373. Auktion

1865, Steamer and Eagle 2 piastre red/blue, in nice deep shade from the upper right sheet corner, just touching outer frameline at lower right, tied by blue retta to folded letter from Smyrne to Taganrog, with blue senders cachet and Ropit Constantinople cds. alongside, a fine and attractive entire Provenance: Russian Ship, Dr Raymond Casey (2016)

1865, Steamer and Eagle 2 piastre, deep and fresh shade with wide, well balanced margins in combination with Imperial Russia Coat of Arms 10k. brown/blue, tied by blue retta to folded letter from Messina to Taganrog with cds. "РОПИТ КОНСТАНТИНОП. АГЕНТ. 27 II 68" on reverse, a very fine, rare and attractive combination cover, signed Faberge, A. Diena, Giulio Bolaffi and  certificate Holcombe (1990) Provenance: The Agathon Fabergé Collection (Harmer's of Bond Street, 1940, lot 200)                      The Julius Steindler Collection "Shipping Companies stamps" (Robson Lowe 1972, lot 439)                      Joseph Hackmey                      London 2015 Europhilex Rarities Auction (Global Philatelic Network, lot 384)