Corinphila Auction 284-290 Day 5

French Shipmail 1871 (June 7): Cover from Constantinople to Messina, bearing Bordeaux 80 c. rose 'vif' with fresh colour in a deep shade, large to huge margins all round, tied by Anchor lozenge with octagonal "CONSTANTINOPLE P. FR. U N° 1 7 JUIN 71" datestamp (Salles 882/1 = RR) and framed PD in black as well as oval FRANCO handstamp in blue alongside. Reverse with MESSINA arrival (June 19) cds. A superb franking on a sound cover, sent with the steamer 'Ebre' to France, correctly franked in the double rate to Italy. Signed A. Diena & Calves.