Lot no. 8084

EGYPT-ITALY, 1869, Lettersheet to Limone, Italy, franked with 1867, Penasson 20 para green, 1 piastre and 2 piastre blue, all tied by cds. "CANAL DE SUEZ CHANTIER VI/21 MAI 69" with adjacent straight line "Franca" and on reverse transit marks of Ismailia, Alexandria and Triest, Italian railway mark "TORINO-CUNEO" and arrival mark. The letter was franked to be sent registered but was forwarded as ordinary letter, possibly because the small post office was overchangelled in doing it the requested way. Just 2 further entires have been recorded with the illusive "CHANTIER VI" cancellation, the one offered here is without doubt the most attractive and valuable one. An important item of Egyptian philately. Signed Giulio Bolaffi, A. Bolaffi, Alberto Diena and Silvio Sorani Provenance: Emile Antonini (85. Corinphila-auction, 1992), Samir Amin Fikry (David Feldman-auction, 2011)