Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

Austrian Lloyd P.O. in Beirut 1852 (Jan): Entire letter to Syros, Greeces, slitted in for disinfection, struck by superb „AGENZIA DEL LLOYD AUSTRIACO / BERUTTI“ handstamp (Tranmer fig. 1). Reverse with SYROS arrival cds (Jan 15, 1852), prepaid with '12' kreuzer for the Lloyd journey to Syra, cahrged upon arrival with '15' lepta noted on front in red crayon. Some file fold well away from the strike, nevertheless an unusual destination combined with the desirable strike of the first Lloyd Beirut handstamp, the 'sunburst without sun'. 
Provenance: Collection Cihangir, Corinphila sale 121 (May 2000), lot 1894.