Auction Series 257-264 in Zurich Day 3

1607/1814: Collection "Les Echelles du Levant" - Letters of European Traders with the Ottoman Empire in the 17th and 18th centuries comprising 32 entire letters in French or Italian from or referring to the Levant trade of major European trading houses in Constantinople (Pera and Galata) and Smyrna, including 17th century letters (4), with 1607 letter from Pera to the French Ambassador in Venice, 1698 letter with attached string to 'Vernaccia  & Davanzatti'  in Livorno, 18th century maritime mail with captain's letters, 1732 rare bill of lading with typical levantine merchandise listed as cotton, goat hair, coffee and opium for a ship leaving Smyrna to Salonique, Alexandrette and Alexandria; further commercial letters to well known traders - Caraggiani, Roux, Bonifaccio, Borelly and Clary with disinfected examples noted. In addition, two printed French Royal Decrees (1737 and 1791) and an 1814 bill of lading from Trieste to Constantinople and Smyrna. A fine postal history collection, viewing recommended.
Catalogue 257: EUROPE & OVERSEAS