360 / Mai 2015 London

1857: Cover mailed from Hong Kong to Turin addressed to the head of the Civil List of Private Patrimony to the King of Sardinia, endorsed at top 'Via Malta', struck on reverse with double HONG KONG cds in black (Dec 15) and MALTA double arc cds (Jan 22, 1858). The letter was held at Malta presumably for non-payment and the reverse marked 'Postaggio eragato dal Console di S.M. ni Malta - £ 1.85 al .... borsabile pressi i .. Bonafond'. The cover being sent on with manuscript 'Malta' used as cancellation on front and prepaid 1/6 d. in red manuscript. Three line PIROSCAFO / POSTALI / FRANCESI in red and Genova cds alongside in black (Feb 5) and TPO cds and Turin arrival on reverse with manuscript 'Recevuto 1.8 lire / 10 Febrario 1858'. An extraordinary and rare cover.