Lot no. 8011

BELGIUM-GREECE, 1864, entire letter from Anvers to Athens, franked with 3 copies 1863/65, 40 centimes carmine, tied by clear numeral "12". All stamps have a heavily shifted horizontal perforation and therefore cut by scissors at top and bottom. Manuscript notations "1.08" (francs) in red for the Prussian share and "f5" (silbergroschen) in blue for the postage beyond Trieste. On reverse transit mark of Trieste (15.6.) and Athens arrival mark (10.6. Julian calendar). The upper right stamps slightly affected by a horizontal cover crease, otherwise fine and fresh. This is the only recorded Belgian letter via Trieste to Greece (the usual and cheaper route being the one via Marseille). A marvellous item.