Lot 20225 – Cover from Gedda to Bombay, franked on the back of the cover with 1879 Provisional Issue 5 paras on 2 1/2 piastre violet, eight singles

Cover from Gedda to Bombay, franked on the back of the cover with 1879 Provisional Issue 5 paras on 2 1/2 piastre violet, eight singles in the form of a block + 3rd Issue 1 piastre red (defective), all tied POSTE KHEDEVIE / GEDDA / 10 MAR circular datestamp, similar circular datestamp on front with boxed BOMBAY / SHIP / LETTER / POSTAGE DUE 1 AN alongside, minor cvr fault & cvr crease, one of the most important showpieces of Egyptian and Saudi Arabia postal history, a unique usage Rarity: Only 3 other cover known used with the surcharged Provisional Issue, this is unique usage from Gedda, largest multiple of the 5 paras Provisional and also mixed franking with the 3rd Issue. Provenance: Schaefer