Auction 250 - 256 Day 3

International Postal Connections to Europe - Malta 1873 (Feb 3): Stationery Envelope 1867 10 s. blue up-rated with 10 s. blue, a single and a horizontal pair, mailed from Candia to Malta, tied by "CANDIA 3/2" cds in blue (Tchilinghirian fig. 542), "P.D." in black alongside with '12½' centesemi credit marking in black. Reverse with Triest transit and Malta arrival cds (Feb 18). Some minor perforation irregularities mentioned for accuracy, a very attractive and fresh item of great visual appeal, and a very rare usage of a postal stationery envelope to a rare destination for Levant covers - in all probability a unique usage. Illustrated and discussed in 'Die Österreichische Post in der Levante' on page 425 and in the Ferchenbauer handbook part IV at page 699. Signed Holcombe.rnNote: From October 1869, the sender had to pay for mail from the Levant to Malta 15 soldi for the Levant part of the journey, 7 kreuzer to Austria, 11 kreuzer to Italy incl. the Steamer to Malta and 5 kreuzer to Malta itself, resulting in a total sum of 38 soldi, thus the cover is overfranked by 2 soldi.