on 15 Aug 1934. Bhimjee Ranchhodjee Naik was the first Indian to establish a trading licence at Umtali in 1898. He went on to open branches in Gwelo, Seluwke & Salisbury. Max James Emden was a famous German textile merchant, art collector, heir & bon vivant. Persecuted by the Nazis because of his Jewish origins, Emden fled to the Brissago Islands in the Swiss canton of Ticino in the mid-1930s. Salisbury to Blantyre - 1934 A Rhodesian & Nyasaland Airways (RANA) first flight cover (in very good condition) from Salisbury to Blantyre on the 9th of March 1934. Its pilot was Captain Mike Pearce who had flown solo from England to Cape Town in 1931 soon after qualifying as an aviator. He was also the first pilot to fly the airmail on the section between Broken Hill and Johannesburg. Franconia Cruise - 1934 A rare cover posted on 27th April 1934 using a Franconia World Cruise cover & sent from Cape Town to the US, with an uncanceled Southern Rhodesia stamp. The RMS Franconia was a ship operated by the Cunard Line from 1922-1956. In Jan 1934 it set off from New York on a 139 day world cruise & stopped at 33 ports along the way including Cape Town from 23-28 April. During WWII the ship was used by the British delegation at the famous Jan 1945 Yalta conference involving Churchill, Roosevelt & Stalin. FFC Salisbury - Beira 1935 A Rhodesian & Nyasaland Airways (RANA) first flight cover in good condition posted from Salisbury to Beira on the 1st Aug 1935. The pilot for this flight was Capt J.A.C Florence who moved to S. Rhodesia from the UK in 1920. At the outbreak of WWII he joined the SAAF & soon became OC 61 Communications Squadron. RANA was formed in 1933 by the merger of two small private airlines. In Aug 1935 it began Salisbury-Beira & Blantyre-Beira services but went into voluntary liquidation on 8th July 1946. FFC - Salisbury to London A cover in very good condition & dated 30 July 1937 celebrating the first airmail delivery service operated by Rhodesia & Nyasaland Airways (RANA) from Salisbury to London via Beira in Portuguese Mozambique. Zomba To Salisbury - 1934 Another cover from 1934 but this time commemorating the first airmail flight from Zomba in Nyasaland (now Malawi) to Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia. Girls High School was founded in 1898 and the first public girls school in Salisbury. This cover is in very good condition. Jessie Garage - 1934 This is a 1934 cover in good condition & was posted by Jessie garage in Bulawayo to the US. During the 1920s, the improvement & expansion of the road network in Southern Rhodesia saw the number of cars in the country jump from around 40 in 1912 to over 13,000 by the end of 1929. Broken Hill - 1935 A registered letter posted in 1935 from Broken Hill in N. Rhodesia to England. The town of Broken Hill was once the largest mining centre in the country. On 17th June 1921 an ancient hominid's skull was discovered in a lead & zinc mine there. This discovery established Broken Hill as an important centre for the study of early humankind & this famous well-preserved 300,000 year-old skull still resides in the Museum of Natural History in London. Suleman Ismail - 1935 A Suleman Ismail company cover posted from Umtali to London in June 1935. This general merchant firm was set-up by Suleman Ismail who emigrated from India to Southern Rhodesia in 1909. He lived in Salisbury until 1918 when he moved to Umtali & set up this business in his own name in 1920. Suleman was chairman of both the British Indian Association & the Islamic Society in Umtali. Blantyre Publishing Co A 1935 cover in good condition posted from Salisbury Rhodesia to Nyasaland. The Blantyre Printing & Publishing Co was established in 1895 by R S Hynde, a Scottish teacher. The company shared printing with the Blantyre Mission Press. The company closed in 1907 but was resurrected after independence in 1964 to become a sophisticated printing & publishing company with subsidiaries such as Times Bookshop Ltd & Blantyre Periodicals Ltd. The business is now known as Blantyre Printing & Packaging Co. FFC Umtali - Beira 1935 A 1935 cover commemorating the first air mail services between Beira & Umtali as well as Umtali & Salisbury. This rare cover also has a printing error displaying 'Umtal' instead of 'Umtali'. It has some minor stains & a small tear at the top of the envelope but is otherwise in good condition. Meikles Hotel- 1936 A Meikles Hotel envelope posted from Southern Rhodesia in 1936. Thomas Meikle was founder & owner of this famous hotel as well as chairman of the Thomas Meikle Trust & Investment Company. He died on the 8th of February 1939 & control of the trust was thus passed to his widow, Winifred. She became chairman, & their four daughters & husbands became board members. Bishop Springer - 1937 A cover in good condition posted in 1937 from Umtali in S.Rhodesia to the USA by Bishop Springer. John McKendree Springer was a pioneering missionary with the Methodist Episcopal Church. From 1901 to 1906 he served as superintendent of the Old Umtali Mission. From 1910 to 1915 he & his wife Helen were stationed in the Belgian Congo (now DRC) & N.Rhodesia. In 1921 he served as superintendent at Mutambara Mission in Umtali & in 1936 was elected Missionary Bishop for Africa. He retired in 1944. Coronation FDC - 1937 A Southern Rhodesian FDC marking the coronation of King George VI. This cover is post marked 12th May 1937 and was sent to Mercedes Texas USA. It is in very good condition. Umtali Advertiser - 1937 A nice cover posted from Umtali to Edinburgh in July 1937. The Umtali Advertiser was launched on the 13th of December 1893 & was the second newspaper to be launched in the country, even preceding the Bulawayo Chronicle. It was founded by a Jewish Scotsman, Maurice Henry. In 1934 it was sold to the Rhodesian Printing & Publishing Company. It was later renamed the Umtali Post in 1949 & then the Manica Post in 1982. Kimptons - 1937 A 1937 cover posted from Bulawayo to the USA. Kimptons was a well-known car dealer located on Main Street in Bulawayo. During the 1920’s they were agents for Willy’s Overland motor cars and later in the 1930s, Studebaker and Austin. In 1950 the business became Gull & Kimpton (Pvt) Ltd. Empire Mail FFC - 1937 This cover is in very good condition & was posted from Liverpool in Britain to Broken Hill in Northern Rhodesia in June 1937. The Empire Air Mail Scheme provided regular connections between the countries of the British Empire at the very low postal rate of 1½d per half oz. In Southern Rhodesia, the rate was 2d per half oz. As this was an all-up service, an air mail label was not needed. 'Speedbird' Logo - 1937 An Empire mail cover in very good condition posted from Newport England to Salisbury Rhodesia on 25 June 1937 & has the famous 'Speedbird' logo (along with a route map). This stylised emblem of a bird in flight was designed in 1932 by Theyre Lee-Elliott as the corporate logo for Imperial Airways. It became a design classic & was used by the airline & its successors British Overseas Airways Corporation & British Airways for 52 years. The term 'Speedbird' remains the call sign for British Airways. Broken Hill Cover - 1937 This small slightly stained cover was posted from Broken Hill in Northern Rhodesia via Lusaka to the Midland Gun Company in Birmingham England. The firm was founded in 1888 and were also known as the "Demon Gun Works" which was to become their trademark before Parker Hale purchased the company in 1952. Birmingham was once the centre of the world's gun-manufacturing industry, specialising in the production of military firearms and sporting guns. Livingstone - 1937 A beautiful cover mailed from Livingstone in Northern Rhodesia & postmarked 12th May 1937 the day of the coronation of George VI and his wife, Elizabeth, as King & Queen of the UK, the Dominions, the British Commonwealth & as Emperor & Empress of India. Great stamps. Nyasaland FDC - 1937 A first day cover from Nyasaland commemorating the coronation of George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth and as Emperor and Empress of India on the 12th of May 1937. The Grand Hotel - 1937 A Grand Hotel cover in fair condition & posted from Bulawayo to Germany in 1937. The Grand Hotel was built in 1899 & was located on Main Street in Bulawayo. The hotel had a main dining room & two function rooms: the large MacMurray Hall & the Connaught Room. It also had three bars: The Corner Bar, the Steering Wheel & the Sable Arms. The famous author Agatha Christie is reported to have stayed here in March 1922. The hotel was sold in 1970 & redeveloped into the Bulawayo Centre. Northern Rhodesia - 1937 Another FDC from 1937 commemorating the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. This letter was posted from Broken Hill in Northern Rhodesia to the Westminster Stamp Company in London. Ryalls Limbe Hotel - 1937 A 1937 cover in good condition. In 1914 Louisa Ryall founded the Ryalls Limbe Hotel in Limbe, Nyasaland (now Malawi). In 1919 she repurposed a historical building into Blantyre’s first hotel, later known as Nash’s Hotel. Then in 1921 came the Ryalls Blantyre Hotel. This grand establishment became renowned for its elegant setting & exceptional service. The hotels & other assets went on to be listed on the Malawi stock exchange in 1997, before being bought by the Marriot Group in 2014. FFC Gwelo to JNB - 1938 A cover from 1st Feb 1938 celebrating the First Inter-Town Air Service between Gwelo & Johannesburg. Gwelo (now Gweru) was originally a Matabele settlement named iKwelo (“The Steep Place”), after the nearby river’s high banks. In 1894 troops led by Dr Jameson established a military outpost at the site at the end of the 1st Matabele War. Gwelo developed quickly as an agricultural centre & officially became a municipality in 1914. FFC Umtali - Beira 1938 This 1938 cover is in good condition & commemorates the first time a Rhodesia & Nyasaland Airways (RANA) DH89 'Rapide' aircraft carried mail under the 'Empire Mail' scheme from Umtali to Beira in Mozambique, where the mail was then loaded onto an Imperial Airways Flying Boat and flown on to the UK. This specific letter was posted on the 3rd of Feb 1938 & arrived at its destination in Gloucester England on the 10th of Feb 1938. WWII Rare Cachet - 1939 A rare cover in good condition posted from Umvuma in S. Rhodesia on 3 May 1939 to Madhopur in India. During WWII the 'Despatched by Rail Route to Avoid Detention' cachet, indicated that the letter or package was sent via rail to bypass potential delays or censorship at other postal hubs. These cachets were used on mail sent to or from military personnel or those involved in war-related activities, where speed & security were crucial. This cover arrived safely at its destination on 16 May 1939. W & E Silks Ltd - 1939 A W&E Silks Ltd cover in good condition & posted from Salisbury to Bombay in October 1939. As WWII had begun the letter was opened by the allied censors. W&E Silks was established by one of the prominent Indian trading families in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) many of whom immigrated to the country in the early 1900s. This specific firm imported silk, cottons & brassware from India. It still exists today although now focuses mostly on apparel. Tin Can Mail - Very Rare A 'Tin Can Mail' cover posted to Northern Rhodesia in 1940. The story of tin can mail began in 1882 on Niuafo’ou, an island in the kingdom of Tonga in the south Pacific. Postal services to/from the island was very limited until a plantation manager suggested that passing ships could deliver mail by placing letters into tin cans & drop them into the ocean. Swimmers would then make the one-mile journey to retrieve the tin. Swimmers would also take outgoing mail in the tin to the ships. WWII Censored Cover A 1940 cover addressed to Germany, opened and cleared by the official censor in Southern Rhodesia. During World War II, civil censorship was introduced in Sth Rhodesia on August 16th 1939 requiring that “all mail matter addressed to or emanating from countries not included within the British Empire must be forwarded to the nearest Censor Officer.” The country's censorship offices were based in Salisbury, Bulawayo & Umtali. This cover is in good condition with one minor tear. Rhodes cover - 1940 A used cover in very good condition and posted on the 6th of Nov 1940 from Gwelo in Southern Rhodesia to Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. The stamps affixed commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the British South Africa Company by Cecil John Rhodes. Somaliland Camel Corps A cover (opened by censor) in excellent condition posted from Aden in Feb 1940 by Lt RJ Desfountain a member in the Somaliland Camel Corps to his wife in Rhodesia. This corps was a British unit active from 1914 to 1944, formed to maintain order in British Somaliland using camel-mounted infantry. Lt Desfountain was a serving officer in the K.A.R but later attached to the Somaliland Camel Corps in 1939. He won the Military Cross for valour during the battle of Observation Hill in August 1940. Central African Transport A 'Central African Transport Company' cover with an unusual cachet on the top right of the envelope & posted from Blantyre in Nyasaland (now Malawi) to England in 1940. This firm was a subsidiary of the British Central Africa Company Ltd (BCAC) which was formed in 1902 & became one of the four largest companies in colonial Nyasaland. The BCAC was later renamed The Central Africa Company before eventually merging with Lonrho (Malawi) Ltd in 1964. Vacuum Oil Company 1940 A Vacuum Oil Company cover in good condition posted from Bulawayo to Beira on the 13th of Nov 1940. In 1881 a German immigrant Johann Gottlieb Schade introduced US based Vacuum Oil products to South Africa. In 1897 Vacuum Oil, backed by the Standard Oil Company, opened a branch in Cape Town to service Southern Africa. It later opened offices in Bulawayo & Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia. In 1931 Standard & Vacuum merged to become Socony Oil Co, before being renamed the Mobil Oil Corp in 1966. RATG - Gwelo 1941 The Rhodesia Air Training Group (RATG) was a scheme setup during the 1939-1945 war, where allied air personnel from various countries were sent to be trained in S. Rhodesia for the RAF. The first school opened near Salisbury in May 1940, more units were later opened across the country including Guinea Fowl at Gwelo (where this particular RATG cover was posted from in 1941) RAF Belvedere - 1941 An active service cover posted on 29 Dec 1941 from Belvedere air base in S. Rhodesia to Newcastle. During the dark days of 1940 the RAF desperately needed new pilots to replace those lost in combat & asked commonwealth nations like Rhodesia for help & the Empire Air Training Scheme was born. RAF pilot cadets, navigators & air gunners were taught at Belvedere airbase near Salisbury from May 1940. Other bases followed namely Induna, Cranborne, Guinea Fowl, Kumalo, Thornhill, Mt Hampden & Heaney. Nervous Disorders - 1941 A cover posted on 2nd July 1941 from the Nervous Disorders Hospital (see violet cachet) in Southern Rhodesia to Scotland which was the rerouted to an RAF base in Wales. The hospital was opened in Bulawayo in 1939 to teat patients with "non-certifiable mental & nervous complaints." Its first medical director was Dr Kenneth Mann Rodger an 'alienist' (psychiatrist) who had moved to the country from England in 1933. Mount Selinda - 1941 This cover was posted by Arthur Orner to the US in 1941. Orner was an US missionary who joined the Mount Selinda mission school in S. Rhodesia in 1909 where he provided children & adults with vocational training. Mount Selinda opened in 1893 & was the first American mission in the country. Orner later served as mission secretary and finally as superintendent of both Selinda & Chikore mission schools. He married Dorthy Edna in 1912 & lived in Rhodesia for the rest of his life. He died in 1954. Rhodesian Tea - 1941 A Southern Rhodesian cover from 1941 posted to A. Oppenheimer & Co London. It has a 'Drink Rhodesian Tea' cachet. In good condition. The first tea bushes planted in Rhodesia originated from a box of seeds smuggled out of India in 1924 by Mrs Florence Phillips, a tea-planter’s wife from Assam, and were planted near Chipinga in the Eastern Highlands which has the perfect soil and climate for the production of tea. Rare cover - 1941 A cover in good condition posted from Bulawayo in Southern Rhodesia to Beira in Mozambique on 12th March 1941 and opened by the censor. On the back is a cachet which reads: 'Cook - Wagons-Lits'. This was an international travel company formed after the merger of Thomas Cook & Son with Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grandes Express Européens, (operator of the Orient Express), in 1928. The company's HQ was in Paris & had branches all over the world including Salisbury & Bulawayo. Allen Wack & Shepherd - 41 Allen Wack & Shepherd began as a warehousing company in Rhodesia in the 1890’s. By the 1950’s they provided services as a travel bureau, forwarding agent, shipping agent, customs clearing agent, insurance & warehousing. They still exist today as a global freight company. This cover is from 1941 & was posted to the company's branch in Mozambique. It has a 'Drink Rhodesian Tea' cachet on the front & 'Beira Corridor' on the back of the envelope. OHMS cover - 1941 An interesting official government cover in very good condition & posted in Bulawayo in August 1941. It has 'Drink Rhodesian Tea' cachets & a 'war economy' message suggesting the envelope is reused. 