Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

Austrian Consular P.O. in Beirut 1869 (Dec 23): Letter sheet to Genova, bearing 1867 Coarse Whiskers 10 so. blue, three fine and fresh single examples, tied by „BERUTTI 23 / 12“ cds in black (Tranmer fig 3), "P.D." in blue adjacent, in Brindisi a framed „PIROSCAFI POSTALI AUSTRIACI“ was struck aside. Reverse with ALEXANDRIEN and BRINDISI transit as well as GENOVA arrival (Jan 9, 1870) cds's. A late presentation of the wrong 28 soldi rate, here overpaid by a further two soldi, a rare franking. Signed Colla & Ferchenbauer.
Note: Until October 1866 a single 28 soldi rate to Italy was valid with 20 soldi for the Lloyd and 8 Soldi for Italy. However this rate was used in some offices without interruption also after in October 1866 the Lloyd part of the rate was reduced and even after a new tariff with Italy came into force in October 1867 with 10 soldi for the Lloyd and 15 soldi for Austria and Italy. The present cover is such an example where the sender had to pay 28 / 30 instead of 25 soldi. 
Provenance: Collection Dr. Anton & Elisabeth Jerger, Corinphila sale 140 (Nov 2004), lot 680.