tradition and experience in classic philately since 1919

Searchresults (213)

download as PDF Edit / save search
list | gallery
Sort list :

  • Lot# : 7548 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian Lloyd Agency 1855: Entire letter from Aleppo to London, endorsed "par Trieste", struck with clear and extremely rare bilingual Arabic "L + A / An canib-i posta Haleb Nemce 1855" (Lloyd Austriaco From the Austrian Post in Aleppo 1855) handstamp (Müller 2024a = 1'400 points / Tranmer fig. 1) in blue with framed "P.P." in blue alongside, partially prepaid with '12 K' up to Triest. However, in Alexandretta or Beirut the cover was passed to the French Levant postal sytem and the Austrian PP on front was deleted. The reverse shows Beyrouth (Dec 15) and Paris to Calais ambulant (Dec 29) transit as well as London arrival (Dec 27) cds's. French due was noted as '19' décimes, with 1 shilling on receipt. Cover with file fold not affecting the postmark, an impressive and appealing entire. Signed Nakri AIEP. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 214.rnProvenance: Collection Herry Schäfer, private sale.rnNote: This is the only bilingual Austrian Levant postmark - a rarity only in use from 1855/56. Ing. Edwin Müller (1960) knew only two items with this cancellation in black, a number not changed until 1976, when Keith Tranmer published his study on this subject (see collection 'Monte Napoleone', Corinphila sale 78, Sept. 1988, lot 895; collection 'Cihangir', Corinphila sale 121, May 2000, lot 1929). Keith Tranmer stated that this handstamp was used only as an arrival mark, however four covers including the present one are known to the describer, all struck in 1855/56 in blue or blackish blue and all being part of the same Dahlah correspondence, sent via Trieste or intended to be sent via Trieste to London, where this postmark clearly functioned as a temporary despatch postmark (Collection Franz See,  Corinphila sale 62, May 1979, lot 2423; Collection 'Cihangir', Corinphila sale 121, May 2000, lot 1994 & Corinphila sale 124, Oct 2000, lot 5756, this entire).
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,600 CHF

    Lot# : 7629 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : Turkey 15B
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Turkey 1871 (Oct 5): Cover from Anatolia via Constantinople to Strzebowitz, Austrian Silesia, bearing Duloz 1870 1 pi. yellow, irregular perf. 5-11 in a horizontal strip of six on reverse and a single example on front, tied by indistinct strikes of a triple framed all Arabic handstamp in black, on front transit handstamp of Maamuret-ul-Aziz / Elazig in Eastern Anatolia (Coles & Walker fig. 1). In Constantinople, an oval bilingual Pera datestamp (Oct 5, 1871) in blue was added to the reverse and the cover was transfered to the Austrian postal service with Constantinopel (Oct 17) cds (Tchilinghirian fig. 387) in black struck to the front, reverse with 'Schönbrunn B H' transit cds (Oct 26). Part of address erased, a unique item showing only a Turkish franking, not charged due in Austria for the journey from Constantinople to Austria, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 377. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).rnNote: Unfortunately the origin of this cover cannot be detected from postmarks or handwritten notes on the cover. However, one can guess that it came from Harput, a neighbouring town of Elazig which was socially and commercially more active in these days. There was an American missionary school since the early 1850s from where many correspondence to Europe and the USA originated. Elazig was situated on the main Basra - Istanbul route in 1871 which explains the transit handstamp. This cover shows the correct franking for the Turkish part of the journey with 6 piaster for the third rayon above approximately 1'000 km and one additional piaster for the Istanbul city distribution charge to the Austrian post office.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,000 CHF

    Lot# : 7713 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 4/II+5/I+6/I+7/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    The last fifty years 1878 (Feb 6): Parcel front mailed from Varna to Constantinople, with the extraordinary 810 Soldi Four Colour Franking with 1867/74 fine whiskers 10 soldi blue (no less than 38 examples and an additional damaged example) showing a single, block of nine, two strips of nine, block of ten; 15 soldi red brown with ten singles and a pair, 25 soldi grey violet pair, and 50 soldi brown, perf. 10½, in a vertical strip of four, all cancelled by "VARNA 6/2  78" cds's in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 887). The adhesives also cancelled by manuscript crayon markings in blue to prevent re-use. The Parcel front is re-backed onto another envelope for protection and obviously some adhesives have faults, but undoubtedly the largest franking of the 1867/74 Austrian Levant issue. A dramatic and wonderful display item, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on pages 520/521 and in the Ferchenbauer Handbook part IV on page 548. Signed Colla. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2004).rnProvenance: Collection Dr. Anton & Elisabeth Jerger, Corinphila sale 140, May 2004, lot 1020.rnNote: The San Stefano Armistice was signed just a week before this Parcel was mailed to the Director General of the Turkish Railways in Constantinople and thus this Parcel front is probably the earliest known usage of the new three line datestamp (Müller states that it was intended for use from 31 Jan 1878), replacing the contentious 'Varna / Bulgarien' type (Tchilinghirian fig. 886).
    Starting bid : 5,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,000 CHF

    Lot# : 7676 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 2/I+3/I+4/I+5/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Italy 1874 (April 25): Registered cover from Sulina in the Danube estuary to Rome, redirected to Florence, endorsed "Via Vienna", franked on front with 1867 coarse whiskers 3 s. green, 5 s. red and 15 s. brown, on reverse with 10 s. blue, fine and fresh adhesives, tied by "SULINA 25 / 4 74" cds of the Austrian consular service in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 840), "RECOM:" in black alongside. Reverse with 'Itzkany' transit cds and a plentiful array of Italian datestamps. A delightful and rare four colour franking of great visual appeal, sensibly opened up for display. Illustrated in Edition d'Or volume XII on page 171 and in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 415. Signed E. Diena rnProvenance: Collection Monte Napoleone, 78. Corinphila sale (Sept 1988), lot, 676; Collection Acterberg, DF, Geneva, Feb 2000, lot 10715; Collection 'Moldau', Corinphila sale 167, Dec 2010, lot 7116.rnNote: In 1867 a new postal treaty between Austria and Italy unified the postal rate to 15 kreuzer resulting in a Levant to Italy rate mailed overland via Vienna, of 25 soldi. In 1872 this rate was further reduced to 23 soldi. The Post Offices in the Dobrudja such as Sulina were closed in 1879, when this area came under Romanian rule after the 1877/78 war.
    Starting bid : 12,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7692 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V14+V21 + Greece 21
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Greece 1865 (Sept 30): Partially prepaid entire letter from Prevesa in Epirus to Kerkyra, Corfu, bearing 1863 Arms 2 s. yellow, two examples perf. 14, in mixed franking with 1864 5 s. rose, perf. 9½, tied by crisp "PREVESA 30/9" cds's in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 516). Reverse with Kerkyra arrival cds (Sept 19, 1865). Upon arrival, the cover was taxed at double rate with '40' lepta in red crayon and a Large Hermes Head definitive 40 lepta mauve with ample to large margins was added and tied by the same datestamp. The cover was slitted for disinfection in a way not affecting the franking, some soiling and a slight file fold through one of the 2 soldi stamps, but still an attractive cover full of character. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 432 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 587. Cert. E. Diena (1994).rnNote: This cover demonstrates the special 9 soldi rate between neighbouring Ports with a Lloyd Agency, known for covers between Prevesa and Corfu, Lagos and Cavalla as well as the Dardanelles and Constantinopel. This item was at single rate in the Lloyd postal sytem, but at double rate in the Greek postal system due to the disparity between the Ounce against the Metric system (16.6 gr. in Austria versus 15 gr.).
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 7604 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V23+Greece 18a+19a
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Largest regional expansion 1867 (June 27): Letter sheet from Galatz to Corfu, endorsed "Via Cospoli", bearing horizontal pair of 1864 15 s. brown perf. 9½, tied by "GALATZ 27/6" cds in black (Tchilingirian fig. 744), reverse with Kerkyra arrival cds (June 27, 1867, Julian calendar). Upon arrival, the cover was charged for inland Postage with '20' lepta in red crayon and Large Hermes Head 1862/68 5 lepta yellow green on greenish and 10 lepta orange on greenish, ample to large margins all round were applied and tied by '106' numerals of Kerkyra. Two minute file folds well away from the stamps, a very attractive mixed Hungarian - Greek franking full of character using Austrian stamps after the Hungarian postal administration became independent. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 307. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).rnNote: From May 1st, 1867 six of the post offices in the United Principalities (Bucharest, Fokshan, Galatz, Giurgevo, Ibraila & Ploesti) came under the Hungarian postal administration. The Soldi Arms issues became officially invalid on June 16, 1867, but the stamps of the new Franz Joseph 1867 issue were not yet delivered to the Hungarian Post Offices in the United Principlalities. Thus, correspondence despatched there continued to use the Arms issues, the latest usage recorded is July 25, 1867.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 8,500 CHF

    Lot# : 7577 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 2+4
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Mixed Usage of Austrian and Levant stamps 1875 (May 8): Letter sheet from Constantinople to Genova endorsed 'via Corfu & Brindisi' franked by 1867 Levant 3 s. green and 10 s. blue in a combination franking with Austria 1867 5 kr. red, two single examples, all stamps in vivid colours and fine condition, tied by "CONSTANTINOPEL 8 / 5 75" cds in black, "P.D." alongside. Reverse with Brindisi transit and Genova arrival cds's. An extremely rare mixed franking of Austrian and Levant stamps to cover the 23 soldi rate to Italy (15 soldi for Lloyd and Austria and 8 soldi for Italy). A marvellous and most appealing soldi / kreuzer combination cover, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on the front cover and on page 265 and in the 1990 Ferchenbauer handbook on page 527. Signed A. Diena, A. Bolaffi; certs. F. Bolaffi (1968), Matl (1999).rnProvenance: Collection Ing. Pietro Provera, Corinphila sale 115, Oct. 1999, lot 1259; Collection Sylvain Wyler, Corinphila sale 163, March 2010, lot 5234.rnNote: Multi-colour mixed frankings between Austrian and Levant definitives belong to the major rarities of the Austrian Levant postal history. This item and the cover from Constantinople to Vienna ex Arthur Linz (Corinphila sale 242, June 2019) are the only two items so far recorded.
    Starting bid : 15,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7672 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V20+V23
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Italy 1867 (June 14): Cover from Constantinople to Genova, endorsed "Via Varna per Vapore", franked with 1864 Arms 3 s. green and 15 s. brown, perf. 9½, each in a horizontal pair in fresh colours, tied centrally by "CONSTANTINOPEL 14/6" cds's (Tchilinghirian fig. 387) with PD in black alongside. Reverse with Triest and Venezia transit as well as Genova arrival cds (June 21). One 3 soldi stamp with complete 'M' of 'BRIEF MARKEN' watermark. File folds away from adhesives and datestamps, and one 15 soldi stamp with minor thin, not distracting from a beautiful cover, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 413 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 562. Signed Colla. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2004).rnProvenance: Corinphila sale 42, Jan 1955, lot 3179; Collection Dr. Anton and Elisabeth Jerger, Corinphila sale 140, May 2004, lot 737.rnNote: From October 1866, the unified 10 soldi Levant rate was also in force for mail to Italy, in addition 26 soldi had to be paid for the Italian part of the journey. These rates via Varna and Austria are relatively rare because they were more expensive than those using the Lloyd service.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,100 CHF

