Los 7031

Austrian Lloyd Agency in Aleppo 1857c (June 19): Envelope from ‘Theodor Lattas K.K. Oberleutnant im Erzherzog. Leopold 53. Infanterieregiment’ in Verona via Aleppo to Omer Pasha in Baghdad, struck in transit with clear rare "AGENZIA DEL LLOYD AUSTRIACO / ALEPPO" sunburst handstamp (Müller 2024b = 750 points / Tranmer fig. 2) in blue, handwritten “Aleppo 19 Giugno / l’Agente N. Nau” forwarder note (unknown to Rowe) alongside. One sideflap missing, nevertheless a most interesting cover via the Lloyd P.O. in Aleppo on its way via the desert to Baghdad. Note: The addressee Omer Pasha (1806-1871) was an Ottoman field marshal and governor. Born as Mihajlo Latas, an ethnic Serb and Orthodox Christian in Janja Gora, at the time part of the Croatian Military Frontier of the Austrian Empire. Like his father, he initially served as an Austrian soldier. In 1823 he fled to Ottoman Bosnia and converted to Islam; he then joined the Ottoman army, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He was a commander in the Crimean War of 1853-1856, where he defeated the Russians at Silistra, regaining Bucharest and occupying the Danubian Principalities. He also won notable victories at Oltenița, Eupatoria and participated in the Siege of Sevastopol. As a commander Omer Pasha was noted especially for his excellent strategic skills. In 1857-59 he was Governor of Baghdad. The sender Theodor Lattas was presumably a relative of Omer Pasha who stayed in Austria and made his career in the army on that side of the border. Provenance: Collection Cihangir, Corinphila sale 121 (May 2000), lot 1930