Lot 30671 – 1875, Incoming cover from Zofingen (Aargau) to Aleppo, Syria

1875, Incoming cover from Zofingen (Aargau) to Aleppo, Syria bearing Switzerland 1868 25 Rp. green ”Sitzende Helvetia” issue, a fresh example with usual perforations, tied by clear despatch cds ”ZOFINGEN 12.X.75”. Transit postmarks TORINO (Oct 14), BRINDISI (15 Oct), Italian P.O. ”ALESSANDRIA D‘EGITTO” (Oct 21), French P.O. ”ALEXANDRIE EGYPTE” (Oct 29), ”BEYROUTH SYRIE” (Nov 2) and ”ALEXANDRETTE SYRIE” (Nov 5). Upon arrival the PD handstamp was crossed out and the cover was rated with ‚9‘ décimes postage due. In October 1875 the GPU treaty was already in force in Switzerland and the majority of the European countries, while France did not join until January 1st, 1876. The 25 Rp. franking and the PD handstamp had therefore been applied erroneously, thinking that the GPU rate was also valid to the French P.O. in Alexandretta. However at that point in time, the bilateral contracts were still in force with 90 centimes for an unpaid letter to a French P.O. in the Levant. The last part of the journey from the French office in Alexandretta to Aleppo was most likely done by courier. Only five covers franked with this issue are known sent to Syria, with a postage due handstamp it is unique.