Auction Series 257-264 in Zurich Day 4

Russian Company for Steam Navigation & Trade 1868 (March 10): Inscribed P.O.Π.и.T (ROPiT) 2 pi. deep blue and rose, a used example with large even margins on three sides and ample margin at top, tied to 1868 cover addressed to the British Consul Agent in Samsun tied by dotted lozenge in blue with fine ROPIT / CONSTANTINOP. AGENT datestamp (20/IIII) well struck in blue (Tchilinghirian fig. 8) adjacent. The cover opens well for display showing PORT SAMSOUN datestamp of receipt (April 23) in blue (fig. 121) on reverse. A fine and rare cover. Signed Holcombe.rnProvenance: Corinphila sale 70, March 1984, lot 2167.
Catalogue 261: Stamp Issuing Steamship Companies