Cherifien Local Post, runner carried

Before the formal establishment of the French postal system in 1911 and the issuance of French Morocco postage in 1912, the Sultan of Morocco in 1892 had decreed a there should be a postal service formed in the country. From 1892, when these handstruck franks were introduced, post offices were gradually opened until full service was attained in Jan 1893. Mail, which was carried by runners, was mostly official in nature. Postal markings are known from Casablanca, Fez, Safi, Marrakesh, Mogador, Rabat, Larache, Mekrinez, Alcazar, Azimur, Tetuan, Tangier and Mazagan. The chief offices were at Casablanca and Fez. The Sultan's post was merged with that established by the French on Oct 1 1913.

Very interesting cover bearing the blue c1892 octagonal frank of the Cherifien Local Post at Fez, Morocco, indicating prepayment of postage costs.