227 : Europe & Overseas

Austrian Post Offices 1863 (May 13): Entire letter from Alexandria to Florence by Italian Steamer endorsed 'via di Trieste, Vapor diretto', struck on despatch with FRANCO (Tchilinghirian fig. A1) and ALEXANDRIEN datestamps in blue-green. Crossed to denote prepayment and struck with framed PIROSCAFI / POSTALI / AUSTRIACI in red with 'P.D.' in red alongside. Reverse with Ancona, Bologna and Firenze datestamps (May 23). An exceptional entire - one of just two recorded covers bearing this marking in red. Signed Todd AIEP.
Catalogue 227: EUROPE & OVERSEAS