Lot 20717 – 1923 (Oct) Registered cover sent by Gen. Tellini, Commander of the Boundary Commission between Albania and Greece

1923 (Oct) Registered cover sent by the Italian General Tellini, the Commander of the Boundary Commission between Albania and Greece from its location in Albania, addressed to his family in Florence, the envelope showing heading “Commission Internationale/De/Delimitation des Frontières de l’Albanie”, with matching three-line handstamp and red wax seal on reverse, but reading in Italian “Commissione Internazionale/Delimitazione Confini d’Albania/Delegazione Italiana”; the cover was franked on origin by the sender with “Floreale” 1L pair, but tied in transit at Brindisi when entering Italy on 16.10. A unique and fascinating usage.

Note: The General Tellini will be assassinated in the execution of his duty with this Commission while he was in Janina (Greece) and Santi Quaranta (Albania). In relation to the murder of the General and his assistants, in August 1923 Italy will occupy for almost one month the Island of Corfu (see the corresponding section “Corfu 1923” in this auction sale); this occupation will only end when the guiltiness will be acknowledged by Greece and the related compensation will be paid to Italy as requested.