Lot 20230 – 1871 (23.5) Folded letter sheet from Mersina to Beirut, franked by 2nd Issue 20 paras blue-green in horizontal pair

1871 (23.5) Folded letter sheet from Mersina to Beirut, franked by 2nd Issue 20 paras blue-green in horizontal pair, paying the 1 piastre ‘Port-to-Port’ rate, tied by V. R. POSTE EGIZIANE / MERSINA / 23 MAG 1871 circular datestamp, repeated strike at right, backstamped on arrival V. R. POSTE EGIZIANE / MERSINA / 26 MAG 1871, exhibition showpiece

Rarity: This is the unique 2nd Issue cover used in Mersina

Note: The route would have involved stops at Alexandretta, Latakia and Tripoli

Provenance: Peter Smith

Expertise: Signed Roger Calves