Lot 60229 – A unique mixed franking combination used in Cyprus

A unique mixed franking combination used in Cyprus

1868 (Dec 23), Envelope from Larnaca to Lons-le-Saunier, Jura, France, bearing Lombardy-Venetia 1864 Arms 15 s. brown perf. 9½ in combination with Austrian Levant 1867 Coarse whiskers 25 s. grey-lilac, two fresh examples with good perforation, the Arms adhesive with a minor scratch at right not mentioned on any of the certificates, tied by “LARNACA DI CIPRO 23 / 12” cds (Tranmer fig. 3) in the typical brownish black, “P.D.” in brownish red and French “AUTRICHE – LANSLEBOURG AMB 2 JANV. 69” entry cds in red alongside, reverse with Bureau de Passage ‘1307’ and LONS-LE-SAUNIER arrival (Jan 3, 69) cds.

An amazing combination cover, the 40 soldi franking paying correctly the 1857 rate to France with 15 soldi for the Lloyd and 25 soldi for France, according to our research only two mixed frankings between the Lombardy-Venetia issues and the Austrian Levant issues exist on cover used in Cyprus, both originate from the same correspondence to France. The combination 25 s. + 15 s. and the other 10 s. + 15 s. (pair) are both unique and mentioned in the Castle Handbook. A major Cyprus rarity.

Expertise: Certificates E. Diena (1991) and A. Goller BPP (2023),

Provenance: V.H. Richardson (Robson Lowe, 6 July 1960, lot 27) where also the other known mixed franking cover was offered, Rivolta (Harmers International Lugano, 13-14 February 1992, “Levante”, lot 549) and Hassan Shaida.