Europe and Overseas,Olympic Philately and Memorabilia - Day 2

Ploeschti: 1864 entire letter from Ploesti to Leipzig bearing four examples of Lombardy-Venetia 1863 Arms 5 kr. dark rose, perf. 14, all with fresh colour, well tied by Austrian Fieldpost "K.K. ÖST. F:P. PLOESCHTI 20 / 9" (Tchilinghirian fig. 767) cds in black. Reverse with Hermannstadt transit and Leipzig distribution (25/IX) cds. An astonishing franking with this very rare late usage of a Crimean War Fieldpost cancellation during the Consular Period. We record only five covers showing this rare postmark on stamps: two of the Crimean War period (franked with Austria’s First Issue) and three during the Consular P.O period; this cover being the most spectacular of them all.

Note: Illustrated in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on p. 474.

Expertise: Signed Colla. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2004).

Provenance: Collection Dr. Anton & Elisabeth Jerger, Corinphila sale 140, May 2004, lot 887.