    Lot# : 7667 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Catalogue# : 2/I+4/I+6/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - France 1875 (Nov 9): Registered cover at double rate from Constantinople to Trevoux, franked on front with 1867 coarse whiskers 3 s. green in a horizontal pair, 10 s. blue, two examples and a vertical strip of three, and 25 s. lilac (2) tied by "CONSTANTINOPEL 9/11 75" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 390). "P.D." in black and French entry cds in blue and Austrian and French registration handstamps alongside. Reverse with Paris-Lyon TPO transit and Trevoux arrival cds (Nov 15). Cover in tatty condition with folds and tears, but one of very few registered pre-UPU items to France, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 406 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 559. rnNote: Although despatched after the GPU rates came into force in the Austrian Levant on July 1, 1875, this cover was franked according to the previous bilateral postal treaty between Austria and France, as France did not join the UPU until January 1, 1876. The rate includes twice 35 soldi for the double rate postage from the Levant to France as well as twice the French registration fee of 13 soldi and 10 soldi Austrian registration fee, in total 106 soldi. An extraordinary cover as registered mail to France is extremely rare due to the enormous postage fees charged.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 7569 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V16+V18
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Introduction of Stamps in the Austrian Levant 1863 (Sept 11): Double rate Letter sheet from Alexandria to Venice with receiver's docketing inside, franked by 1863 Arms 5 s. rose and 15 s. brown in a vertical strip of three with the design strongly shifted to the left, all perf. 14, fresh colour and well embossed, tied by clear "ALEXANDRIEN 11/9" cds's in blue (Tranmer fig. 5). Reverse with Venice arrival cds (Sept 18) and distribution handstamp. The 5 s. stamp previously applied around the edge of the cover resulting in a fold, the cover re-folded, imperfections of no importance and mentioned only for accuracy. This extraordinary cover shows the earliest known usage of Austrian Levant stamps and is thereby an essential item for an advanced collection of this area. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 261 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 511. Signed Todd AIEP. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).rnProvenance: Collection Kurt Wolfsbauer.rnNote: The usage of Lombardo-Veneto stamps was authorised by the Austrian Postal Administration on September 1st, 1863, initially at the Alexandria Post Office. Due to delivery problems, this date could not be kept and the earliest known usage is this cover from September 11. There are two other covers known from Alexandria and Khartoum which were cancelled on September 12.
    Starting bid : 5,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7673 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V20+V21+V23
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Italy 1869 (June 5): Cover at double rate from Constantinople to Genova, endorsed "Via Corfu & Brindisi col vap des Lloyd austr.", franked with 1864 Arms definitives 3 s. green, two examples, 5 s. rose, and 15 s. brown, all perf. 9½, tied by "LLOYD AGENZIE CONSTANTINOPEL 5/6" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 446), "P.D." in red and framed "PIROSCAFI / POSTALI / ITALIANI" in black alongside. Reverse with Brindisi transit as well as Genova arrival cds (June 11). Two stamps with faults and a few perforations blunted, however a rare and most desirable cover, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 413 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 563. Signed Bolaffi, A. Diena, Trojani. Certs. E. Diena (1988), Raybaudi (1997).rnProvenance: Collection 'Monte Napoleone',Corinphila sale 78, Oct 1988, lot 523.rnNote: The cover mailed with the Lloyd service via Corfu and thence via Brindisi. From October 1866, the rate was twice 23 soldi with 15 soldi for Lloyd and 8 soldi for Italy. Thus the cover is overfanked by 10 soldi or an additional rate component is included. 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 7527 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    Postal relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina 1855 (Oct. 16): Letter sheet from Bosnia to Pest, brought with messenger to the Austrian auxilliary Quarantine station in Rajevoselo at the border between Bosnia and the Slovene Military Zone, with a handwritten notion in German "N. 304 Von aussen und innen rein geräuchert bei dem Filial Rastell zu Racvoselo am 16 8ber 855 / Signature" (Meyer page 50/51) was applied. Mailed from Austrian Post Office in Winkowze where 1854 3 kr. red and 6 kr. brown were added, two fine and fresh examples with fair to good margins, tied by two line "WINKOVZE / .. OCT." datestamp (Müller 3255c) in black. Reverse with Esseg transit and Pesth arrival datestamps (Oct 22) in black. Illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 144 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 471.rnNote: The Austrian postal administration planned at the beginning of the 1850's to open a Post Office in Sarajevo to improve the postal relationships with Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, after the opening of an Ottoman PO in Sarajevo, these plans became obsolete. The mail from Bosnia to Austria had therefore to be brought by messenger to an Austrian PO for onward transmission.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 7690 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V21+V23
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Switzerland 1867 (June 14): Cover from Gallatz to Wattwyl SG, franked with 1864 Arms 5 s. rose, two examples and single 15 s. brown, perf. 9½, tied by "GALLATZ 14/6" cds's in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 743). Reverse with Vienna transit and Zürich-St. Gallen TPO cds as well as Wattwyl arrival cds (June 17). On front, '3' kreuzer CM in blue crayon for onward postage beyond Austria. Some minor perf. imperfections but an attractive and fresh cover full of postal history content, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 431 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 569.rnNote: From May 1st, 1867 six of the post offices in the United Principalities (Bucharest, Fokshan, Galatz, Giurgevo, Ibraila & Ploestie) came under Hungarian postal administration. The old Austrian Arms definitives should have been replaced by June 15, 1867 but the new 'Ausgleich' issue of 1867 with the portrait of the Emperor was not yet available. Therefore, the Arms definitives continued in use until July 1867. The Post Offices in Moldavia and Walachia had a reduced rate of 5 soldi only for the Levant part of the journey. The sender's on this cover was 5 soldi for the Levant, 15 soldi for Austria and 5 soldi for the first Swiss rayon.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF

    Lot# : 7525 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 3Y
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Post office in Belgrade 1856 (April 30): Entire Letter from Belgrade dated internally on April 18, 1856 to Titel in the Banat Military Zone, franked with 1854 3 kr. red, a fresh and fine example, tied by clear two line "BELGRAD / 30 APR." datestamp (Müller 178a = 120 points / Tchilinghirian fig. 663) in black, reverse with "SIGILLIUM SANITATIS" disinfection handstamp and light rastel punches applied at Semlin and "TITEL 2 / 5" arrival datestamp in black. A superb and rare cover, a late usage of Imperial definitives in the Belgrad PO which was in principal discontinued when it came under the administrative control of the Temesvar postal district in 1855. A famous cover showing a light contemporary wrinkle in the upper margin just mentioned for accuracy, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 138 as well as in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 470. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2003).rnProvenance: Collection 'Donau', Corinphila sale 139, Nov. 2003, lot 2333.
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 7598 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 3/I+Turkey 14A
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Largest regional expansion 1870 (Nov 30): Letter sheet originating from Scutari in Albania and sent via Antivari to Venice, bearing Turkey Duloz 20 pa. green in a horizontal pair, cancelled by crisp Scutari handstamp (Coles & Walker fig. 3 / Tchilinghirian fig. 498) in black. In Antivari, 1867 coarse whiskers 5 s. red in a vertical pair and a vertical strip of three, two fine and fresh multiples with vivid colour and good perfs. were tied by "ANTIVARI 30/11" cds's (Tchilinghirian fig. 467) in brownish-black with "P.D." handstamp alongside. Reverse with Triest transit and Venezia arrival (Dec 6) cds's. A scarce and attractive mixed franking cover, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 301. Signed E. Diena. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020) Ferchenbauer = € 8'000.rnNote: Cover from the well-known Pietro Illo Pemma correspondence from Scutari to Venice, with the Turkish stamps paying the journey to Antivari, from there to Trieste the reduced 10 s. rate had to be paid and from Trieste to Venice the 15 s. Italy rate.
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,700 CHF

    Lot# : 7627 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : Egypt 4
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Egypt 1866 (June 17): Cover from Cairo to Trieste, endorsed "Col Vapore Austriaco diretto", bearing Egypt 1866 1 pi. claret (Gi 4), tied by "POSTE VICE-REALI EGIZIANE / CAIRO" cds (P. Smith Type I-2.5) in black (June 17), Austrian P.O. "ALEXANDRIEN 19/6" cds in blue (Tranmer fig. 5) alongside. The receiver had to pay '15' kreuzer for the Lloyd part of the journey. An attractive and interesting item, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 376. Signed Sorani, Todd AIEP. Cert. Puschmann (1993).rnProvenance: Collection 'Monte Napoleone', Corinphila sale 78, Oct. 1988, lot 774.rnrnNote: Austria did not have direct postal treaties with the Ottoman Empire and Egypt. In these cases, postal items could be prepaid only to the Port, in this case Alexandria, the rest of the journey had to be paid by the receiver. This cover was sent after the unification of the Austrian rates in January 1866 but this had no impact on the amount due as the Levant rates were not yet unified (October 1866) and the recipient had to pay the old charge of 15 instead of 10 kreuzer.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 7710 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 2/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Postal Connections to Overseas - USA 1873 (March 1): Printed matter cover from Smirna to Philadelphia, endorsed "Via Trieste", franked with 1867 3 s. green in a fine horizontal strip of three, tied by "SMIRNE 1 / 3 73" thimble cds in black (Tranmer fig. 10) with framed "Franco" handstamp in red alongside. Front shows '5x' (kreuzer) for the postage beyond Austria. A fresh and fine cover, an exceedingly rare Transatlantic rate and usage. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 479, in the Ferchenbauer catalogue part IV on page 613 and in 'Osterreich-Ungarn,125 Jahre Ausgabe 1867' by Puschmann, König & Schindler on page 192. Opinion Holcombe (1991).rnProvenance: 83. Corinphila sale (Sept 1991), lot 5224.rnNote: Rate includes 2 soldi for the Levant, 2 soldi for Austria, and 5 soldi for the United States. The item includes 'Barkers Drug Report No. 174' and is a duplicated advertisement which explains the current situation of the Opium harvest and the related impact on market prices.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,400 CHF

    Lot# : 7655 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V22a+V22b
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 2
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Spain 1868 (Jan 26): Double rate entire letter from Smirna to Barcelona, franked with 1864 Arms 10 s. dark blue, three singles and a horizontal strip of four, tied by "SMIRNE 26 / 1" cds in black (Tranmer fig. 4), in addition another 10 s. blue in another shade and from another sheet, only lightly tied by an indistinct cds, "Prusia" in oval and framed "affranchissement / insuffisant" alongside in black. Reverse with Triest and Junquera entry cds in blue and Barcelona arrival cds (Feb 6). On front, manuscript '40' kreuzer in red crayon noted for the onward postage to Spain, but the item was again weighed and found to be '16 gr' and therefore triple not double weight. A '32' cuartos handstamp in blue charged as due on delivery. An attractive and desirable cover to a very rare destination from the Austrian Levant. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 399 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 581. Signed Raybaudi. Certificates E. Diena (1991), Ferchenbauer (2020).
    Starting bid : 1,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 7698 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : Romania 13
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Romania 1865 (Nov 11): Cover from Pitesti to Vienna franked by Romania Cuza 1865 20 pa. red, ample to large margins all round, tied by "PITESCI 26/11" cds, transit of Romanian P.O. in Bucharest on reverse and passed to Austrian P.O. with BUCAREST datestamp (Nov 27) in black on front (Tchilinghirian fig. 714). Straight line PORTO in black applied in Bucharest and charged due '25' kreuzer on arrival. Minor imperfections of no significance, a remarkable cover, the Cuza issue being used to an external destination being extremely rare, illustrated in Edition d'Or volume XII on page 113 and 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 434. rnProvenance: Collection 'Moldau', 167. Corinphila sale (Dec. 2010), lot 7089.rnNote: Pitesti only had a Fieldpost office during the Crimean War which was closed in April 1857 and not transfered into a Consular Post Office. Mail from Pitesti abroad had therefore to be sent by the Romanian Post to the next Austrian Levant P.O., in this case in Bucharest. The 20 para Cuza definitive covers therefore only the Romanian inland journey to Bucharest and the PORTO handstamp indicates this fact. 
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,500 CHF

