Lot no. 959

1903, Free Frank privilege asserted with red wax seal and violet numbered cachet to send ordinary letter from SARAPUL to Mont Athos. On reverse clear Kazan and Odessa transits and arrival mark of ROPIT AFON. The letter must have travelled directly by ship from Odessa to Athos ; if it had gone via Constantinople and then overland, the Free Frank privilege would not have extended into Ottoman territory. Very unusual item of Black Sea / Mediterranean ship mail