Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

French Post Office in Beirut 1858 (Jan 22): Triple rate Entire letter to Lyon, bearing a four-colour franking of Napoléon imperforated 10 c. bistre, 20 c. blue, 40 c. orange and 80 c. carmine, four fresh and fine example with good margins and vivid colours, tied upon despatch by indistinct Petits chiffres '3706' numeral, the 20 c. & 80 c. in addition in transit by clear Petits Chiffres '1869' numeral of Marseille, "BEYROUTH SYRIE" despatch cds, clear framed "PAQUEBOTS DE LA MÉDITERAANÉE" in red and framed PD in black alongside, reverse with MARSEILLE transit and LYON arrival (Feb 4) cds's in black. Receiver's name skillfully restored, a most attractive cover and a great rarity, certs. Scheller (2008), Brun (2010).