1943 - WWII Cover This cover is dated July 1943 & posted to England. It has a unique sticker attached recognizing the important contribution the armed forces of the colonies (including Rhodesia) & South Africa were making in support of Britain in the fight against the axis powers. African Lakes Corp - 1943 An African Lakes Corporation cover in good condition posted from Broken Hill in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) In Feb 1943. ALC was set-up in 1877 by Scottish businessmen. Despite its original connections with the Free Church of Scotland, it operated its businesses on a commercial rather than a philanthropic basis. These included water transport on lakes & rivers in Central Africa, wholesale & retail trading, real estate & autos. It shut in 2007 but was recently relaunched as an investment firm. 1943 - RATG Kumalo This cover was posted in 1943 to a Lance Corporal at the Kumalo airbase in Bulawayo Rhodesia. This was where the 'Rhodesian Air Training Group' trained pilots, navigators, bomb aimers and gunners for the RAF from early 1940 until April 1945. Over 7,600 pilots and 2,300 navigators were trained by the RATG during WWII. This was probably Southern Rhodesia's single most important contribution to Britain in its fight against the Axis powers. Nyasaland Cover - 1944 A cover posted from Limbe in Nyasaland addressed to a Captain in the Free French Forces in London. Then redirected to a military hospital in Camberley. The Free French Forces were based on the Old Dean Camp in Camberley from autumn 1940 to spring 1944, and their short history with Surrey Heath is one of survival, bravery and training; all of which cumulated in the major role they played during D-Day, June 1944 and liberating their own country. Patriotic Label - 1945 This registered cover in good condition was posted from Bulawayo to Auckland New Zealand in 1945. It has a patriotic label affixed encouraging people to buy and collect postage stamps in order to support a national fund aimed at assisting soldiers and their families during WWII. SRAS Cover - 1946 The Southern Rhodesian Air Services company introduced a 'new' Air Mail Service between Bulawayo & Fort Victoria in 1946. This souvenir cover was flown on the first Bulawayo- Fort Victoria service on 5th March 1946 & the pilot of the aircraft was J. Finnis. In July 1946 the airline was liquidated & its assets used to help form Central African Airways which was also financed by the governments of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia & Nyasaland. Shell Rhodesia Ltd - 1946 A Shell Company of Rhodesia Ltd cover from 1946 in excellent condition with four WWII victory stamps. Shell initially opened a marketing office in Southern Rhodesia in 1902 before later building a refinery in Salisbury (now Harare). In 1965 a pipeline from Beira in Portuguese Mozambique (constructed by Lonrho) supplied oil to the Rhodesian refinery until 1966 when supply was cut due to a sanctions-led Royal Navy blockade. From then on Shell Rhodesia received its oil by road from South Africa. 1947 Victory Cover A relatively scarce souvenir cover in very good condition & commemorating the Allied victory in WWII as well as the Rhodesian men & woman who served. The stamps of the King, Queen & two Princesses were designed & printed in Rhodesia. The King was especially impressed with these stamps & instructed that a set be sent to Sir John Wilson & kept in the Royal collection. Halls Garage - 1947 A 'Halls Garage' cover in good condition & posted to the USA in 1947. This garage was established in 1933 by Aubrey Hall who emigrated to Nyasaland (now Malawi) from the UK in 1923. It was also the garage that Dr Hastings Banda bought his first ever vehicle from in 1958, the now famous Landrover (BA 816) which took part in the country's 1964 Independence celebration with Banda as the country's first black Prime Minister. 1947 - FDC Filabusi A Southern Rhodesia Stamps KGVI 1947 WW2 Victory FDC with a registered cachet. Filabusi is the district capital of the Insiza District and service centre for the surrounding mining and farming areas. It was once a major producer of gold, with mines such as Fred and Royal Family, nickel at Epoch and asbestos at Pangani and Croft, but all these are now closed. The Filabusi Post Office first opened its doors on the 15th July 1894. Northern Rhodesian Cover A cover from 1947 which was posted from Kitwe in Northern Rhodesia to Aden (now Yemen) in the Middle East. The Port of Aden is an ancient seaport which Marco Polo and Ibn Battutu visited during the 11th & 12th Centuries. In 1839, the British East India Company occupied and began administering the territory to stop attacks by pirates who were assailing British ships going to India. In 1937 the settlement was separated from India, becoming the British Crown Colony of Aden until 1963. Royal Visit - 1947 First Day Cover. In 1947 the Royal Family (King George VI, his wife Queen Elizabeth and his two daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret) undertook a leisurely three month journey (February to April) through their Southern African dominions (South Africa itself, Southern Rhodesia, Swaziland, Basutoland and the Bechuanaland Protectorate). The trip involved 10 000 miles of travel including 4920 miles by rail (though the family flew to Rhodesia). Princess Elizabeth Birthday This cover celebrating Princess Elizabeth's 21st birthday was posted from Southern Rhodesia to Johannesburg on the same day 21st April 1947. She celebrated her birthday while on tour with her parents and younger sister in South Africa. In a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, the Princess dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth. Royal Visit - 1947 Another First Day Cover of the Royal Visit to Rhodesia in 1947. 'Hayete' was the Royal Salute the Matebele warriors would sound as a mark of respect. This cover as with all of the others shown on the site is in good condition. V.E Day Cover - 1947 A cover in excellent condition posted on 8 May 1947 & commemorating the two-year anniversary of Germany's unconditional surrender to the allies on the 8th May 1945. This cover has a beautiful 'Victory over Infamy' drawing. The stamps allowed on such V.E covers in Rhodesia had to follow a set rule. Thus the stamp with the widest circulation should bear the head of the King, & in order of circulation, the heads of the Queen, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. Universal Postal Union A Southern Rhodesian FDC from 1949 commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union. This agency which was stablished in 1874 following adoption of the Universal Postal Convention, is one of the oldest existing international governmental organisations. It is responsible for regulating international mail services and has its headquarters in Bern, Switzerland. BSAC Citrus Estate - 1949 A British South Africa Citrus Estate cover posted in 1949 from Mazoe to London. The first citrus estates were pioneered by the BSAC from 1910 with the first commercial estate established in 1914 in the Mazoe Valley 25 miles north of Salisbury. By 1923 further estates were built at Umtali, Sinoia & later Hippo Valley. In 1965 the Anglo-American Company acquired the Mazoe Citrus Estates from the BSAC. At the time the estate had 273,000 trees producing juices & citrus oils for export to the UK. CAA FFC - 1950 On 1st April 1950 Central African Airways inaugurated non-stop Viking airliner flights between