    Lot# : 7588 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    /
    Catalogue# : V22
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Austrian Levant Rates 1866 (Feb 15): Entire letter from Janina to Vienna, franked with 1864 Arms 10 s. blue in a block of four, perf. 9½, a fine and fresh multiple, cancelled by "JANINA 15 / 2" cds's in black (Tchilingirian fig. 509). Reverse with Vienna arrival cds (Feb 25). Some perforation irregularities, but an attractive cover with this special rate. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 273 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 575. Signed G. Bolaffi, Raybaudi. Cert. E. Diena (1991).rnNote: In contrast to the other Lloyd post offices in Epirus, there was a higher rate for mail to or from Janina. Mail from there had to be transported by messenger to the harbour of Prevesa. Thus up to the end of 1865, the total rate of 40 s. included 10 s. for the messenger service, 15 s. for the Lloyd shipmail service and in this case 15 s. for the third rayon within Austria. On January 1, 1866 the Austrian inland rates were unified to 5 kreuzer and the postage should have been 30 soldi (10+15+5) for this cover. Presumably the sender was not aware of this change.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,600 CHF

    Lot# : 7536 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 4Y+5Y
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Austrian occupation of Moldavia and Walachia during the Crimean War 1856 (Nov 22): Cover from the Field Post Office in Craiova, Romania to Vienna bearing 1850/54 6 kr. brown and 9 kr. blue, fresh colours and good to large margins all round, tied by Feldpost "K.K. ÖST. F.P. KRAIOVA 22/11" (Tchilinghirian fig. 735) cds. Reverse with Quarantine "gereinigt b. k.k. Rastelamte ALT-ORSOVA 24 / 11 1856" cachet in black, Temesvar transit and Vienna arrival cds's in black. The cover lightly rastel punched without affecting the fine adhesives. A very attractive outgoing civil cover, illustrated in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on p. 473 and 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 152. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).rnProvenance: Collections Dr. Anton Jerger.rnNote: From March 1855, the Fieldpost offices in Moldavia and Walachia also accepted mail from civilians. A 15 kreuzer rate had to be paid with six kreuzer for the Romanian part and nine kreuzer due for Austria.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,700 CHF

    Lot# : 7535 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 3Y+5Y
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Austrian occupation of Moldavia and Walachia during the Crimean War 1856 (April 26): Entire letter from the Fieldpost office in Craiova, Romania to Vienna bearing 1850/54 3 kr. red in a horizontal pair and 9 kr. blue, vivid colours and good to large margins all round, tied by fine strikes of Fieldpost "K.K. ÖST. F.P. KRAIOVA 26 / 4" (Tchilinghirian fig. 735) cds's. Reverse with Quarantine "gereinigt b. k.k. Rastelamte ALT-ORSOVA 27 / .. 1856" cachet in black, Temesvar transit and Vienna arrival cds's in black. The cover lightly rastel punched without affecting the fine adhesives. A marvellous and very attractive outgoing civil cover, illustrated in Edition d'Or volume XI on page 158 and 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 152. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2004).rnProvenance: Collection Dr. Anton & Elisabeth Jerger, Corinphila sale 144, May 2005, lot 163.rn                   Collection 'Moldau', Corinphila sale 167, Dec. 2010, lot 7124.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 6,000 CHF

    Lot# : 7628 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V23+Egypt 4
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Egypt 1867 (June 27): Cover from Cairo via Alexandria to Trieste, bearing Egypt 1866 1 pi. claret (Gi 4), a fresh stamp tied by "POSTE VICE-REALI EGIZIANE / CAIRO" cds (P. Smith Type I-2) in blue (June 27).  At the Austrian P.O. in  Alexandria, a 1863 Arms 15 s. brown, perf. 9½ was applied, a fresh and fine example, well embossed, tied by "ALEXANDRIEN 28/6" cds in blue (Tranmer fig. 5). Reverse with oval Triest (July 1st) arrival datestamp. Two slight file folds well away from the stamps, an attractive and very rare mixed country franking, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 376. Signed Todd AIEP. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020) Ferchenbauer = € 17'000.rnProvenance: Collection Kurt Wolfsbauer.rnNote: This cover shows the very rare case where the Egyptian as well as the Lloyd part of the journey were fully prepaid by the sender.
    Starting bid : 4,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 5,500 CHF

    Lot# : 7615 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : Russia 21x + Levant 7x
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Competitors of the Austrian Lloyd - Russia 1875 (March 14): Cover from Constantinople via Odessa to Trieste, endorsed "Voie d'Odessa", bearing Russian Imperial Arms 1866 10 kop. brown & blue in combination with Russian Levant 1872 3 kop. green, both on horizontally laid paper, tied by superb Russian "KONSTANTIN. 17 MAR. 75" cds (Tchilinghirian fig. 11) in blue. Odessa transit (March 19) and  ''Oplatsheno - Paid' handstamp alongside. Reverse with Vienna transit and Triest arrival (April 4) cds's. A fine and most appealing combination cover, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 315. Signed A. Diena. Cert. E. Diena (1978).rnrnNote: After the completion of the railway line from Odessa to the Austrian border and thereby via Galicia to Berlin in 1872, mail to Germany and in many cases also to Austria and France could be transported by ROPiT vessels via Odessa as quickly as the journey with a Lloyd vessel to Varna, overland with railway to Rustchuk and then up the Danube to Austria. However mail via Russia was slightly more expensive than with the Lloyd.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 7596 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : Liannos IIA
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Liannos local post Constantinople 1867 (Jan 13): Entire letter from Constantinople to Livorno, bearing Liannos Local Post 20 pa. black on green, perf. 14, tied by "POSTE LOCALE / CONSTANTINOPLE" (Jan 13, Julian calendar) cds in black. Thence via Austrian P.O. with despatch "CONSTANTINOPEL" cds (26/1) in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 387). Carried by Italian ship with framed "PIROSCAFI POSTALI ITALIANI" handstamp in black. Reverse with Brindisi transit (Jan 30) as well as Livorno arrival cds in red with '7' décimi due upon arrival. Some minute folds and wear, a Tiring company wafer sale applied at a later date but a very interesting and desirable cover. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 299. Cert. Tevfik Kuyas (1983).rnProvenance: Collection Monte Napoleone, Corinphila sale 78, Sept 1988, lot 689; Pasha collection, Spink, June 2011, lot 2565.rnNote: The Liannos post was a local system running between December 1865 and March 1867 in order to deliver mail within Constantinople. 
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,400 CHF

    Lot# : 7647 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V22+V23
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Great Britain 1867 (Jan 28): Quadruple rate cover from Alexandria to Liverpool, franked with 1864 Arms 10 s. blue and 15 s. brown, four single adhesives and three horizontal pairs, all perf. 9½, in overall fine and fresh condition and well embossed but one stamp with closed tear at top, tied by eight "ALEXANDRIEN 28 / 1" (Tranmer fig. 5) cds's. "P.D." in red alongside, reverse with Triest transit and Liverpool arrival cds (Feb 10 1867). Front shows '4' for the fourth weight and '56' kreuzer weiterfranko, both in red crayon. One stamp with minor wrinkles, a very rare franking at 160 soldi rate, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 392. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2009).rnProvenance: Collection J. B. Seymour.rn                   Collection Kurt Wolfsbauer.rnNote: Postage per weight rate is 15 soldi for Levant and GAPU plus 25 soldi for the United Kingdom in the 1866 unified rate.
    Starting bid : 850 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,400 CHF

    Lot# : 7687 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 4/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Malta 1873 (Feb 3): Stationery Envelope 1867 10 s. blue up-rated with 10 s. blue, a single and a horizontal pair, mailed from Candia to Malta, tied by "CANDIA 3/2" cds in blue (Tchilinghirian fig. 542), "P.D." in black alongside with '12½' centesemi credit marking in black. Reverse with Triest transit and Malta arrival cds (Feb 18). Some minor perforation irregularities mentioned for accuracy, a very attractive and fresh item of great visual appeal, and a very rare usage of a postal stationery envelope to a rare destination for Levant covers - in all probability a unique usage. Illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 425 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV at page 699. Signed Holcombe.rnNote: From October 1869, the sender had to pay for mail from the Levant to Malta 15 soldi for the Levant part of the journey, 7 kreuzer to Austria, 11 kreuzer to Italy incl. the Steamer to Malta and 5 kreuzer to Malta itself, resulting in a total sum of 38 soldi, thus the cover is overfranked by 2 soldi.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,800 CHF

    Lot# : 7619 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    Competitors of the Austrian Lloyd - Italy 1863 (Nov 3): Unpaid envelope from Cairo via Posta Europea to Alexandria, endorsed "via Trieste, Wien" but ignored, sent on Italian Steamer via Corfu to Ancona and further bz rail to Stettin; struck with "POSTA EUROPEA / CAIRO" in blue (Nov 3), transferred with "ALESSANDRIA D'EGITTO / POSTE ITALIANE" cds and framed "PIROSCAFI / POSTALI / ITALIANI" alongside. Reverse with Ancona, Ancona-Como TPO, Como-Collico TPO, Chur-St. Gallen TPO & Friedrichshafen transit cds's and Stettin distribution cds (Nov 16). The Italian post noted "Credito Italo L 1.60" for a double weight unfranked letter to which the Swiss transit of '20' rappen was added, resulting in '54' kreuzer due to which '9' kreuzer were added for the GAPU, resulting in '21' silbergroschen which had to be paid by the receiver. One backflap missing and the cover a little bit tatty, but a very interesting item showing the competition of different postal services, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 322.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 800 CHF

    Lot# : 7528 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 3Y
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Postal relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina 1856 (March 13): Part paid cover from Sarajevo via Brood to Pest, posted at the Ottoman Post Office in Sarajevo, struck on front with all Arabic 'Bosna' handstamp in blue (Coles & Walker fig. 1), reverse with Austrian disinfection handstamp applied at Semlin. Mailed again at the Austrian P.O. in Brood, where a "BROOD / 13 MAR." datestamp was applied and an 1854 3 kr. red was added, a superb and fresh example with large margins all round, tied by manuscript pen strokes in black. Reverse with Esseg transit cds (March 17) in black. The franking on reverse was neglected upon arrival in Pest and the cover was charged with '12' kreuzer, resulting from 9 kreuzer for the postage and 3 kreuzer charging fee. Illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 144 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 471. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).rnProvenance: Collection Dr. Anton Jerger.rnNote: This item is a cover from Bosnia which was despatched at the Ottoman PO in Sarajevo and transfered to the Austrian postal sytem for onward transmission.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,700 CHF

