Lot# 1418 - 205-209 Auction
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Lot# : 1418 Papal state
Australia 1852: 2 b. black on green in a horizontal pair and 8 b. black on white in a horizontal strip of three, touched at left and at top, fresh colours, tied by grill handstamps to small 1864 envelope to Echuca, Victoria with ROMA (Aug 20) despatch cds alongside. Framed "PP", annulled with framed "PD" and French entry mark E.-PONT. MARSEILLE (Aug 24) in red and Echuca arrival cds (Oct. 14) on reverse. The rate of 28 bajocchi shown here was introduced for each 7.5 gr. on 1 January 1858 but only to the port. Mentaschi & Mathà state in their handbook 'Letter Mail from and to the Old Italian States' that it was possible from 1 April 1862 for covers from France to Australia to pre-pay the postage up to the destination but that this option was not available before 1 September 1866 for covers originating in the Papal States. In contrast, this letter demonstrates the possibility to pay the postage not only to the seaport but also to an inland address, although the sequential use of PP and PD marks reflects the uncertainty of the postal clerks in Rome with regard to this fact. An attractive cover to a very rare destination.Starting bid : 1,500 CHFHammer price : 2,600 CHF