Answer to Question #303504 in Law for KAYTEE

Question

On 5 August, X sends a written offer by post to Y, to purchase Y’s ROLEX watch for R10000. One of the terms in the offer is that the offer will lapse on 20 August. The offer also stipulates that X must be aware of the acceptance, for any legal obligations to arise. Y writes the letter of acceptance on 9 August in response to X’s offer, and Y posts this written acceptance on 10 August. X’s son collects the post from the Post Office on 17 August, and amongst the sealed letters of post collected, is Y’s acceptance. X’s son is not responsible and only hands all the sealed post to X, on 20 August. On 21 August, X opens the post and reads the letter of acceptance. Was a legally binding contract concluded between X and Y? Discuss and substantiate fully.