Auction Series 257-264 in Zurich Day 4

Coastal Ships - Helsingfors Area - Skärgårds Trafik Aktiebolag (STAB) 1873/86: 25 penni pale orange-brown & deep dull blue, imperforate, a used example on 1880 combination usage with 20 p. stationery envelope and 5 p. orange, mailed via Helsingfors (16/10) and St. Peterburg to Frankfurt, Germany, tied by barred oval 'S.T.A.B.' handstamp in black with further strike on cover above. Reverse with St. Petersburg transit and Frankfurt arrival (20/10). A famous and beautiful franking. Certs. Philatelic Foundation (1966), Gummesson (1997).rnProvenance: Corinphila sale 52, Oct 1967, lot 1163.
Catalogue 261: Stamp Issuing Steamship Companies