Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

French Post Office in Beirut & the postal connections to Jerusalem 1846 (April 26): Unpaid Entire letter from the Sardinian consulate of Palestina in Jerusalem and directed to the Sardinian consulate in Alexandria, Egypt, the seal seal closed with the consular cachet in green blue. Front struck in transit by crisp "BEYROUTH SYRIE 6 MAI 46” cds, reverse with "ALEXANDRIE EGYPTE" arrival (May 9) large Pothion type A cds of the French P.O., both in black. The entire taxed with '6' décimes, slitted for disinfection, a superb item of exceptional freshness, an early usage from the office opened the year before. 
Note: In August 1845 a bureau de distribution was opened in Beirut. From November of that year, mail from Jerusalem was brought to Beirut, from where it was sent to the west. This connection run from Jerusalem via Ramleh, Jaffa, Caiffa, Acre, Sour, and Saida to Beirut, this private postal service was organized by Mrs. Santelli & Micciarelli from Beirut. In 1852, the newly opened French P.O. in Jaffa became the gateway from Jerusalem to Western Europe and the Levant.