373rd Auction

1864/73, Steamer 1 penny green, proof from an engraved die on thin card (30x29mm), without gum, a very fine and unique item Provenance: ex collection E.F. Hurt                      described in  S. Ringstrom and H.E. Tester "The Private Ship Letter Stamps of the World - Part 2" page 21

Interpostal Seal: POSTE VICE REALI EGIZIANE Jsmailia with clear cds. "CANAL DE SUEZ CHANTIER 6 SEPT 68", typical crease at bottom, otherwise fine and scarce

Steamer 5 centimes green, four singles (transfer types 4,2,3,2)  all with good to clear margins, except corner of one stamp barely touched, with distinctive pen strokes on envelope with original letter datelined “Kantara, le 15 Aout, 1868, vertical filing fold, from Kantara to Monsieur Gérard, Agent d'Affaires, Port Said, reverse with cogwheel cancellation "PORT SAID 15 AUG EGYPTE" of the French Post Office, signed Ap. N. Gennaropoulo in red on reverse and certificate Holcombe (1991) and RPSL (2007). A truly magnificent franking of these rarities on cover, of which only two other similar frankings have been recorded, one of them is placed in the Ringström Philatelic Museum Provenance: ex Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II                       Collection Antonini (Corinphila, sale 85, October 1992)                      The Cihangir Collection (Corinphila 2000)                       Samir Fikry Collection (David Feldman 2011)                      illustrated and described in Ringstrom and Tester, Part 3, p. 93 (letter no. 16).                     shown among the World Rarities at Monaco 2009

Steamer 20 centimes blue, fresh colour with good margins all around, position 18 on the sheet of 120, with extensive wear just above the baseline and large into lower numeral 20, unused with large part original gum, a scarce and fine stamp, signed

1868, Steamer 20 centimes blue, block of 15, positions 44-46, 56-58, 68-70, 80-82, 92-94, in fresh colour with well balanced margins all around, with completely visible manufacturer watermark "LA + F", mint never hinged, a attractive and rare multiple

Steamer 20 centimes blue, two examples, each with small marginal imperfections, tied by lozenge of dots "5129" of Port Said to folded double-rate letter dated August 6, from Port Said to Ismailia. The letter contains the notification 'J'envoi trois documents...' confirming the double rate. An exceptional entire, number 6 in the 21 covers listed by Jean Boulad d'Humières, Ringstrom & Tester. The unique and stunning example of a double weight cover bearing two 20 centimes adhesives. Signed N. Gennaropoulo on reverse in red ink. Signed Sorani, Todd and certificate RPSL (1947) Note: 21 covers are recorded bearing the Suez Canal Company issue, of which 8 are cancelled by the 5129 gros chiffres,7 bear stamps cancelled in manuscript, 3 cancelled at Ismailia, 2 at Suez. Provenance: Collection R. Ackerman, USA (exhibited in Antwerp, 1930)                      Collection Ibrahim Chaftar, (Harmers of London, Dec 1960, lot 248)                      Collection Emile Antonini                      Collection Baron J. Von Uexkull                      Collection Ambassador L. Biolato                      Carmichael & Todd (2002)                      described and depicted in S. Ringstrom and H.E. Tester "The Private Ship Letter Stamps of the World - Part " page 84-85

Steamer 20 centimes blue, fresh colour, with small marginal imperfections, tied by lozenge of dots "5129" of Port Said to folded letter dated July 22, from Port Said to Kantara, minor soiling, an attractive and rare cover, being one of the 8 covers cancelled by the "5129", signed N. Gennaropoulo on reverse in red ink and certificate BPA (1976) Provenance: Stanley Gibbons Auction 1977                       described and depicted in S. Ringstrom and H.E. Tester "The Private Ship Letter Stamps of the World - Part " page 88