360 / Mai 2015 London

5 penni carmine-brown on pale lilac laid paper, the famous horizontal tête-bêche pair (positions 22-21) used on 1869 entire letter in combination with 5 p. carmine-brown horizontal pair (positions 23-24) and single 20 p. bright blue to Kristinestad, all Type III roulettes, tied by five 'Helsingfors' datestamps (26/7) in black. The tête-bêche pair with one slightly short tooth at upper left of no significance and minute closed tear in the 20 p., however of stunning appearance, with boxed 'Ank' arrival marking (29/7) at right. The manuscript annotation '1½' has been ignored and the cover is correctly rated for an internal long distance letter (over 200 versts / 220 kms.) at 40 penni. The cover was originally found in an old family archive in Vassa and was initially acquired privately by Chr. Sundman and later sold by him through Corinphila in April, 2003. The major highlight of the Finland Rouletted Issue, with just seven tête-bêche pairs known and unique on cover. An item of great beauty in near immaculate condition, a World Philatelic Rarity. Cert. Tuori (2003), RPS (2008) Scott 12e = without price/Facit = without price. Provenance: 'Sibelius' (Sundman), Corinphila sale 135 (April 2003), lot 1169; Bill Gross (May 2008), lot 1036.

1856, 10 kop. carmine-red on wove paper, horizontal pair with good to large margins, nice fresh colour, both stamps with pen cross and tied by clear central "HELSINGFORS 19/3 1859" to small cover with adjacent red "Aus Russland Franco" to Tharand in Saxony with distribution mark and railway mark "KÖNIGSBERG Pr./ BROMBERG" on reverse; the left stamp of the pair with marginal crease just touching the frame and light marginal bend at bottom, where affixed at the edge of the cover. A fine cover with rare destination; certificate Schwenson (2009).