Lot no. 8096

STRAITS SETTLEMENTS-AUSTRIA, 1865 (ca.), double rate cover from Penang, prepaid untill Alexandria with 2 copies India 1856, 8 annas pale carmine, cancelled by indistinct "B147", the left stamp tied by red double circle "PENANG PO". On front manuscript "2/-" for the prepayment till Alexandria; in Trieste originally charged with "15" (kreuzer), but crossed out and substituted with "30" for the double rate. On reverse rare framed "C.S. TRIEST 9-II VORM.", temporarily used on letters arriving from the Greek post office at Corfu. The right stamp with upper right corner perf bend over, otherwise fine. A scarce entire. Signed Holcombe with certificate (1997) (SG India 49) Note: The sender company Schmidt, Küstermann & Co. was established in 1863.