Salisbury & Johannesburg. They also inaugurated the first direct air route between Johannesburg & Dar-es-Salaam via Salisbury. This new service was called the Coastal Viking & provided for the first time a fast same-day air link between the Rhodesias, Nyasaland, Tangankyika & South Africa. This cover is in very good condition & contains the original notice letter inside. League Of Empire - 1951 A southern-Rhodesian government cover from 1951 in good condition & sent by the country's Chief Education Officer to the 'League of the British Empire & Commonwealth' in London. This association was originally founded in 1901 as the 'League of the Empire', it aimed to promote unity and understanding across the Commonwealth primarily via the Commonwealth Teachers Exchange Program. CAA Cover - 1951 The Central African Airways Corp was formed on 1st June 1946. It provided a comprehensive passenger service within Central Africa, up north to Dar-es-Salaam & Nairobi, south to Johannesburg, east to Beira & Lourenco Marques, and west to Elizabethville. It also provided a twice-weekly coach service to London known as the Zambezi Service. This August 1951 cover which still contains its original insert, celebrates the start of the company's Airways Letter Service. Northern Rhodesia - 1951 A Northern Rhodesian police cover posted in May 1951 from the Ridgeway suburb of Lusaka in Northern Rhodesia to the Island Hotel in Isipingo Beach South Africa. This hotel originally started life as a tea room in 1905 & was situated on a small island in the lagoon. Shell Rhodesia - 1951 A Shell cover posted from Rhodesia to Nyasaland in June 1951. The Shell Company of Rhodesia Ltd was a marketing member of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, originally obtaining its supplies from Iran and shipping from Abadan. Fuel oil was sourced from the Dutch East Indies. The company also imported bitumen from Egypt, lubricating oils, greases & illuminating paraffin. Shell's main African head office was based in Cape Town. The Rhodesian entity later became Shell Rhodesia Pvt Ltd in 1964. Moshal, Gevisser & Partners A 'Moshal, Gevisser & Partners' company cover posted in 1951 from Livingstone in N.Rhodesia to Sweden. J Moshal arrived in South Africa from Europe in 1898. By 1908 he and his wife were running a small business selling second-hand bottles & bags. In 1910, they partnered with Messrs M & I Gevisser who provided capital to help grow the business. By 1945 the Johannesburg based firm was flourishing & they created a wholesale arm called Moshal, Gevisser & Partners Ltd with branches in N.Rhodesia. First Jetliner FFC - 1952 This cover was posted from Lebanon to Northern Rhodesia & celebrated the world's first ever commercial jet airliner (a De Havilland Comet) making its maiden flight from London to Johannesburg on 2nd May 1952. The flight took 18 hours overall & had five stops on route: Rome, Beirut, Khartoum, Entebbe & Livingstone. Sadly this same aircraft G-ALYP crashed into the Mediterranean off the Italian island of Elba on 10th Jan1954, killing all on board. N.Rhodesia - Queen 1953 A beautiful 1953 cover from Northern Rhodesia commemorating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on the 2nd of June that year & posted from Lusaka to Hicksville USA. Royal Tour FDC - 1953 This Royal Tour was specifically scheduled to open the Rhodes Centenary Exhibition in Bulawayo. The trip had originally been planned for Princess Elizabeth, but due to the sudden death of King George VI, the Queen Mother & Princess Margaret attended instead. On 30th June, 1953 the Royal Party flew on a BOAC Comet to Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia. They then travelled across the country by train. This FDC to commemorate the tour was posted from the Royal train itself. Rhodes Centenary - 1953 This Nyasaland cover was produced to celebrate, the Central African Rhodes Centenary Exhibition which was held at Bulawayo Park in Southern Rhodesia & was opened during the 1953 Royal Tour by the Queen Mother. The exhibition was held to celebrate the birth Cecil Rhodes.The exhibition was a vast panorama of the peoples & culture of the African continent. There were a number of national pavilions of the countries with interests in Africa & of the British, French, Belgian & Portuguese territories. Barclays Bank - 1953 A cover in good condition posted in June 1953 from Barclays Bank in Southern Rhodesia to its agent office in New York. Barclays originated from the Bank of Africa (founded 1879), which had established branches as early as 1895 in Rhodesia and was acquired by the National Bank of South Africa in 1912. In 1925, the National Bank of South Africa was acquired by Barclays Bank (Dominion, Colonial and Overseas). N. Rhodesia to Nigeria 1954 A cover posted on 12th April 1954 from Monze in N. Rhodesia to Kano in Nigeria, before being rerouted to Zaria. In Sept 1898 a Cpt Drury came up from Bulawayo with 13 troopers & built a police fort at Monze. On 5th Oct 1950 at around 4.20 am a meteorite struck the earth close to Monze. Officials found out about the meteorite when Chief Monze took 3 pieces to the local DC, saying "Please send these to King George, & tell him what has happened in my country for I know that he will be interested". FFC - 1954 CAA This unopened cover in good condition, marks the first direct flight by Central African Airways between Salisbury Rhodesia and the city of Durban in South Africa on the 3rd of April 1954. Federation FDC - 1955 A first-day cover commemorating the creation of the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland in 1955. This cover is in excellent condition. HM Barbour - 1956 A cover posted in 1956 from Rhodesia to WM Barbour (a relation of HM Barbour) in Lisburne Ireland. The Irishman H.M Barbour founded a department store with his name in 1917. It was the first such store in Salisbury and eventually Barbour's (as it was affectionally called) became one of country's most famous. Sadly it went into liquidation in 2018. This cover is also unique as it was redirected from airmail to surface mail due to insufficient postage. Lusaka City Status - 1960 A cover in excellent condition produced by the Lusaka Publicity Association & issued on the 9th of September 1960 commemorating Lusaka's official status as a city on that date. Lusaka became the capital of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1935 after the colonial administration decided to move the capital from Livingstone to a more centrally located area. Lusaka derives its name from a headman 'Lusaaka' who according to history, originally settled in the area. Imperial airways FFC 1962 First day cover, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the first flight from Salisbury to London on Imperial Airways 30 Year Anniversary FFC A special first day souvenir BOAC cover in excellent condition & commemorating 30 years of the inauguration of airmail between the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland & the UK. This specific cover has a 'save wildlife' cachet. BOAC FFC - 1962 Another BOAC souvenir cover also in very good condition, commemorating 30 years of the inauguration of airmail between the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland & the UK. This cover was posted from Ndola in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Large FFC Anniversary 1962 Another large cover commemorating 30 years of the inauguration of airmail between the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland & the UK. This cover was posted from Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). The recipient's name has been blurred for privacy reasons. Rhodesia - Bahrain 1963 A very rare cover posted from Wankie in Southern Rhodesia to Bahrain in 1963. Then rerouted with surcharge to the UK. The envelope is damaged on the sides but addresses, cachets and stamps are all still clean and visible. British United FFC - 1964 A cover celebrating the first flight by British United Airways between the UK & Southern Rhodesia. With the introduction into service of the Vickers VC10 on 1st Oct 1964, BUA became the first private UK carrier to begin sustained jet operations. BUA’s takeover of the South American services of BOAC to Argentina, Brazil, Chile & Uruguay on 5th Nov 1964 marked a major expansion of its long-haul scheduled network. The network was also expanded to Northern & Southern Rhodesia. Tobacco Congress - 1963 A large cover celebrating the 70th anniversary of the first year of commercial tobacco production in the country in 1893. At its peak in 1965 Rhodesia produced 20% of world's tobacco which was primarily flue-cured that is known for its flavour. This cover is in very good condition, the recipient's name is blurred for privacy reasons. Nth Rhodesia - Last day A large cover in good condition & dated 24th Oct 1964 commemorating the last day of Northern Rhodesia which was soon to become Zambia. Zambia FDC - 1964 A large FDC in very good condition and commemorating Zambia's independence. After the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia achieved independence on 24th October, 1964 as the Republic of Zambia. UDI first day cover - 1965 First Day Cover. Rhodesia Unilateral Independence 11 November 1965 with Rhodesian Independence Stamp Used. UDI cover - 1965 First day cover sent from Prime Minister Ian Smith's office to commemorate Rhodesia's Unilateral Independence Day on 11 November 1965. 