Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

French Post Office in Beirut 1858 (Oct 4): Letter sheet posted at the vessel in Beirut and directed to Lyon, dated inside, bearing Napoléon imperforated 20 c. blue, a fresh and fine example with fair to good margins, tied in transit by bold Petits Chiffres '1869' numeral of Marseille, clear framed "PAQUEBOTS DE LA MÉDITERAANÉE" in red alongside, reverse with MARSEILLE transit and LYON arrival (Oct 16) cds in black. Interesting cover paid at the French inland rate, taxed at double the single letter rate of 50 c. minus the 20 c. already paid, charged therefore with '8' décimes.