Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

1855: Six stamps from the 4th issue on the front of a cover from Genova, all tied by circular date stamp with indication of the hour: 'GENOVA 28 MAR 58 6', addressed to Valparaiso in Chile. The franking of 1L50 comprises 5 c. (2), 20 c., and 40 c. (3). The two 5 c stamps display distinctly different colours: yellow-green (verde giallo) and myrtle (verde mirto); the 20 c is dark indigo (indaco scuro); and the three 40 c. stamps each feature different shades (vermiglio, arancio) due to varied inking. Sassone numbers 13, 13Ad, 15Ac, and 16Ab. The front also shows French transit cds 'SARDAIGNE 30 MARS 58 CULOZ' and 'LONDON EJ MR 31 PAID', both in red. Certificate by Giacomo Bottacchi (2014) confirms the correct tariff and explains the stamp details. Mostly fair to good margins, though one 40 c. stamp has a corner fault. This combination is particularly impressive due to the use of two 5 c stamps from two different printings.