1966 - Oil Embargo This cover from 1966 has a unique sticker attached reading 'Thank you South Africa'. This was in reference to South Africa's help in sidestepping an oil embargo that had been imposed on Rhodesia after UDI was declared. Barbour's - 1966 A Barbour cover posted from Salisbury to New York in 1966. Barbour's was an iconic department store founded by an Irishman, H.M Barbour & first opened its doors in Salisbury (now Harare) in 1917. It was the capital's first department store & was later often compared to Harrods in London for its high-quality products and upscale atmosphere. The son of H.M Barbour sold the store to the Meikles Group in the early 1990s, but sadly this famous 'grande dame' closed its doors permanently in 2023. FDC Rhopex - 1966 An FDC highlighting the RHOPEX conference in 1966, this envelope has suffered some water damage. The Royal Philatelic Society of Rhodesia applied for, and was granted the privilege of staging the 28th Congress of the Philatelic Federation of Southern Africa for 1966 in Bulawayo, and at the same time, of presenting the Annual Philatelic exhibition, which was called 'RHOPEX' Lalapanzi - 1966 An official card from the Electricity Supply Commission in Gwelo to a farmer in Lalapanzi on the 18th of Jan 1966. The origin of the town's unique name came from the difficulties faced by transport riders in the early days of the country, in getting their oxen through a vlei in the area, as the animals sank to their bellies in the thick mud and it looked as if they were lying down – hence Lala – in the local vernacular means “to lie” and panzi means - “down”. CAA FFC - 1966 A large first-flight cover celebrating the 20th anniversary of Central African Airways (CAA) The airline was formed in 1946 under the joint ownership of the Governments of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. CAA provided a comprehensive service within Central Africa, up north to Dar-es-Salaam and Nairobi, south to Johannesburg, east to Beira and Lourenco Marques, and west to Elizabethville. It also provided a twice-weekly coach service to London known as the "Zambezi' service. CAA Anniversary - 1966 Another FDC in very good condition commemorating the 20th anniversary of Central African Airlines. CAA was formed on 1st June, 1946 under the joint ownership of the Governments of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia & Nyasaland. In 1967, Zambia Airways, Air Malawi and Air Rhodesia decided to become independent of each other, and CAA was disestablished. Ploughing Contest - 1968 This FDC from 1968 celebrates the 15th World Ploughing Championships which was hosted in Rhodesia at the Kent estate near Norton that year. In 1951 the British Ploughing Association convened a meeting that was attended by other countries, at which it was agreed to form the World Ploughing Organisation, and to hold international ploughing competitions. The first annual contest was held in Ontario, Canada in 1953. FDC Matabeleland This FDC from 1968 commemorates the 75th anniversary of the raising of the BSAC flag at Gu'Bulawayo in 1893. Royal Rhodesian Air Force A cover in good condition with a Kariba postmark dated 7th July 1969 and a rare Royal Rhodesian Air Force cachet. Wankie Game Reserve A 1969 cover with a 'Wankie' cachet. The Wankie Game Reserve was formally established in 1928. It is situated in the north-west of the country and at 14,650 sq km in size is its largest national park and the same size as Belgium. It is home to a wide array of animals including the 'Big Five' and was renamed Hawange National Park in the 1980s. Postal Sanctions - 1966 The UK led a sanctions campaign against Rhodesia following UDI in 1965. One such sanction was to treat postage stamps issued by Rhodesia as ‘illegal’ (& therefore ‘invalid’) and then treating mail carrying these ‘invalid’ stamps as though they were posted without stamps. Several Commonwealth countries followed the British lead whilst other countries suspended postal services with Rhodesia altogether. This cover is in very good condition & celebrates the one year anniversary of UDI. HMS Fearless Talks - 1968 A cover in very good condition, commemorating the famous meeting between the British Prime Minister Harold Wilson & his Rhodesian counterpart, Ian Smith, which was held off Gibraltar aboard the Royal Navy's amphibious assault ship HMS Fearless from Oct 9th - 12th 1968. Ahead of their meeting, Smith said it was “the last, last chance” to reach an agreement before Rhodesia would need to go its own way. Unfortunately the talks failed & the rest is history. Jersey - Surcharge A cover posted from Rhodesia to the Channel Islands in 1970. It also carries a surcharge related to UK postal sanctions imposed on Rhodesian mail following UDI. This cover is in very good condition Craven Week - 1970 A commemorative cover from July 1970. Craven Week is an annual rugby union tournament organised for schoolboys in the Republic of South Africa. The tournament began in July 1964, and is named after the legendary Springbok rugby union player and coach Dr Danie Craven. In 1970, Craven Week was held in Salisbury to mark the 75th anniversary of the Rhodesian Rugby Football Union. This event has only been held outside of South Africa twice. Once in Salisbury (1970) & once in Windhoek (1982). Postal Sanctions - 1970 The UK led a sanctions campaign against Rhodesia following UDI in 1965. One such sanction was to treat postage stamps issued by Rhodesia as ‘illegal’ (& therefore ‘invalid’) and then treating mail carrying these ‘invalid’ stamps as though they were posted without stamps. Several Commonwealth countries followed the British lead whilst other countries suspended postal services with Rhodesia altogether. The name of the recipient of this air-letter shown has been blurred for privacy. Fuel Rationing Ends - 1971 A cover in excellent condition, celebrating the end of fuel rationing in Rhodesia in 1971. Inside the envelope is a card describing the oil embargo imposed on Rhodesia by the United Nations Security Council in 1966. This UN vote authorised Britain to implement a naval blockade around the Portuguese Mozambique Port of Beira in order to prevent oil supplies getting to Rhodesia. Air Rescue Service - 1971 This cover was posted from Bulawayo to Peterhead in Scotland in August 1971. The top left stamp shows an Alouette III helicopter operated by no 7 squadron of the Rhodesian Air Force which were used on anti-guerilla & rescue missions around the country. At the time the squadron had around 34 of these very versatile helicopters. 