Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

French Post Office in Tripoli of Syria 1863 (Jan 9): Entire letter to Constantinople, first despatched at the Russian post office and struck by framed “COMPAGNIE RUSSE TRIPOLI” handstamp in black (Tchilinghirian unrecorded) and small intaglio “P.P.”. Thereafter the cover was transferred to the French P.O. in Tripoli, a mixed franking of Napoléon imperforated 10 c. bistre and Napoléon perforated 40 c. orange with separation by scissor cuts was added over the Russian handstamp and tied by part strike of Gros Chiffres ‘5101’ numeral. A matching “TRIPOLI SYRIE” cogwheel cds (Jan 9) and framed “P.D.” handstamp were struck alongside, both in black. Reverse with “CONSTANTINOPLE TURQUIE” arrival cds (Jan 24) in black. Horizontal file fold through both adhesives and some paper imperfections in the address label, nevertheless a most interesting and rare mixed country combination cover.
Provenance: Collection Cengiz Arsman, DF sale (May 2005), lot 20239.