CORINPHILA AUCTIONS 297 - 308 Day 7

Italian Post in Alexandria - Egypt, Usage of Sardinian stamps 1863 (Oct 20): Registered double rate envelope from Alexandria with Italian vessel to Genova, bearing Sardinia 1855/63 80 c. orange (2) and pair 10 c. bistre, four fresh examples with bright colours, overall large margins, cancelled on the steamer by perfect framed "PIROSCAFI POSTALI ITALIANI" in blue, another strike of this handstamp, "ALEXANDRIA D'EGITTO / POSTE ITALIANE" despatch cds and framed RACCOMANDATO, all in the same blue shade alongside. Reverse struck with ANCONA transit (Oct 25), Ancona - Bologna ambulant and "GENOVA / ASSIC. E RACCOM." arrival (Oct 26) cds's, all in black. The 10 c. pair shaved at top left touched by a small nick, in spite of this imperfection an amazing cover of utmost attractiveness, a dreampiece for an advanced collection of the Italian offices abroad or Egypt. Signed A. Diena; cert. Colla (1999) Zanaria & coworkers 1,80 A unpriced.rnNote: In 1863 the rate from the Italian post office to Italy was 80 centesimi using a French vessel, but only 60 centesimi using an Italian one. There are only two known covers sent registered from Alexandria, this paying correctly and most attractively twice 60 c. for the postage via the Italian way plus 60 c. registration fee.rnReference: Displayed and discussed in Zanaria, Serra & dal Negro - Catalogo strorico-postale dei francobolli in uso negli uffici postali italiani all'estero 1852-1890, on page 192.