1971 Settlement Proposal An FDC in excellent condition commemorating a settlement agreement between the UK & Rhodesia in November 1971. This proposed agreement recognised Rhodesia’s 1969 constitution as the legal frame of government, while agreeing that gradual legislative representation was an acceptable formula for unhindered advance to majority rule. The agreement, however, was eventually rejected when the African population was consulted on this proposal by the Pearce Commission. Pollution FDC - 1972 This Rhodesian FDC from 1972 was produced to raise awareness over the threat posed to the planet by global pollution. FDC : IMO-WMO Centenary A Rhodesian FDC from 1973 commemorating the centenary of the World Meteorological Organization. The first official congress of the International Meteorological Organization took place in Vienna in 1873. It was later renamed to the WMO in 1951. First Flight - Boeing 720 This FDC commemorates the inaugural flight by an Air Rhodesian Boeing 720 from Salisbury to Durban. Three Boeing 720 airliners joined Air Rhodesia's fleet in 1973 & were acquired via the airline's secret negotiations in several countries to buy passenger jets and side-step UN sanctions. The 3 aircraft had originally belonged to America's Eastern Airlines, who sold them to a West Germany's Calair. Air Rhodesia discreetly bought & collected the planes via Basle, Switzerland. Salisbury to LM FFC A First Day Cover from 1973 to commemorate the first scheduled flight of an Air Rhodesia Boeing 720 from Salisbury to Lourenco Marques in Portuguese Mozambique. Occupational Safety An FDC from 1975, the envelope is slightly damaged. The Rhodesia Occupational Council was formed in 1968 for the purpose of investigating, deciding on and recommending action. to be taken to encourage the creation of safe working conditions. Cover with PM cachet - 76 An official cover sent from the Prime Minister's office in 1976 to a Rhodesian Senator. Rhodesian Airforce - 1976 A cover in good condition with a Chiredzi postmark from 1976. It has a Rhodesian Air Force cachet. "Bomber Harris" - 1976 A commemorative signed cover from 1976, marking the final flight of the RAF's last Lancaster aircraft. This cover also celebrates Sir Arthur Harris who moved to Rhodesia in 1910 & served in the 1st Rhodesia Regiment during WWI before joining Britain's Royal Flying Corps. He was Commander-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command during the allied strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany in WWII. In 1946 he became Marshal of the Royal Air Force & passed away in 1984. Selous Scouts envelope An official Rhodesian government envelope with a Selous Scouts Regiment cachet from 1978. I have blurred the recipient's name on this cover for privacy reasons. Rhodesia Trade Fair - 1978 The country's first Trade Fair was opened in May 1960, by HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in Bulawayo, when it was known as the Central African Trade Fair. (Although regular agricultural shows had been held on the same site since 1899). From 1969 it was renamed Trade Fair Rhodesia. This cover is in v good condition. Cover with RLI Cachet A rare letter bearing the official stamp of the 1st Battalion RLI from 1978 and in good condition. The receiver's name has been blurred for privacy reasons. Rhodesian Army Cover An official cover with red Rhodesian Army cachet posted from Salisbury airport to the KGVI barracks in 1979. The barracks were named in honour of King George VI who became Colonel in chief of the Royal Rhodesia Regiment in 1947. In 2017 the Zimbabwean President renamed the barracks after a ZANLA guerrilla leader Josiah Magama Tongogara, who died in a vehicle accident in 1979. Rhodesian Army Cover An official cover with green Rhodesian Army cachet posted from Kariba to the KGVI barracks in Salisbury in 1979.The barracks were named in honour of King George VI who became Colonel in chief of the Royal Rhodesia Regiment in 1947. In 2017 the Zimbabwean President renamed the barracks after a ZANLA guerrilla leader Josiah Magama Tongogara, who died in a vehicle accident in 1979. Last Day Cover - 1979 A last day cover issued in May 1979 signifying the end of Rhodesia. In perfect condition. Last Day Rhodesia 1979 This cover also commemorates the last day of Rhodesia on 31st May 1979. It is no 1383 of a limited edition of just 1500 covers published by the African Fine Art & Book Company in Salisbury. It is in fine condition. Internal Settlement - 1978 The Internal Settlement was an agreement which was signed on 3 March 1978 between Prime Minister Ian Smith & the moderate African nationalist leaders Bishop Abel Muzorewa, Ndabaningi Sithole & Senator Chief Jeremiah Chirau. It led to the creation of an interim government in which Africans were included in leading positions for the first time. An election in March 1979 was held which brought Muzorewa's UANC party to power & led to the country being renamed Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. Zimbabwe-Rhodesia FDC 1979 FDC commemorating the appointment of Bishop Abel Muzorewa as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Rhodesia. Zimbabwe Rhodesia FDC This FDC commemorated the birth of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia on 1st June 1979. This specific envelope is no 1383 of a limited edition of just 1500 covers. It was published by the African Fine Art & Book Company & the artist was Ned Etheridge. It is in fine condition. Parliament - 1979 First day cover commemorating the opening of parliament for the new state of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. Direct British rule - 1979 First day cover representing the end of Rhodesia's unilateral UDI as well as the state of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia as Britain regained control ahead of fresh general elections. Last Day - Zimbabwe-Rhodesia - 1980 Last day cover representing the end of the very short lived state of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. Zimbabwe-Rhodesia to Zimbabwe - 1980 First day cover in April 1980 commemorating the the beginning of the new state of Zimbabwe under Prime Minister Robert Mugabe. POSB Zimbabwe - 1980 A large FDC from October 1980 commemorating 75 years of the Post Office Savings Bank in the country. The POSB was established in Southern Rhodesia on the 1st January, 1905. Air Zimbabwe - First Flight This cover was issued in April 1980 to commemorate the carrier's name change from Air Rhodesia to Air Zimbabwe and its first flight to Gatwick airport in the UK. In June 2018, it was claimed that Air Zimbabwe had accumulated debts of over US$300 million and thus could no longer fly to most destinations due to threats by debtors to impound its aircraft. With mounting debt and only three of its aircraft operational, the airline was reportedly put into administration on the 6th of October 2018. 1980 Olympics - FDC A clean FDC commemorating Zimbabwe's participation in the 1980 `Moscow Olympics. Rhodesian athletes participated in the 1928, 1960 & 1964 Olympics, but the 1964 games were their last after sanctions prevented them from participating again until independence in 1980 when Zimbabwe won its first medal, a gold in women's hockey. Kirsty Coventry was Zimbabwe's most successful olympian, winning 7 medals (2 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) between 2000-2016 in swimming (backstroke & individual medley). 44 Rhodesia Sqd - 1982 Cover to commemorate No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF which was formed in 1941 in honour of that colony's contribution to Britain's war effort, and to recognise that up to 25% of the ground and air crew were from Southern Rhodesia. In 1960 it received its first Vulcan Bomber the type it operated until the squadron's disbandment in 1982. The squadrons motto was Fulmina regis iusta, "The King's thunderbolts are righteous". Zimbabwe 10th anniversary This first day cover from 1990 marks Zimbabwe's 10 year anniversary of Independence Royal Visit - 1991 In 1991Queen Elizabeth II made a Royal Visit to Zimbabwe when the country hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This signed cover to commemorate the visit was produced by The Royal Airforces Association on behalf of the Eagle Lodge Appeal and is in very good condition.

