1863 (3.4) Envelope from Cairo to Florence, initially consigned to the “European Post” at Cairo, with “Posta Europea / Cairo” cds in centre, being subsequently transferred to the Italian P.O. at Alexandria, following payment of “Matraire” 1855 20c. light blue and 40c. red-carmine, both tied by blue “Alessandria D’Egitto / Poste Italiane” (repeated alongside) which was used in this colour only between March and June, with framed blue “Piroscafi / Postali / Italiani” at bottom, this mail being carried by an “Adriatico-orientale” Company vessel. Italian transits and arrival datestamp on reverse. Illustrated on page 824 of “La Posta Europea” handbook by Luca Biolato, an attractive and important showpiece

Rarity: A rare cover exhibiting a mixed franking with the “Posta Europea” marking, also featuring an interesting and scarce use of the 20c. denomination, which was withdrawn from use in Italy at that time (the remaining copies in Egypt being part of the stock which was previously sent to the Italian Consul)

Provenance: A. Mishrick, L. Biolato

Expertise: Cert. E. Diena (1981)