Auction 309-320 - Europe & Overseas Egypt, including the Constantin Kelemenis - Day 4

British Post Office 1865: Great Britain 4 d. vermilion pl. 12, a horizontal pair, one stamp rounded corner, used on 1871 cover from Alexandria to Liverpool endorsed "vapor Inglese" tied by "B01" obliterators in black with "ALEXANDRIA" despatch cds (May 6) above and carried on the "S.S. Malta" to Marseille. Marked "2" in manuscript indicating double rate and struck with oval "INSUFFICIENTLY / PREPAID" and circular "MORE TO PAY" in black (Smith T1+T3) and charged "1/2d." due to pay in manuscript (double the deficiency error - 1/4d. should have been charged) on arrival in Liverpool (May 13). A scarce cover.rnrnNote: Due to the Franco-Prussian War, postage charges increased to 1 shilling per ½ ounce on 21 Oct 1870. The tariff was reduced on 16 December 1870 to 8d. per ½ ounce if the mail was sent by British Packet via Brindisi.