Unusual and rare historical items related to Rhodesia and Zimbabwe. Marshall Hole Card The siege of Mafeking in 1899 resulted in a scarcity of circulating money further north in Matabeleland. Thus the Civil Commissioner of Bulawayo, Hugh Marshall Hole, issued interim "stamp money" affectionately known as "card currency". On one side of the card a stamp was affixed with its value being the amount that could be redeemed once the currency shortage was alleviated.The other side of the card explains how they might be redeemed and is counter signed by Hole's signature. Siege Note - Mafeking 1900 As in any siege, Mafeking quickly began to run short of most items, including currency. With limited cash in circulation, Colonel Baden-Powell resorted to issuing emergency paper money in early 1900. The local army paymaster, Captain H Greener, wrote £5,228 in cheques to the Standard Bank of South Africa, backing every issue of notes. Once there was a return to civil law, this siege note could then be exchanged for cash at a Standard Bank branch. Cigarette Card 1900s These cards were originally given away in cigarette packets as a marketing gimmick, primarily to encourage people to buy more cigarettes. They eventually evolved however, into miniature reference books with illustrations & detailed texts that captured snapshots of the social history of the day. By the early 1900’s cigarette cards had established an almost fanatical following with thousands of different sets being issued by more than 300 cigarette manufacturers, all competing with each other. Map of the Shangani Patrol Vintage engraving of a Map of the Shangani Patrol and Major Wilson's Last Stand. The Shangani Patrol (or Wilson's Patrol), comprising 34 soldiers in the service of the British South Africa Company, was ambushed and annihilated by more than 3,000 Matabele warriors during the First Matabele War in 1893. BSAC Hut Tax Token - 1913 Authorized by the Colonial Office in London, this tax was paid to the BSAC. In Mashonaland, the rate was 5 Shillings per hut in 1894. Payment could made in cash or kind eg: Bulls – £4 10/-, Goats – 5/-. The administrator was required to give each taxpayer a metal token, usually brass or copper, as proof of payment. A similar tax was used in South Africa, Uganda, Liberia & Sierra Leone. Sheffield Neave - 1906 An original invitation to a presentation given by Sheffield Neave in 1906. He was a British naturalist & entomologist who was part of the Geodetic Survey of Northern Rhodesia between 1904-1905 & did research into problems caused by the Tetse Fly. He was awarded an OBE in 1933 & became a CMG in 1941 for his groundbreaking entomology work. His grandfather was Governor of the Bank of England from 1857-59. This card is in very good condition with minor foxing. BSAC Exhibition - 1936 A British South Africa Company Historical Catalogue & Souvenir of Rhodesia from the Empire Exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa, 1936-37. The cover is slightly marked but the catalogue is in good condition overall and all pages are intact. Old Street Plan of Salisbury A vintage copy of a street plan of Salisbury taken from the BSAC Company Report dated 1896/7. In perfect condition. BSAC Letter - 1909 A letter from the BSAC to London Assurance Company in 1909 concerning Herbert Castens. Castens was educated at Rugby School in England, where the game of rugby originated. He then attained a law degree at Oxford before returning to South Africa. He captained the Springboks in their first ever rugby test matches which were played against the touring British Isles team in 1891. He later moved to Rhodesia, practiced as an advocate there & was elected to the country's legislature. He died in 1929. Settlers Guide - 1935 A handbook about settling in Southern Rhodesia for those immigrants interested in farming. This is a sixth edition copy printed in 1935 by the Dept of Land & Agriculture and is in good condition. RANA Timetable - 1937 A RANA timetable issued in April 1939 showing flight times to and from various towns in Rhodesia & Nyasaland as well as ticket prices. Rhodesian and Nyasaland Airways (RANA) was incorporated at Bulawayo on 12th October, 1933. During its first four years of operation RANA was subsidised by the Beit Trust. But, after the introduction of the Empire Air Mail Scheme, it became a commercially viable airline. Player's Cigarette Cards These three player's cigarette cards date from 1938 and show some of the uniforms used by the Rhodesia Regiment and British South African Police at the time. These form part of a 50 card collection which I have, that shows the military uniforms worn by those serving in the various British Empire's Overseas Regiments. RAF S.Rhodesia - 1941 Slipstream was a magazine for RAF personnel based in Rhodesia during World War Two. It was published by the RAF, at their Thornhill base in Salisbury Southern Rhodesia. I have 15 of these magazines and all are in similar good condition as the one shown here. RATG - Xmas Menu 1949 Rhodesia was the first Commonwealth country in the Empire Air Training Scheme to turn out fully qualified pilots & by size of total population, it was the largest such training scheme. From May 1940 to March 1954 the Rhodesian Air Training Group trained 8,235 Allied pilots, navigators, gunners & ground crew for the British RAF. There were 10 RATG bases & this is an original aircrew mess menu for Xmas 1949 from the Heany base near Bulawayo. It is somewhat stained but still completely intact. Southern Rhodesian Flag A full-sized original Southern Rhodesia flag from 1965. In very good condition & manufactured in Salisbury by William Smith. After the demise of the Federation, the question of a distinctive flag for (Southern) Rhodesia arose & in April 1964 the Prime Minister, Mr Winston Field, stated in parliament that the new flag of the colony would be "an Ensign with a sky blue background with the Union Jack in the top left-hand corner & the Southern Rhodesia badge in the fly". It flew until Nov 1968. Sth Rhodesian govt PR poster - 1947 Rhodesians, both black & white served with unwavering commitment during Britain's wars and conflicts from 1899 to 1959 (Boer War, World War I, World War II, The Suez Canal, Malaya, etc.) In fact, proportional to the settler population, Rhodesia contributed more personnel to the British armed forces in WWI than any other part of the Empire, including Britain, with around 40% of the male Rhodesian settlers putting on a uniform. RAR Colours Program 1953 An official program & order of ceremony booklet produced for the 1953 presentation of colours to the Rhodesian African Rifles by HM the Queen Mother. This booklet consists of 13 pages & is in good condition with some very minor tears and age marks to the cover. The Royal Tour of Rhodesia A souvenir of the Royal Visit to Southern Rhodesia in April 1947. It is certain that Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and Princess Margaret fell in love with the country for they returned at their own request. This copy has been well looked after, and although it has some general user and wear about the edges and the spine, it is secure. RAR Band - Music Card This card from the 1970s lists the music to be played at an unknown concert event by the band of the RAR. Formed in 1916 as the Rhodesia Native Regiment, its troops served with honour in the East African campaign. In 1940 it was reformed as the Rhodesian African Rifles, seeing action in Burma. In the 1950s, it distinguished itself further during the Malayan Emergency. During the 1960s and 1970s, the regiment was at the very forefront of the Rhodesian 'Bush War'. It was sadly disbanded in 1981. 1947 Royal Visit Medallion An original bronze medallion issued in 1947 to commemorate the royal visit to Southern Rhodesia by King George VI & Queen Elizabeth that year. One side has the crowned & robed busts of the King & Queen. Signed: “PM” on the King’s shoulder. Legend on a raised band above: “ROYAL VISIT”, & laurel sprigs below. The reverse has the coat of arms of Southern Rhodesia with Sable Antelope supports, Zimbabwe Bird crest & the motto: “SIT NOMINE DIGNA”. Then “SOUTHERN RHODESIA” legend above & “1947” below. Rhodesia Regiment - 1951 A Rhodesia Regiment reunion dinner card from 1951 in excellent condition. The dinner was held at the Grand Hotel in Salisbury for veterans of the regiment. VIP guests included Sir Godfrey Huggins & Colonel Sir Ernest Guest. This card includes 4 active duty photographs of the regiment in 1899, 1914,1915 and 1951. It also gives a brief history of the regiment and the menu for the evening. Rhodesia & Nyasaland Map A large original wall map showing the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland printed in 1955. The map which is in excellent condition was framed recently and is protected by glass. Letter from PM Welensky A private letter to a supporter commiserating with Sir Roy Welensky over the impending dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland. Welensky, (1907-1991) was a Northern Rhodesian trade unionist and statesman who helped found the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland and served