Auction 250 - 256 Day 3

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.