Auction 265th - 273rd - Day 4

Regno, combination usage of Sardinian and Italian adhesives 1863 (Dec 10): Fully prepaid Lettersheet from Pomponesco to Mantova, bearing Sardinia IV. emission 10 c. bistre 'bistro scuro' in an extraordinary mixed franking with Italy De La Rue 1863 (Dec) 15 c. sky-blue 'celeste chiaro', two fine and fresh adhesives, tied by clear POMPENESCO cds, information strike and "P.D." in red alongside. Reverse with Viadana and Cremona transit as well as Mantova arrival cds (Dec 11). A most appealing cover, the franking paying the letter rate from the first Italian to the first Austrian rayon. Signed A. Diena, Bolaffi & Raybaudi; certs. E. Diena (1981 & 1994) Serra & Zanaria 0,25 D = € 12'500.rnNote: An exceptional franking in the last possible month for a regular usage of the Sardinian stamps and the first possible month for a usage of the DLR adhesives.rnReference: Serra & Zanaria list only 18 covers with this combination on p. 402.