Corinphila Auction 284-290 Day 5

French Shipmail in the Levant 1858 (March 18): Cover from Constantinople to Milano, then under Austrian rule, bearing Napoléon imperf. 20 c. blue type I and 80 c. carmine, two fine adhesives with fresh colour, tied by light Anchor lozenge in black. Circular GANGE ship cds and framed PD, both in black alongside, both struck on the vessel on its way to the west. Upon arrival in Genova, three-line "PIROSCAFI POSTALI FRANCESI" and "N.A.", both in red were struck to the obverse. Reverse with GENOVA transit (March 26) and Austrian MILANO arrival (March 27) cds's as well as framed "PORTA LETTERE 1. DISTRIBUZIONE" in black. Vertical file fold behind the ship cds, stabilized with hinges, nevertheless an attractive item, the franking paying the 1 franc single rate from the Levant to Lombardy, the cover made its journey on board of the steamer 'Gange'. Signed Miro & Calves.