Auction Series 257-264 in Zurich Day 4

Russian Company for Steam Navigation & Trade 1879: Thin '7' on 10 kop. carmine & green, surcharged in black, a used example on 1880 cover to Odessa neatly tied by KONSTANTINOPOLSK / AGENTSVO circular datestamp (Aug 7) in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 14, this being the example used for the handbook). Reverse with Odessa cds of receipt (Aug 9) in black. A few opening tears to envelope on reverse but a very rare stamp on letter. Signed Herbert Bloch. Cert. APS (1997).rnProvenance: Collection Gordon Torrey, Corinphila sale 99, June 1997, lot 8937.
Catalogue 261: Stamp Issuing Steamship Companies