    Lot# : 7662 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V16+V17+V18
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - France 1864 (June 25): Cover from Adrianople to Valence, franked with 1863 Arms definitive 5 s. rose, three examples, 10 s. blue and 15 s. brown, all perf. 14, tied by ornamental "ADRIANOPEL 25 / 6" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 947), "P.D." in red, French Strasbourg entry cds in red (July 3), and postal treaty handstamp "A." alongside. Reverse with Vienna and Paris transit as well as Valence arrival cds (July 4). Stamps with perforation imperfections and minor aging but an extraordinary three colour franking to cover the 40 soldi rate to France. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 403 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 557. Signed A. Diena. Cert. E. Diena (1985) Ferchenbauer = € 10'000+.rnProvenance: Collection Ing. Pietro Provera.rnNote: Prior to 1871, single weight covers to France had to be paid with 15 soldi for the Levant and 25 soldi for France.
    Starting bid : 2,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 4,800 CHF

    Lot# : 7602 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 4/II
    Download main picture Share
    Largest regional expansion 1879 (July 15): Cover from Plovdiv to Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina, then under Austrian occupation, franked with 1874 fine whiskers 10 s. blue, tied by crisp "FILIPOPOLI 15/7" cds in black (Tchilingirian fig. 868). Reverse with Constantinopoli, Szeged and Brood transit cds's and "ETAPPEN-POSTAMT No XXXI 23/7 79" Fieldpost arrival cds. Opening tear on reverse of envelope, but a rare usage of the fine printing to an unusual destination, illustrated in 'Die österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 305. Signed Colla and Ferchenbauer.rnProvenance: Collection Dr. Anton & Elisabeth Jerger, Corinphila sale 140, May 2004, lot 788.rnNote: 10 soldi UPU rate from Plovdiv in Eastern Roumelia, after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877/78 and the peace treaty of Berlin, an autonomous province in the Ottoman Empire under a Christian ruler. Interestingly all mail from Eastern Roumelia had first to go to Constantinople, even if directed to the west.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7603 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    Largest regional expansion 1868 (April 10): Entire letter from Galatz to Paris, struck with scarce "GALATZ 10/4 68" cds in black (Tchilingirian fig. 745), manuscript '2' in red crayon for the second weight rate. French entry datestamp of Strasbourg in blue, French postal contract handstamp "A." for Austria and '20' décimes due upon arrival alongside. Reverse with Wien transit and arrival cds. A fresh and fine cover with the only Hungarian datestamp in the principalities, in addition its earliest usage being the original of the illustration used in Tchilinghirian, the cover also illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 307.rnNote: From May 1st, 1867 six of the post offices in the United Principalities (Bucharest, Fokshan, Galatz, Giurgevo, Ibraila & Ploestie) came under Hungarian postal administration. In the short period until the closure of all Austro-Hungarian Post Offices in the Principalities in March 1869, only one postmark was prepared in Hungary and issued by the Hungarian Postal Adminstriation, the one in Galatz as shown here. A rare cancel in use for less than a year.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 7688 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V21+V23
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Switzerland 1867 (May 31): Cover from Constantinople to Bütschwyl SG, franked with 1864 Arms 5 s. rose and two examples of 15 s. brown, all perf. 9½, tied by crisp "CONSTANTINOPEL 31/5" cds's in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 385). Reverse with Vienna transit and Zürich-St. Gallen TPO cds as well as Bütschwyl arrival cds (June 6). On front, '3' kreuzer CM in red crayon for onward postage beyond Austria. Some perforation irregularities and part of upper backflap missing, but a very attractive and fresh cover, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 426.rnNote: From October 1866, the single rate from the Levant to Switzerland was 10 soldi for the Levant, 15 soldi for Austria and 5 soldi for the first Swiss rayon, thus this cover is overpaid by 5 soldi. Even after the change from kreuzer CM to kreuzer ÖW in November 1858, the weiterfranco markings on the covers to or from Switzerland were written in the old kreuzer Conventionsmünze.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 7671 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V15+V17+V18
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Italy 1864 (July 8): Cover from Varna to Genova, endorsed "Via Corfu & Roma", franked with 1863 Arms 3 s. green, 10 s. blue and 15 s. brown, all perf. 14, fresh colours, tied centrally by light "LLOYD AGENZIE VARNA 8/7" cds's (Tchilinghirian fig. 939) with "P.D." in blue and framed "PIROSCAFI / POSTALI / AUSTRIACI" alongside. Reverse with Ancona transit and Genova arrival cds (July 30). File fold well away from the adhesives and datestamps, minor imperfections to the stamps, not distracting from a beautiful cover, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 412. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020) Ferchenbauer = € 4'000.rnNote: Cover with the Austrian Lloyd to Ancona at prepaid 28 soldi, the pre-1866 rate (20 soldi) plus 8 soldi for the Italian part of the journey. Ancona was the port of call until the railway line to Brindisi was opened.
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,100 CHF

    Lot# : 7705 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 1/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Postal Connections to Overseas - Egypt 1870 (April 10): Printed matter cover from Cairo to Cologne with company cachet of Victor Dembczak, Cairo on reverse and corresponding receiver's docketing inside, franked with 1867 2 s. yellow, a fresh single and vertical pair, tied by "WIEN 10 / 4 70" cds's in black, reverse with "COELN 11 4 11-12 V" arrival cds. Minor perforation irregularities, not distracting from the rarity of this Usage of Levante stamps in Austria, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 467 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 615. Cert. Ferchenbauer (1988).rnNote: Printed matter double rate of 6 soldi from the Levant to the GAPU, written on November 1 in Cairo and franked in Cairo or in Alexandria at the Austrian P.O. The Printed matter cover travelled via Trieste with the next vessel, leaving Alexandria on November 4, arrival in Trieste on November 9. The stamps were tied in Vienna on November 10, in transit. Alternatively the printed matter was prepared and franked for mailing in Cairo and then bundled for despatch in Vienna.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 7689 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Catalogue# : Switzerland 22+33+35
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Switzerland 1868 (March 4): Registered cover from Lausanne to Bacau, Moldavia, endorsed "Par Vienne", franked with Sitting Helvetia perforated 1862 5 rp. brown and 1867 30 rp. ultramarine as well as 50 rp. lilac (SBK 30+41+51), tied by "LAUSANNE 4 III 68 - 11" cds's in black, framed PD and CHARGE alongside. Reverse with a whole plethora of Swiss, German and Austrian transit datestamps as well as "BAKEU 14/3" arrival cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 721). On front, '9 / 4' kreuzer CM in red crayon for onward postage beyond Switzerland. Some negligible blunted perfs., but a most attractive cover, sensibly opened for display. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 427.rnNote: Postage was 20 rappen for a cover coming from the second Swiss rayon, 20 rappen registration fee, 30 rappen transit through Austria and 15 rappen for the Levant.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 7600 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V21+V22+V23
    Download main picture Share
    Largest regional expansion 1864 (Oct 14): Cover from Salonica to Vienna, franked with 1864 Arms 5 s. rose, 10 s. blue, and horizontal pair and four single 15 so. brown, all perf. 9½, superbly embossed, cancelled by two line "SALONICH / 14. OCTOBRE" datestamps in blue (Tchilingirian fig. 594). Reverse with Vienna arrival cds (27/10). Upper stamps with wrinkles and toning, cover with horizontal file fold, nevertheless an extraordinary and colourful franking. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 303, cert. Eichele (2008).rnNote: Interesting cover: four months after the introduction of stamps, a superb 'Treppenfrankatur' to cover the third weight rate from the Levant to Austria with three times 20 s. for the Levant and three times 15 s. for Austria. Such multiple frankings had to be used for higher weight items as the 15 s. stamp was the highest issued denomination prior to 1867.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,800 CHF

    Lot# : 7677 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V20+V23
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Italy 1866 (Dec 21): Cover from Constantinople to Genova endorsed "via Trieste col vapore Austriaco", franked with 1864 Arms 3 s. green and 15 s. brown, perf. 9½, tied by ornamental "CONSTANTINOPEL 21/12" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 385) with "P.D." in red and small cartridge "PIROSCAFI / POSTALI / ITALIANI" alongside. Reverse with Brindisi transit and Genova arrival cds (Dec 28 1866). File fold away from adhesives and datestamps, a rare and attractive cover, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 416 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 564. rnNote: After the Levant rate unification in 1866, only 10 soldi had to be paid to the Lloyd plus 8 soldi for Italy if the item was transfered in Corfu directly to an Italian vessel.
    Starting bid : 220 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 7630 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 37/I+ Turkey 6a
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Turkey/Bosnia 1868 (Sept 9): Entire letter from Triest to Sarajevo endorsed "via Brood in Slavonia", bearing 1867 5 kr. red, a fresh single, tied by oval "TRIEST 7/9 V" datestamp. Upon arrival, two vert. pairs of Duloz 1865 20 pa. ochre due perf. 12½ were added on front and each stamp tied by circular Bosna handstamp (Coles & Walker fig. 4) in blue. Minor imperfections, but a fine and fresh item showing part prepayment from Austria to the border while the part of the journey in Bosnia had to be paid by the receiver, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 378. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).rnProvenance: Collection 'Cihangir', Corinphila sale 121, April 2000, lot 1655
    Starting bid : 2,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 7631 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Catalogue# : 3/I+4/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections - Ottoman Empire / Albania 1868ca: Part of letter front originating from Scutari in Albania and sent via Antivari to Venice, bearing Turkey 1 pi brown Postage Due, cancelled by crisp Scutari handstamp (Coles & Walker fig. 3 / Tchilinghirian fig. 498) in blue with clear thimble "SCUTARI D'ALBANIE 2 / 7" cds in blue (Tchilinghirian fig. 497) alongside. In Antivari, 1867 coarse whiskers 10 s. blue in a horizontal pair and 5 s. red were tied by "ANTIVARI 5 / 7" cds (Tchilinghirian fig. 467) in brownish-black. At Antivari "P.D." handstamp was added alongside. Although only part of a front, a scarce piece, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 379.rnNote: Cover from the well-known Pietro Illo Pemma correspondence from Scutari to Venice, with the Turkish stamp paying the journey to Antivari, from there to Trieste the reduced 10 s. rate had to be paid and from Trieste to Venice the 15 s. Italy rate.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 7651 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 2/I+5/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Great Britain 1874 (July 16): Registered cover from Beirut to Manchester, endorsed 'via Brindisi' franked with 1867 coarse whiskers 3 s. green and 15 s. brown in a horizontal pair, tied by "BERUTTI 16 / 7" cds (Tranmer fig. 3) with "RACOM." in black, German framed "Recomandirt" in red. "REGISTERED / LONDON" transit datestamp in red alongside, reverse with oval "REGISTERED / MANCHESTER" arrival datestamp (Aug 4) in red. On front, manuscript '8' kreuzer in red crayon for onward postage beyond Prussia. Item roughly opened, but an appealing cover in the 33 soldi rate with 15 s. postage for Levant and Austria and 8 kr. for the United Kingdom, in addition 10 s. registration fee which is included in the the franking on front. Illustrated in Puschmann - "125 Jahre Ausgabe 1867" on page 192 and 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 395.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,400 CHF

