Lot 80213 – 1866 5p red-brown on lilac, roulette III, tête-bêche pair, on an 1869 (Jul 26) entire from Helsinki to Kristenestad

1866 5p red-brown on lilac, roulette III, tête-bêche pair, pos.22-21, one irregular tooth, along with normal pair, pos.23-24, and 20p bright blue on an 1869 (Jul 26) entire from Helsinki to Kristenestad, tied by Helsingfors cds with “ANK 29 / 7” arrival ds adjacent, paying the correct 40p rate for a long distance domestic letter, with ms “1 1/2” moderation note at top right that has not been followed, very fine, a cover of amazing freshness for such an important rarity of Finland and Scandinavia.

Of the seven recorded tête-bêche pairs, this is the only example found on cover.

Expertise: Cert. RPS (2008), Jussi Touri (2003).

Provenance: Ex Sundman (“Sibelius”, front cover of the catalogue) and Bill Gross.

Price on request.