Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

French Post Office in Jerusalem 1853 (Dec 29): Entire letter from Jerusalem via Jaffa to the secretary of the 'Conseil de la propagation de la Foi' in Lyon, struck by linear “Jerusalem. 14. Mai 1855” datestamp with capital letters with day inserted by hand in blue green (Steichele fig 324 / Livnat no 5), and cursive handstamp “Jaffa” in black (Pothion = 32 points / Livnat no 1) in black, framed “PAQUEBOTS DE LA MEDITERRANÉE” handstamp in red alongside, reverse with “ALEXANDRIE EGYPTE” and MARSEILLE transit as well as LYON arrival (Jan 13, 54) cds’s, all in black. During its journey the cover was slitted for disinfection, taxed upon arrival with handstruck ‘10’ décimes. Horizontal file fold well away from the postmarks, nevertheless very fine and rare.
Provenance: Collection Cihangir, Corinphila sale 121 (May 2000), lot 2287.