    Lot# : 7554 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Catalogue# : 38/I + Turkey 15A
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Austrian Lloyd Rates 1868ca: Cover written from Venice and posted from Trieste to Scutari, endorsed "vapore Antivari", bearing 1867 10 kr. blue, tied by oval "TRIEST" datestamp (May 18), superb strike of thimble "SCUTARI D'ALBANIE 23/5" cds in blue (Tchilinghirian fig. 497) alongside as well as Turkish 1 pi. brown postage due, tied by light Scutari handstamp (Coles & Walker fig. 3 / Tchilinghirian fig. 498). An attractive cover showing the reduced Albania rate of 10 kreuzer, while the Turkish stamp paid the rate from Antivari harbour to Scutari. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 226. Signed Holcombe. Cert. Ferchenbauer (1983) Ferchenbauer = € 4'000.rnNote: After the Austrian rate unification of 1866, the rate from the Küstenland harbours to Albania was reduced to 10 kreuzer. The sender of this letter sent this item with a messenger from Venice to Trieste to use this reduced rate instead of the 20 soldi from Venice to Antivari.
    Starting bid : 800 CHF
    Hammer price : 850 CHF

    Lot# : 7663 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V21+V23
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - France 1865 (Dec 19): Entire letter at double rate from Galatz to Montpellier, franked with 1864 Arms single 5 s. rose and 15 s. brown, a single and a strip of four, perf. 9½, tied by "GALATZ 19/12" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 744). "P.D." in red, French Strasbourg entry cds in red (Dec 28, 1865), and postal treaty handstamp "A." alongside. Reverse with Vienna and Paris transit, Lyon-Marseille TPO cds as well as Montpellier arrival cds (Dec 29). An extraordinary franking to cover the 80 soldi double rate to France. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 403. rnProvenance: Collection Henry Houser collection, Robson Lowe, June 1992, lot 1118; Collection Hans Smith, Corinphila sale 182, Sept. 2013, lot 1626.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF

    Lot# : 7613 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : Turkey 19+21A
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Competitors of the Austrian Lloyd - Turkey 1875 (Oct 8): Entire letter from Adrianople to Constantinople, bearing Duloz 1875 1 pi. yellow and horizontal pair of 10 pa. mauve, perf. 13½, tied by Arabic only Adrianople circular handstamp (Coles & Walker fig. 4), bilingual "ANDRINOPLE 8 OCT 75" cds in black alongside. Reverse with Stamboul arrival cds (Nov. 22). A fresh and fine entire, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 314. Opinion Holcombe (1990).rnProvenance: Corinphila sale 83, Sept 1991, lot 4785.rnNote: Cover of the first Turkish rayon up to 100 hours equal to about 500 km. The rate of 60 para corresponding to 15 soldi of this item was about 50% higher than a comparable cover if sent by the Austrian Lloyd within the Levant.rn 
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 150 CHF

    Lot# : 7578 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 3Y+5Y
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian Levant Rates 1856 (Jan 25): Cover from Trieste to Constantinople bearing 1854 3 kr. red and 9 kr. blue in fresh colours with 'liliput' cut, tied by "TRIEST 25 / 1 Früh" cds in black, reverse with "CONSTANTINOPEL" arrival (Feb 2) cds (Tchilinghirian fig. 387). An attractive and early prepaid cover showing the 12 kr. rate to Constantinople, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 266 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 526. rnNote: From 1851 and up to 1866 postal rates in the Levant were organized like those in Austria, depending on weight and distance. For mail to the majority of Post Offices 12 kreuzer CM had to be paid up to 1858, thereafter 20 kreuzer ÖW. In addition to these Levant rates the Austrian rate and possible rate components from outside the German-Austrian Postal Union had to be added. This cover had only to be franked with 12 kreuzer CM for the Lloyd because it was despatched in Trieste.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7571 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Catalogue# : V16+V18
    Download main picture Share
    Introduction of Stamps in the Austrian Levant 1864 (April 13): Entire letter from Ibraila to Argostoli, Cefalonia, Ionian Islands franked by 1863 Arms 5 s. rose and 15 s. brown, perf. 14, fresh colour and well embossed, each stamp tied by clear two line "IBRAILA / 13. APR." datestamp in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 728). Hooded Cefalonia arrival datestamp in blue alongside and charged '1' (penny) for local delivery. Some irregular perforations, some wear and corner tear, however an extremely rare early usage accepted at a Consular office but transported by Lloyd between two Levant ports. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 262 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 512.rnNote: The usage of Lombardo-Veneto stamps was possible in Moldavia and Walachia after April 1st, 1864.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,600 CHF

    Lot# : 7665 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 4/I+7/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - France 1872 (Nov 29): Double rate envelope from Constantinople to Paris, franked with 1867 coarse whiskers 10 s. blue in a pair and and 50 s. brown, tied by "CONSTANTINOPLE 29/11" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 387), French entry 'Autriche / Avricourt' cds (Nov 6) in blue and "A. / P.D." postal treaty handstamp in black alongside. Reverse with faint Paris arrival cds (Dec 6). Cover cleaned and probably repaired, sold as is / 'tel quel'. A most impressive franking, a very rare usage of the 50 soldi stamp, illustrated in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 558 and in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 404 Ferchenbauer = € 7'000. rnProvenance: Collection Henry W. Houser, Robson Lowe, June 1992, lot 1012.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,000 CHF

    Lot# : 7597 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V23
    Download main picture Share
    Posta Europea & Lloyd mail combination 1865 (April 10): Fully paid cover from Cairo to Vienna, franked with 1864 Arms 15 s. brown, perf. 9½, two fresh and well embossed single examples, tied by light "ALEXANDRIEN 11/4" cds in black (Tranmer fig. 5). Initial despatch "POSTA EUROPEA / CAIRO / 10 APRILE 65" datestamp alongside in blue and reverse with Vienna arrival cds (9-11 Fr. WIEN 21 IV). A rare combination cover. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 300. Cert. Eichele (2010).rnNote: A fully paid cover with 1 piaster paid in cash for the Posta Europea from Cairo to Alexandria, a late service of the company which was taken over by the Egyptian postal administration in 1865. The second part of the journey paid in Alexandria with 15 kr. up to Trieste and 15 kr. within Austria.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,400 CHF

    Lot# : 7532 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : Turkey 8
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Postal relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina 1866 (March 13): Part paid cover from Sarajevo via Brood to Trieste, posted at the Ottoman Post Office in Sarajevo, bearing Duloz 1865 2 pi. light blue, tied by indistinct all Arabic 'Bosna' handstamp in black (Coles & Walker fig. 4/5). Sent to the Austran P.O. in Brood, where "BROOD / 14. JUL." datestamp was struck on front, reverse with Triest arrival datestamp in blue. The cover was charged upon arrival with '10' kreuzer, resulting from 5 kreuzer for the postage and 5 kreuzer charging fee. Fine and fresh part paid cover with the postage up to the border between Bosnia and Austria paid by the sender, while the addressee had to pay the residual part of the journey, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 145. Signed A. Diena. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 7704 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 1/II+4/II
    Download main picture Share
    Postal Connections to Overseas - Réunion 1883 (Sept 22): Registered (Raisins) cloth cover headed 'Echantillon sans valeur' from Smirna to St. Denis Réunion, franked with 1867 fine whiskers 2 s. yellow (2) and 10 s. blue (3) tied by "SMIRNE 22/3 83" cds in black (Tranmer fig. 10).  Registration number in black alongside, reverse with Austrian Alexandria, Egyptian Alexandrie Recommandé, Suez Arrivé and French Paquebot TPO Ligne T (Nov 1) datestamps. An interesting item, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 465 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 607.rnNote: Sample without value with a weight between 200 and 250 gr, postage 24 soldi, in addition 10 soldi registration fee.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,300 CHF

    Lot# : 7580 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Austrian Levant Rates 1856 (Aug 29): Entire letter from Trieste to Dardanelli, internally dated 1856, bearing two examples of 1854 6 kr. brown in vivid colour with good to large margins all round, tied by "TRIESTE 29/8 Abends" cds's in black. An appealing and early prepaid cover showing the 12 kr. rate to the rare post office on the Dardanelles, endorsed "per Costantinopoli / Col Vapore" in manuscript. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 267. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).rnNote: From 1851 and up to 1866 postal rates in the Levant were organized like those in Austria, depending on weight and distance. For mail to the majority of Post Offices 12 kreuzer CM had to be paid, for this cover no additional fees for Austria were due as it was despatched in Trieste.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 7675 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V20+V21+V23
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Italy 1867 (Aug 28): Cover from Adrianople to Genova, franked with 1864 Arms 3 s. green, two examples, 5 s. rose and 15 s. brown, defective at base, perf. 9½, tied by ornamental "ADRIANOPEL 5/8" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 947), "N.A." (= Non Adebidata, no additional charge) in black alongside. Reverse with Vienna and Udine transits and Genova arrival cds (Sept 14). Horizontal file fold away from adhesives and datestamps, a rare and most attractive cover, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 414. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).rnNote: A very rare overland rate via Vienna with 10 soldi for the Levant, 15 soldi for Austria and 11 soldi for Italy, underpaid by 10 soldi but not taxed.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,600 CHF

    Lot# : 7646 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V22+6/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Great Britain 1868 (July 3): Small envelope from Constantinople to Maidenhead, Berkshire, bearing 1864 Arms 10 s. blue, perf. 9½ in mixed franking with 1867 25 s. grey-lilac, two fine and fresh adhesives, tied by clear ornamental "CONSTANTINOPEL 3 / 7" (Tchilinghirian fig. 386) cds, "P.D." and London transit cds (July 10 1868), both in red alongside. Reverse with Vienna transit and Maidenhead arrival cds (July 10). Front shows '14' kreuzer weiterfranko in red crayon. Cover slightly soiled, but full of character and a most unusual mixed issue combination. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 392 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 560. Cert. Babor (1994) Ferchenbauer = € 5'250.
    Starting bid : 850 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,200 CHF

    Lot# : 7624 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : DR V20+V22
    Download main picture Share
    Competitors of the Austrian Lloyd - Germany 1873 (July 10): Cover at double rate from Constantinople to St. Moritz, Switzerland, franked with Germany Large shield  1872 2 gr. grey-blue and 5 gr. ochre, two fine and fresh examples, well embossed, tied by light "KAISERL. DEUTSCH. P.A. CONSTANTINOPEL 10 7 73 2-3 N." cds, manuscript '20 g' (grams) denoting double rate at left. Reverse with St. Gallen-Sargans TPO and Chur transit as well as "ST. MORIZ - DORF 16 VIII 73" arrival cds  (month slug error instead of VII). Cover a little bit tatty, but an appealing cover to a rare destination, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 389.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 600 CHF

