French Post Office in Alexandretta, Ingoing from Aleppo 1871 (Sept 6): Envelope from Aleppo via Alexandretta to Rome, opened up for
French Post Office in Alexandretta, Ingoing from Aleppo 1871 (Sept 6): Envelope from Aleppo via Alexandretta to Rome, opened up for display, bearing Napoléon laureated 40 c. orange, slightly oxidised in combination franking with Siège 20 c. blue, tied by indistinct Gros chiffres '5079' numeral of Alexandretta, a matching "ALEXANDRETTE SYRIE" cogwheel cds and framed PD in black alongside. Reverse bears Turkey Dulos 1 pi. yellow and 20 pa. green, tied by triple-framed Arabic HALEP despatch handstamp with bilingual ALEP despatch (Aug 22), "BEYROUTH SYRIE", "ALEXANDRIE EGYPTE" and BRINDISI transit, as well as ROMA arrival (Sept 18) cds's. Cover shortened at the edges, nevertheless a most attractive combination cover, nicely presenting the 60 centimes rate to Italy, rarely seen in this quality, certs. A. Diena (1951), Brun (2000). Provenance: Collection Cihangir, Corinphila sale 121 (May 2000), lot 2899.