Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

Cyprus 1867 (Dec.): Cover from Larnaca to Syra, internally dated "Larnaca 23 10bre 1867", franked with pair 1864 Arms 10 s. blue perf. 9½ (perf. irregularities at right), tied by indistinct "LARNACA DI CIPRO" cds (Tranmer fig. 3) in black. Reverse with "LLOYD SMIRNE 10 / 1" transit and SYROS arrival (Dec. 31, julian) cds's. Upon arrival, the cover was charged for inland postage with '20' lepta in blue crayon and a fine and fresh Large Hermes Head 20 lepta blue (Mi 19) was applied and tied by light SYROS cds. Vertical file crossing the Hermes Head, cover slightly tatty, nevertheless a desirable combination cover from this rare office, especially in combination with the Arms issue. Certs. Holcombe (1990), Goller (2022). Provenance: Spink, London, Dec 2008, lot 663.