    Lot# : 7593 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 1/I+2/I+4/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Austrian Levant rates 1871ca: Mourning envelope from Constantinople to the German consul in Varna franked with two examples of 1867 2 s. yellow and 3 s. green each as well as 10 s. blue, fresh and fine, tied by "LLOYD AGENTIE CONSTANTINOPOLI 17/3" cds's in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 446). Reverse with Lloyd Agenzie Varna (March 18) arrival cds in black. An attractive three-colour franking cover carried at double rate within the Levant (2 x 10 soldi). Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 280. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).rnProvenance: Collection 'Cihangir', Corinphila sale 121, April 2000, lot 1455.rnNote: The exact date of the cover cannot be taken from its postmarks, but it was despatched after the foundation of the German Empire in 1871.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 900 CHF

    Lot# : 7538 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V16
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Austrian occupation of Moldavia and Walachia during the Crimean War 1864 (Sept. 20): Entire letter from Ploesti to Leipzig bearing four examples of 1863 Arms 5 kr. dark rose, perf. 14, all with fresh colour, well tied by Fieldpost "K.K. ÖST. F:P. PLOESCHTI 20 / 9" (Tchilinghirian fig. 767) cds's in black. Reverse with Hermannstadt transit and Leipzig distribution (25/IX) cds's in black. An astonishing franking with this late usage of a Crimean War Fieldpost cancellation, illustrated in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on p. 474 and in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 153. Signed Colla. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2004).rnProvenance: Collection Dr. Anton & Elisabeth Jerger, Corinphila sale 140, May 2004, lot 887. rn 
    Starting bid : 3,500 CHF
    Hammer price : 10,000 CHF

    Lot# : 7605 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V21+4/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Largest regional expansion 1869 (Jan 29): Cover from Dardanelli to Trieste, bearing 1864 Arms 5 s. rose in mixed franking with 1867 10 s. blue, negligible crease at top right corner, tied by "IN DEN DARDANELLEN 29/1" cds in black (Tranmer fig. 4). Reverse with oval Triest arrival cds (Feb 4). Some toning and file folds, but an appealing cover with a scarce cancellation and combination usage. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 308. Cert. Alberto Diena (1976).rnProvenance: Collection 'Monte Napoleone', Corinphila sale 78, Oct 1988, lot 862; Collection Henry W. Houser, Robson Lowe, June 1992, lot 1263.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7505 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Download main picture Share
    Regular Mail Services 1747 (Nov 13): Entire letter in miniscule handwriting from Constantinople to Marseilles with manuscript Forwarding Agent 'Jean Henry Stametz à Vienne le 19. 9bre 1747' notation on reverse, endorsed 'pr Bale' showing French D'AUTRICHE and manuscript '25' Sols due on front. Opened out for display, signed Bolaffi. The lot includes another fumigated entire from the same correspondence sent in April 1762, both are illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 93. rnNote: Starting in 1746, a regular monthly mail service was established between Constantinople and Vienna with stops in Adrianople, Sofia, Nish, Parakin, Belgrade, Semlin, Vukovar, Buda and Ödenburg. The entire demonstrates an early use of the new postal service.rnProvenance: Collection Alfredo Banci.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7591 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 38/I+39/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Austrian Levant Rates 1869 (Nov 10): Stationery Envelope 1867 5 kr. red sent registered from Vienna to Constantinople with additional franking of 1867 10 kr. blue and 15 kr. brown, fine and fresh examples, tied by "WIEN 10/11, 6-7 A. 69" cds's in blue with framed RCMDT in red alongside. Reverse with ornamental "CONSTANTINOPEL 19/11" arrival cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 385). An attractive cover to the main Lloyd administration in Constantinople. Illustrated in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 544. Cert. E. Diena (1993).rnNote: This item is either a first weight cover with the registration fee applied against the regulation to the front, if so it is overfranked by 5 kreuzer. Alternatively it is a second weight item and the 10 kreuzer stamp paying the registration fee on reverse was omitted.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 7539 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V32+V34
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian postal services of Moldavia and Walachia 1866 (Feb. 2): Return receipt for a registered cover from Hermannstadt to Jassy bearing 1864 Arms 5 kr. rose and 15 kr. bistre, perf. 9½, following the regulations cancelled twice with "HERMANNSTADT 2/2" cds and upon return with "JASSY 10/2" cds (Tchilinghirian fig 757) in black, a circular Hermannstadt handstamp without date partially below the stamps. Reverse with 'Hermannstadt Recoman.' (Feb 15) arrival datestamp. Upper stamp with pre-use thin on reverse, but a rare receipt from Transsylvania to Moldavia and back, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 161. rnNote: Receipts were attached to the registered items and had to be franked at letter rate. In February 1866 the Austrian inland rates had already been unified, while the Austrian Levant rates were unchanged resulting in 5 kreuzer for Austria and 15 soldi due for the Levant.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 900 CHF

    Lot# : 7701 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V21+4/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Russia 1869 (Sept 8): Cover from Cavalla to Odessa, bearing 1864 Arms 5 s. rose, perf. 9½ in mixed franking with 1867 10 s. blue, two fresh adhesives, tied by "CAVALLA 8/9" cds in blue (Tchilinghirian fig. 633) with Odessa arrival cds (Sept 5, Julian calendar) alongside. Cover with archival folds away from the stamps, these applied slightly over the edge of the cover, an unusual mixed franking to a very scarce destination, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 436.rnProvenance: Collection Henry Houser, Robson Lowe, June 1992, lot 1084.rnNote: The cover is franked at the unified Levant rate of 15 soldi. Such covers to Trieste exist and have not been charged upon arrival, this franking was also accepted by the Russian post.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,500 CHF

    Lot# : 7634 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Bremen 1860ca: Fully prepaid registered Letter sheet from Jassy to Bremen, struck with Austrian P.O. "JASSY 25 / 9" cds (Tchilinghirian fig. 757), FRANCO and RECOMANDIRT in blue as well as framed German "Recomandirt" in red alongside. Reverse with Lemberg, Krakau and Breslau-Myslowitz German TPO (Sept 30) transit cds's and Bremen arrival cds (Oct 1). The reverse shows the '35' kreuzer prepayment annotation with 10 kr. special rate for Moldavia, 15 kr. for the GAPU and 10 kr. registration fee. A fresh and fine cover of great scarcity. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 380.rnNote: This cover was transported by rail from Krakow to Bremen. The paper is embossed "Banca nationala a Moldovi Jassy". 
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 7610 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    Largest regional expansion 1867 (July 27): Entire letter from Scio-Cesme via Piraeus to Athens franked by 1864 10 s. blue, perf. 9½, tied by bold SCIO-CESME datestamp (Tchilinghirian fig. 560) in black, charged for inland delivery on arrival with Greece 1862/67 40 lepta deep mauve on bluish, three large margins and close at right, tied by Athens cds (July 17/29). A fine and rare entire; whilst sent as a single rate letter under the Austrian P.O., it was taxed as a double letter on arrival due to the disparity between the Ounce against the Metric system. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 310.rnProvenance: Collection Hans Smith, Corinphila sale 182, Sept 2013, lot 1347.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 7599 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V22
    Download main picture Share
    Largest regional expansion 1866 (Sept 28): Entire letter from Plovdiv to Vienna, franked with 1864 Arms pair of 10 s. blue, perf. 9½, fresh and fine, cancelled by "FILIPOPOLI 28/9" cds in black (Tchilingirian fig. 868). Reverse with Vienna arrival cds. A rare Post Office for prepaid franked covers, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 303 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 529. Signed Colla, Ferchenbauer.rnProvenance: Collection Dr. Anton & Elisabeth Jerger, Corinphila sale 140, May 2004, lot 787.rnNote: Interesting rate after the unification of the Austrian rates on January 1, 1866 with 5 s. for Austria and before the unification of the Levant rates on October 15, 1866 with unchanged 15 s. for the Levant part of the journey.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7589 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V21+V22
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian Levant Rates 1866 (April 2): Entire letter from Janina to Constantinople, franked with 1864 Arms 10 s. blue in a horizontal pair and 5 s. rose, two singles, all perf. 9½, tied by "JANINA 2/4" cds's in black (Tchilingirian fig. 509). Reverse with "CONSTANTINOPEL 9/4 arrival cds (Tchilinghirian fig. 385). Some perforation irregularities, fold through the right hand 5 soldi stamp, the cover wrinkled but rare with this special rate. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 273. rnNote: Although the Austrian rates had been unified on January 1, 1866, the Levant rates did not change earlier than October 15, 1866. In this instance 10 s. had to be paid for the messenger service from Janina to Prevesa and 20 s. for the Lloyd service to Constantinople.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 7657 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V20+V23
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Norway 1866 (March 2): Entire letter from Constantinople to Christiania, Norway franked with 1864 Arms 3 s. green and 15 s. brown, two singles and pair, perf. 9½, tied by "CONSTANTINOPEL 2/3" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 387). Reverse with transit cds's of the Anhalt train station in Berlin in blue and of the Danish P.O. in Lübeck. On front, manuscript '21' kreuzer in red crayon for onward postage beyond Prussia, which was recalculated at '4½' silbergroschen and '17' skilling. Stamps with defects but a unique usage to Norway. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 401. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020).
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,600 CHF

    Lot# : 7503 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Download main picture Share
    Consular mail Services and their disruption during War 1737 (Jan 5): Entire letter from Constantinople to Marseilles with manuscript Forwarding Agent 'Les Freres Palm à Vienne le 9. fevr. 1737' notation on reverse showing French D'AUTRICHE in black and manuscript '19' Sols due on front. Illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 92. rnNote: Beginning in 1728 it was possible for merchant's mail to be included in the somewhat erratic Consular mail carried between Constantinople and Vienna. This service was of course cancelled in July 1737 when Austria entered the war against the Ottoman Empire on the side of its allies, the Russian Empire. This cover was despatched when Russia had already invaded the Khanate of the Crimea in 1736 whilst Austria itself was still reluctant to put troops in the field against the Ottomans.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 380 CHF

    Lot# : 7691 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 4/I+5/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Switzerland 1868 (March 24): Cover from Bucharest to Altstätten SG, endorsed "Via Wien", franked with 1867 Arms 10 s. blue and 15 s. brown, tied by "BUCAREST 24/3" cds's in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 714). Reverse with Vienna and Rheineck transit and Altstaetten arrival cds (March 31, 1868). On front, '3' kreuzer CM in blue crayon for onward postage beyond Austria. Some edge wear, but an attractive cover, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 431 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 570.rnNote: Rare usage of the 1867 definitive issue under Hungarian administration in the United Principalities, as these offices were closed in 1869.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,800 CHF

    Lot# : 7595 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 2/I+3/I+4/I
    Download main picture Share
    Largest regional expansion 1875 (April 4): Ladies envelope from Jerusalem to Rome, readdressed to Florence, franked with 1867 3 s. green, pair of 5 s. red, one with closed tear at top right and 10 s. blue, coarse whiskers, tied by "GERUSALEMME 5/4" cds's in black (Tranmer type D) with "P.D." alongside. Reverse with Lloyd Smirne and Brindisi transits as well as Roma and Firenze arrival cds's (April 17). An attractive franking to pay the 23 soldi rate to Italy (15 so. Lloyd and 8 so. Italy) on an appealing cover. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 297. Cert. Eichele (2008).
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,200 CHF

