Lot 20267 – 1872 (Jan 16) incoming envelope from Zurich to Egypt, with Swiss and Egypt mixed franking

1872 (Jan 16) incoming envelope from Zurich to Egypt, franked with 1867 10rp (2) and 30rp (SBK 38, 41) tied by Zurich Filiale cds, sent via Vienna and Trieste with transits on reverse, then by Lloyd Steamer to Alexandra, with an 1867 1pi red applied for onward transmission to Samanoud, tied by Alexandria cds with italic “Franca” below” probably indicating that the stamp was applied prior to the cover’s arrival in Alexandria, used during the “grace period” after the release of the January 1872 definitives.

Mixed frankings with Switzerland and Egypt are major Egypt rarities with only three recorded, this franking combination being unique.

Expertise: Signed R. Calves and Holcombe, cert. Rellstab (1988) and Todd (2017).

Provenance: Leslie R. Ray (illustrated in the Oriental Philatelic Magazine Nov. 1939).