Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

Austrian Lloyd Agency in Corfu, Ionian Islands 1857 (Dec 26): Entire letter from Corfu to Trieste endorsed 'Vapor d'Alexandria' at top, placed on Lloyd Alexandria-Trieste line vessel and struck on despatch with oval framed "AGENZIA DEL LLOYD AUSTRIACO / CORFU" handstamp in brownish ink (Tchilinghirian fig. 462). Struck on arrival in Triest with fine two line COL VAPORE / D'ALESSANDRIA (Tchilinghirian fig. 82) in black and charged "9" kreuzer, the rate from Corfu. Illustrated in Hans Smith 'The Austrian Levant Post Offices' on page 64. The earliest recorded usage of this Agency marking, a fine and very rare cover. Signed E. Diena, F. Zanetti.
Provenance: Collection Hans Smith FRPSL, Corinphila sale 182, Sept 2013, lot 1557.