    Lot# : 7533 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian occupation of Moldavia and Walachia during the Crimean War 1855 (Aug. 20): Entire letter from Vienna to Baron du Mont, an officer at the Headquarter of the Austrian troops in Bucharest, returned to Vienna, '9' kreuzer in cash paid the military concession rate. Reverse with Hermannstadt transit and Fieldpost "K.K.FELDPOSTAMT No. 1 26/8" arrival (Tchilinghirian fig. 712) cds's in black and Vienna return cds (Sept. 10) in red. A rare and most unusual entire. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 151.rnNote: Austrian troops occupied Moldavia and Walachia in the summer of 1854 after the retreat of the Russian forces. The Austrian Consular Post Offices handled the Fieldpost of the Austrian troops and later, civilian mail also. The Fieldpost offices closed in March 1857 after the end of war and were converted into Consular Post Offices.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 7557 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Download main picture Share
    Trieste Rate Handstamps 1867: Unpaid Letter sheet from Alexandria to Frankfurt endorsed "via Trieste", struck with clear "ALEXANDRIEN 6 / 3" cds in blue (Tranmer fig. 5), two strikes of '15' rate handstamps (van der Linden 3152) alongside, reverse with Frankfurt distribution datestamp (10/3). An attractive usage, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 228. rnNote: In the second half of the 1850s, numeral rate handstamps were introduced primarily in Trieste to simplify the handling of the large volume of unpaid or underpaid incoming mail from the Levant. They were in kreuzer, silbergroschen and piaster currency depending on the destination of the charged item. In this case 15 kr. were charged for the Lloyd part from Egypt and 15 kr. for the part of the journey within the German-Austrian Postal Union.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 400 CHF

    Lot# : 7517 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Download main picture Share
    Early Consular Post offices 1818 (Sept. 19): Entire letter from Bucharest to Vienna showing two line "BUKUREST / in der Walachey" handstamp (similar to Müller 2008a; similar to but not the same as Tchilinghirian fig. 705, with second "U" in Bukurest) in black, vinegar disinfection, reverse with crisp Rothenturm 'SIGILLIUM  SANITATIS' disinfection strike and parts of corresponding wax seal still present, charged '14' kreuzer upon arrival. Some imperfections and typical doodle on front panel as usual with this correspondence, but an extremely rare early usage, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 134.rnNote: By the end of the Napoleonic Wars only five Consular Post Offices had been established, with one in Bucharest. The present handstamp is the second earliest handstamp introduced after those supplied to Constantinople.
    Starting bid : 3,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7650 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 2/I+3/I+5/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Great Britain 1874 (Jan 15): Double weight cover from Beirut to Cheltenham, franked with 1867 3 s. green, 5 s. red and 15 s. brown, all in horizontal pairs, tied by "BERUTTI 15 / 1" cds (Tranmer fig. 3) in black. Reverse with Cheltenham arrival cds (Jan 28). On front, manuscript '16' kreuzer in red crayon for onward postage beyond Prussia for a scond weight rate cover. Item with corner wear and tears on the reverse, three stamps with minor perforation irregularities, but an appealing three colour franking for the 46 soldi rate, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 395. Signed Edwin Müller. Cert. Ferchenbauer (1994).
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 550 CHF

    Lot# : 7711 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 3/I+5/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Postal Connections to Overseas - Australia 1869 (Aug 29): Entire letter from Smirna to Melbourne, Victoria, endorsed "Via Alexandria", franked with 1867 5 s. red and 15 s. brown in a horizontal pair, fresh and fine adhesives, tied by "LLOYD AGENZIE SMIRNE 29/8" cds in black (Tranmer fig. 8). Reverse with Alexandria transit (Sept 6) and Melbourne arrival (Oct 26) cds's. An attractive and rare entire to a very scarce destination at this date, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 481. Cert. Sorani (1995).rnNote: Rate was 10 soldi for the Levant up to Alexandria and 25 soldi for the British steamer from Suez to Australia.
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 3,800 CHF

    Lot# : 7616 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : France 12+13
    Download main picture Share
    Competitors of the Austrian Lloyd - France 1861 (July 20): Cover from Beirut to Constantinople, then forwarded to Vienna, endorsed "Par les Messag. Imp.", bearing France 1853 10 c. bistre. touched to large margins and horizontal pair of 20 c. blue, tied by light petits chiffres '3706' in black, Beyrouth despatch (July 20) and framed PD alongside. Reverse with French PO Constantinople arrival (July 31).  The receiver had left for Vienna, and the cover was forwarded, this time at the Austrian Post Office with Vienna arrival cds (Aug 9) in red on reverse and charged due at 35 kreuzer, 15 for Austria and 20 for the Levant. An interesting and appealing item, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 317.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 320 CHF

    Lot# : 7693 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 4/I + Greece 39
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Greece 1874 (March 30): Cover from Candia to Syra, franked with 1867 10 s. blue tied by "CANDIA 30/3" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 542). Reverse with Syra arrival cds (March 20). Upon arrival, the cover was charged for inland Postage with '20' lepta in blue crayon and two horizontal pairs of Large Hermes Head 1872 5 lepta green on greenish, ample to large margins all round were applied and tied by '67' numerals of Syra. Slight file fold through one of the stamps, but still an attractive cover full of character. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 432 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 603. Signed Calves.
    Starting bid : 600 CHF
    Hammer price : 750 CHF

    Lot# : 7632 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Catalogue# : 37/I + Turkey 15A
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    International postal connections to Europe - Ottoman Empire / Albania 1868c: Cover front from Ragusa to Scutari bearing 1867 coarse whiskers 5 kr. red in a horizontal pair, cancelled by two line "RAGUSA / 8 GIUo." datestamp, with Turkey 1 pi. yellow used as postage due alongside tied by light Scutari handstamp (Coles & Walker fig. 3 / Tchilinghirian fig. 498). Item shows the reduced Albania rate of 10 kreuzer, while the Turkish stamp paid the rate from Antivari harbour to Scutari. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 379. Cert. Velickovic (1983).
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 440 CHF

    Lot# : 7674 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : V20+V23
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Italy 1867 (June 28): Cover from Constantinople to Genova, endorsed "Via Varna & Vienne", franked with 1864 Arms 3 s. green and 15 s. brown in a horizontal pair, perf. 9½, tied by "CONSTANTINOPEL 28/6" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 387), "P.D." in black alongside. Reverse with Triest and Venezia transits and Genova arrival cds (July 5). File fold away from adhesives and datestamps, a rare and most attractive cover, illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 414 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 562. rnNote: 36 soldi rate via Varna and Vienna, underpaid by three soldi but not taxed.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 350 CHF

    Lot# : 7611 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Catalogue# : P1b+1/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Largest regional expansion 1875ca: Postal stationery postcard 4 s. red, the rare type with the narrow base of the '4' (Mi P1b), mailed from Jerusalem to Gross-Beesen near Guben in Prussia, additional franking of 1867 coarse whiskers 2 s. yellow, a fresh and fine example with vibrant colour and good perforations, cancelled by "GERUSALEMME 11/8" cds (Tranmer type D) in black. An attractive item and most unusual rate, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 311. Cert. Ferchenbauer (2020) Ferchenbauer = LP.rnNote: After the increase of the postcard rate from 4 to 5 soldi in 1875, the 4 soldi postcards were uprated with a 2 soldi stamp, thereby overfranking them by 1 soldi. 
    Starting bid : 400 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,800 CHF

    Lot# : 7626 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 3/I+5/I
    Download main picture Share
    Competitors of the Austrian Lloyd - Germany 1873 (June 19): Letter sheet from Beirut to Nettstal, Switzerland, endorsed "Voie de Trieste", franked with Austrian Levant 1867 5 s. red and 15 s. brown, two fine and fresh examples, each tied by light "BERUTTI" cds (Tranmer fig. 3) in black (19/6). Reverse with Triest and Chur-Zürich TPO and Nettstal arrival cds (July 6). A fresh and fine cover, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 389.rnNote: Comparing this item with to the lot before shows that the German service was cheaper than the Austrian one. Whilst Germany charged only 3½ gr. for a single rate cover, Austria charged 20 soldi = 4 groschen.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 250 CHF

    Lot# : 7658 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Norway 1868 (Dec 3): Unpaid entire letter from Constantinople to Trondheim, Norway struck with three line "LETTERE ARRIVATE / COL VAPORE / DAL LEVANTE" handstamp in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 99), "SVINESUND 16 / 12 1858" cds of the exchange office between Sweden and Norway in blue alongside. Reverse with transit cds's of Triest, Berlin and of the Danish Office in Hamburg. The cover handed directly to the Steamer and therefore in Trieste the 'Lettere arrivate' handstamp was applied together with a '7' silbergroschen rate handstamp. Danish and Swedish postage was added and '38' skilling due were noted on reverse. An attractive cover to an extremely rare destination from the Austrian Levant. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 401.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 1,800 CHF

    Lot# : 7537 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian occupation of Moldavia and Walachia during the Crimean War 1857 (Sept. 3): Entire letter from Fokschan to Paris struck with Fieldpost "K.K. FELDPOSTAMT 3s Ae Cs 3/9" (Tchilinghirian fig. 737) cds, French entry cds (Sept 14) in blue and framed postal contract handstamp "T.A." alongside. Reverse with Hermannstadt transit and Paris arrival cds's in black, the cover rastel punched and taxed with '22' décimes due on arrival. A late usage of a Fieldpost cancellation after the end of the War, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 153. rnNote: Most of the former Fieldpost offices received new postmarks after being re-converted into Consular Post Offices. Only those in Fokschan and Ploesti used the Fieldpost cancellers for some time after the War.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 7623 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : German Levant V19
    Download main picture Share
    Competitors of the Austrian Lloyd - Germany 1873 (Dec 11): Entire letter from Constantinople via Odessa to Vienna, endorsed "via Odessa", bearing German 1872 Large Shield 1 gr. carmine, a horizontal pair and a single example, tied by clear "KAISERL. DEUTSCH. P.A. CONSTANTINOPEL 11/12 73 12-1N." cds's in black. Reverse with Vienna arrival (17/12) cds. Some blunted perforations, an attractive and scarce usage, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 315, signed Richter & Georg Bühler.rnNote: Up to the foundation of the UPU, mail to the GAPU had a rate of 2½ gr. if sent via Varna, but 3 gr. if sent via Odessa.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 7682 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Italy 1874/75: Covers (2) from Constantinople to Prato via Vienna franked at the 23 soldi rate with 1867 coarse whiskers 3 s. green, 5 s. red and 15 s. brown; and 1875 cover from Smirna to Naples via Brindisi franked by 1867 pair of 2 s. yellow and two examples of 10 s., overfranked by one soldi but a very rare combination (signed Calves), both with the corresponding transits and arrival datestamps on reverse. A fresh and generally fine pair which display well together to show the validity of the 23 soldi rate be it overland or via the Mediterranean. Illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 418 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV at page 606.
    Starting bid : 300 CHF
    Hammer price : 300 CHF