as its deputy minister (1953–56) and Prime Minister (1956–63). Original & signed. Queen's Letter -1965 A letter sent to Prime Minister Ian Smith from Queen Elizabeth in 1965 expressing her hope that the ongoing discussions between the British and Rhodesian governments over the political future of Rhodesia would lead to an agreement being found. Silver UDI Medallion 1965 A silver medallion issued to celebrate Rhodesia's unilateral declaration of independence from Britain in 1965. Bronze UDI Medallion 1965 A bronze medallion issued to celebrate Rhodesian unilateral declaration of independence from Britain in 1965. Phone Directory - 1965 An original Rhodesian telephone telephone directory published in January 1965 & in very good condition. Rhodesia's first telegraph line was laid in 1890 from Palapye to Mafeking (390km). The Tuli telegraph office opened on 28th May 1891; Fort Victoria by the end of that year; and Salisbury was connected on the 16th February 1892. The country's telegraph line project was undertaken by the British South Africa Company. Govt Propaganda Pamphlet In October 1965 the Rhodesian government published & disseminated a pamphlet titled 'Rhodesia's Case for Independence' which was distributed within Rhodesia & exported elsewhere. Specially printed air-letters were distributed to households in Rhodesia which they could post to friends abroad. The air-letters would include a pre-printed message in support of the Rhodesian government with space for the sender to include a personal note. This item is creased but otherwise in fairly good condition. Friends Of Rhodesia - 1966 Two unused 'Petrol for Rhodesia' stickers as well as a third cash sticker which contains the words 'Feed the Flame of Hope'. These items were issued by the Friends of Rhodesia Association from 1966 - 1979. This Association was first established in South Africa & at one stage had 150 branches around the world. It provided gifts of fuel to Rhodesia as early as mid-Feb 1966 after a UN oil embargo was placed on the country. It later raised funds for other sanctioned items like transport vehicles. M.O.T.H Album - 1968 An album containing 24 original B&W photographs of a Memorable Order of Old Tin Hats (M.O.T.H) meeting held at the M.O.T.H 'Royal Standard' Shellhole (club) in Hackney London on April 3rd 1968 when the guest of honour was the Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith. He was in London at the time for talks with the British Prime Minister regarding Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. The UK government viewed Rhodesia's UDI declaration as illegal. Rhodesian Flag A full-sized original Rhodesia flag from the 1970s. Manufactured in Salisbury by William Smith (label intact) and in good condition albeit with some minor stains. To signify the severing of its colonial links Rhodesia adopted a new flag on the 11th of November 1968 - being green, white and green with the national Coat of Arms (adopted by Royal Warrant on 11 August 1924) in the centre of the white stripe. The flag followed the traditional British proportions of 1:2. RLI Parade ticket - 1971 This ticket is for entry to watch a Rhodesian Light Infantry parade at Glamis stadium in Salisbury in 1971. This example has some foxing of its top section but otherwise is in good condition. ZANU-PF Poster - 1977 A Zanu-PF propaganda poster. Zanu-PF was a political organisation with an armed faction that carried out guerrilla attacks on civilian and commercial targets in Rhodesia during the 1970s bush war. They received weapons, training & financial support from China and North Korea. It was led by Robert Mugabe. Rhodesian Govt Poster Rhodesian businessmen were advised to be wary of sharing any sanctions busting secrets with strangers. The UK and US imposed a broad range of sanctions against Rhodesia after UDI. Rhodesian Air Force Mug A small Rhodesian Air Force beer mug from the senior NCOs mess at New Sarum dated 1977. In very good condition. Prior to 1952 the Southern Rhodesia Air Force had operated out of Cranborne on the eastern side of Salisbury. In 1952 the Air Force moved to Kentucky Airport on the southern side of Salisbury. This later became known as the New Sarum Air Force Station and the airport was shared with commercial operators. BSAP Poster - 1970s A recruitment poster from 1972. The BSA Police provided valuable military assistance to both a Royal Charter Company and later the British Empire, when it became a renowned Colonial police force with strong allegiance to the British Crown, and later a para-military police force involved in the defence of a Rhodesia which had declared its Independence from Britain in 1965. The BSAP ceased to exist after 1st August 1980. The force then became known as the Zimbabwe Republic Police. BSAP Flag - 1970s A full-sized original BSAP flag from the late 1970s in excellent and almost unused condition. Manufactured in Salisbury by William Smith & Gourock (label intact) BSAP Reserve Mug - 1976 A BSAP Reserve beer mug in excellent condition from 1976 and manufactured by the Willsgrove ware pottery company. On the other side the mug is marked "I was on the convoy" meaning the owner had served as part of the BSAP reserve force on road convoy duty. By the late seventies convoys were the only safe way to travel between many of Rhodesia's towns due to guerrilla attacks. Convoys were operated by the police and the escort vehicles crewed in the main by reservists. Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Flag An original full sized & rare Zimbabwe-Rhodesia flag manufactured in Salisbury by William Smith & Gourock in 1979 (label intact). In good condition with some minor stains. I have another example which is well used. The flag was designed by Cedric Herbert. The colour black symbolised the achievement of majority rule in the country, red was for the struggle for independence, yellow represented the mineral wealth, green the agricultural & other natural resources, while white signified peace. RLI Beer Mug - 1980 An extra large beer mug in very good condition and was manufactured in 1980. The mug has the First Battalion Rhodesian Light Infantry's official insignia on the front and the various RLI commando insignia's on the back. SAS Invitation Card - 1970s An invitation card to an SAS Rhodesia squadron event (dinner/drinks etc). Original and unused. 22 SAS Telex to RhSAS Copy of a telex from Britain's 22 SAS Regiment congratulating C Squadron (SAS Rhodesia) for its formidable and exemplary record during its years of existence, and noting that despite its disbandment by the new government of Zimbabwe in 1980. C squadron's order of battle would forever remain vacant within 22 SAS Regiment to honour their memory. Rare Letter - Selous Scouts A short message written on official Selous Scouts notepaper in 1978. It is not really clear what the message is referring to but I also have the original government envelope it was posted in. Some members of the BSAP's Special Branch were attached to the Selous Scouts regiment to assist them in intelligence gathering. Herald Front Pages - 1980 This large coffee table book is leather bound and is one of only six that were made. It contains the actual front covers of all the Herald Newspapers from 27 Feb - 18 April 1980. In very good condition although the title "From Rhodesian Elections to Zimbabwe Independence" in gold writing on the front of the book has faded somewhat.

Rhodesia to Zimbabwe showcases a private collection of items including vintage photographs, coins, banknotes, newspapers, militaria, philatelic, photographs, and books which tell some of the history of this beautiful Central African country.

A non-political site showing part of a private collection of historical memrobilia from Rhodesia and Zimbabwe. History provides identity. Any people to be a people have to know their historical background. We are products of our people of yesterday, it is they who have given us our personhood, our language, family, culture and religion, that is our history as a people. The items displayed on this website form part of a private collection. This site is non-political and was created purely for historical record purposes Give Us Your Feedback * If you have a specific query please include your email address so we can respond * Rate Us Poor Fair Good Very good Excellent Send Feedback Thanks for submitting!