    Lot# : 7534 Austrian Levant

    1 / 3
    Catalogue# : 5Y
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian occupation of Moldavia and Walachia during the Crimean War 1854 (Nov. 22): Entire letter from Vienna to Baron du Mont, an officer at the Headquarters of the Austrian troops in Bucharest, franked by bearing 1850/54 9 kr. blue, four large margins, paying the military concession rate, tied by "WIEN 22 / 11, 6 A." cds. Hermannstadt transit and "K.K.FELDPOSTAMT No. 1 30 / 11" Fieldpost arrival (Tchilinghirian fig. 712) cds's in black displaying well on the reverse. A rare and attractive incoming cover which opens well for display, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 151.
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 700 CHF

    Lot# : 7579 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian Levant Rates 1852 (Sept 23): Unpaid Entire letter from Salonica to Trieste struck with crisp two line "SALONICH / 23. SEPTEMBRE" datestamp (Tchilinghirian fig. 594) in black. Reverse with Semlin Quarantine handstamp, Semlin transit and Trieste arrival (Oct 5) cds's. Charged with '21' kreuzer upon arrival, the entire opens well for display. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 266 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 526. rnNote: The Levant rates were independent from the way of transportation, be it via the sea or overland. The receiver of this cover had to pay 21 kreuzer CM in total, 12 kreuzer for the overland transport to Semlin, but here in addition 9 kreuzer for third rayon tariff within Austria.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7649 Austrian Levant

    1 / 1
    Catalogue# : 4/I+5/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Great Britain 1871 (Sept 2): Cover from Varna to Manchester, franked with 1867 10 s. blue in a horizontal pair and 15 s. brown, tied by framed "LETTERE ARRIVATE / PER MARE / VARNA 2 / 9  / 71" in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 115) with "P.D." in red alongside. Reverse with Manchester arrival cds (Sept 8). On front, manuscript '8' kreuzer in red crayon for onward postage beyond Prussia. Item roughly opened, minor perforation irregularities at top, together with an unpaid 1872 envelope from Varna to Manchester.rnNote: Overfranked in error: the rate to the United Kingdom was reduced to 23 soldi in July 1870.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 280 CHF

    Lot# : 7590 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V21
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian Levant Rates 1867 (Sept 3): Cover from Constantinople to Langenau Bohemia, franked with 1864 Arms 5 s. rose in a vertical strip of three, perf. 9½, a fine and fresh multiple, cancelled by "CONSTANTINOPEL 3 / 9" cds's in black (Tchilingirian fig. 387). Reverse with Vienna, Reichenbach and Hayda transit cds's (Sept 9). An attractive cover with a relatively rare if unspectacular usage of the Arms issue for the new rate, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 275. Signed Ferchenbauer.rnNote: On October 15, 1866 the Levant rates were unified with 10 s. (5 s. for Austria and 5 s. for the Levant) to the Principalities and Albania and as in this case 15 soldi (5 s. for Austria and 10 s. for the Levant) to all other post offices.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 200 CHF

    Lot# : 7640 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 3/I+5/I+6/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - North German Federation 1869ca: Triple rate cover from Constantinople to Jena, franked with 1867 5 s. red, 15 s. brown and 25 s. lilac, tied by "CONSTANTINOPEL 26 / 1" cds (Tchilinghirian fig. 387) in black, reverse with Jena arrival cds (Feb 5). Cover was rastel punched for disinfection, the 25 soldi adhesive hit twice by the rastel punch. Some wear and carefully closed filing holes but a fine and scarce three colour franking. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 387.rnNote: The addressee is Johann Gustav Stickel (1805-1896), a theologian, orientalist and numismatist at Jena University.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : 460 CHF

    Lot# : 7700 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Russia 1866c: Unpaid cover from Beirut to St. Petersburg, struck with "BERUTTI 15/11" cds in brown (Tranmer fig. 3), reverse with oval Triest transit datestamp and Warsaw transit cds in red (Dec 7, Julian calendar). On front '10 / 15' soldi were noted for the Levant and Austria charges, in addition the total due of '27' kopecks. Cover roughly opened and shortened at top, but an appealing cover to an extraordinary destination at this date. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 438.rnNote: In spite of a Russian Levant Post Office in Beirut, this item was mailed via the Austrian Post. The rate includes 10 soldi for the Levant, 10 soldi for Austria and 15 soldi for Russia.
    Starting bid : 250 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7549 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian Lloyd Agency 1842 (June 6): Entire letter from the Dardanelles to Trieste, chisel slit for disinfection at Trieste on arrival, struck with oval framed "AGENZIA DEL LLOYD AUSTRIACO / Dardanelli" handstamp in black (Tranmer fig. 2). Cover part prepaid (note 14 kr. annotation on reverse), and further charge raised of 1+36 (kreuzer) to pay on arrival 1 kr. for disinfection fee and 36 kr. for ship rate. Triest arrival in red on reverse (June 19). A rare and most appealing entire, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 217.rnProvenance: Collection Hans Smith, Corinphila sale 182, Sept 2013, lot 1398.
    Starting bid : 750 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7622 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : NDP 16
    Download main picture Share
    Competitors of the Austrian Lloyd - North German Confederation 1871 (Aug 1): Letter sheet from Schleiz to Trapezunt, Turkey franked with North German Confederation definitive 1869 1 gr. carmine perf. 13¾ x 14¼, a single and a horizontal pair, each tied by superb "SCHLEIZ 1 8 71 6-7 N" cds, reverse with oval TRIEST cds (Aug 4) transit datestamp. An interesting and attractive item. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 324.rnNote: The Triest transit datestamp shows that this cover was transported as a single item from Germany through Austria to the Levant, a procedure which was forbidden as such mail should have been bagged according to the 1870 regulations.
    Starting bid : 200 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 7685 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : V20+6/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Papal States 1868ca: Cover front from Constantinople to Rome, endorsed "Via di Ancona", bearing 1864 Arms 3 s. green, perf. 9½, a horizontal pair in mixed franking with 1867 25 s. grey, all fine adhesives, tied by ornamental "CONSTANTINOPEL 8 / 5" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 385). Some toning, an interesting and appealing franking to cover the 31 soldi rate to the Papal States, an extremely rate destination from the Austrian Levant.rnNote: After unification of the Levant rates and the new unified Italy rates of 1866/67, a new rate to the Papal States of 16 kreuzer was introduced. This item shows 15 soldi for the Levant and the new Papal States 16 kr. rate, in total 31 soldi.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 420 CHF

    Lot# : 7633 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Saxony 1864 (Dec 30): Unpaid entire letter from Constantinople to Eberbach bei Löbau, endorsed "via Triest", struck with superb "CONSTANTINOPLEL 30 / 12" cds (Tchilinghirian fig. 387) in black. Reverse with Reichenberg and Oderwitz transit cds's (Jan 8). The front shows '20 / 15' kreuzer for Lloyd and Austria, respectively, the receiver was charged with '7' neugroschen. A fresh and fine entre depicting the standard rate from the Levant to the GAPU. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 380.rnNote: Due to the German-Austrian Postal Treaty the German States had the same rates to the Levant as Austria.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold

    Lot# : 7572 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 32+34
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Usage of Austrian stamps in the Levant 1865ca: Entire letter from Beirut to Constantinople franked by 1864 Arms definitive 5 kreuzer rose with closed tear and 15 kreuzer brown, each stamp tied by "BERUTTI 11/11" (Tranmer fig. 3) cds in brown. Reverse with light Constantinople Lloyd arrival cds (22/11). An extraordinarily scarce usage of Kreuzer adhesives in Beirut paying the postage between two Levant ports. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 263. Cert. Ferchenbauer (1991) Ferchenbauer = € 5'500+.rnNote: The adhesive stamps of these irregular kreuzer frankings are of lesser quality as they were either brought with the sender from Austria or were sent in the mail to cover postage home. 
    Starting bid : 500 CHF
    Hammer price : 500 CHF

    Lot# : 7556 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 2/I
    Download main picture Share
    Austrian Lloyd Rates 1871 (Aug 20): Entire letter written in the Dardanelles and sent to Constantinople, bearing 1867 3 s. green, a horizontal pair and a single, tied by manuscrirpt pen strokes. Reverse with Lloyd Constantinopoli arrival cds (21/8). Some aging around perfs. and overlapping edge of entire at top but an exceptionally rare rate. Illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 225 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on p. 536.rnProvenance: Collection Acterberg, DF, Geneva, Feb 2000, lot 10623.rnNote: Special rate between neighbouring ports of 9 soldi.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 350 CHF

    Lot# : 7681 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 2/I+4/I+5/I
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Italy 1873 (Jan 5): Double rate cover from Smirna to Genova, endorsed "via Brindisi", franked with 1867 3 s. green, two singles, 10 s. blue and 15 s. brown, two examples, tied by "LLOYD AGENZIE SMIRNE 4/1" cds in black (Tranmer fig. 8), "P.D." in black alongside. Reverse with Brindisi transit as well as Genova arrival cds (Jan 9). The 10 soldi stamp with fault, but an interesting three colour franking. Illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 417 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV on page 610. rn 
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 240 CHF

    Lot# : 7641 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    International Postal Connections to Europe - Great Britain 1849 (July 19): Prepaid entire letter from London to Constantinople, endorsed "Voie Ostende & Vienne", struck with 'Paid' despatch cds in red, "P." in oval in red and framed "aus England / per Aachen franco" in black alongside. Front with '2/3d.' in red manuscript, franco with '4' pence for Prussia  and '1/3d.' or '24' kreuzer as noted on reverse for Austria and the Levant. A fresh and fine entire, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 390.rnNote: Following the 1846 postal treaty between Prussia and the United Kingdom, mail could be sent fully prepaid to the Ottoman Empire.
    Starting bid : 150 CHF
    Hammer price : 220 CHF

    Lot# : 7573 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Catalogue# : 39/I
    Download main picture Share
    1 / 1
    Usage of Austrian stamps in the Levant 1871 (Sept. 16): Entire letter from Constantinople to Trieste franked by 1867 Austrian 15 kr. brown, a fresh and fine example, tied by ornamental "CONSTANTINOPEL 16/9" cds (Tchilinghirian fig. 386) in black. Reverse with oval Triest arrival datestamp (Sept 23). The cover rastel fumigated with a split hitting the stamp centrally, the stamp having been lifted and replaced. Rare usage in the Levant, a most attractive cover, illustrated in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 264. Opinion Holcombe (1990) Ferchenbauer = € 1'500.rnProvenance: Corinphila sale 83, Sept 1991, lot 5236.
    Starting bid : 350 CHF
    Hammer price : 350 CHF

    Lot# : 7513 Austrian Levant

    1 / 2
    Download main picture Share
    Impact of the Napoleonic Wars 1813 (March 8): Part paid entire letter from Smyrna to Lyon showing French framed 'CONSTANTINOPLE' and 'P.PAYE' handstamps in black with 'Milano LT' transit in red below. Prepaid '12' paras postage, and rated '14' décimes due upon receipt. The entire rastel punched and disinfected with vinegar, presumably at the border station in Kostajnica. Rare. Illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 102. rnNote: From May 1812 the French Postal administration established a separate postal service to Constantinople from Laibach. This cover is one of the few known before the PO was closed in late 1813.
    Starting bid : 600 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold
list | gallery
Sort list :