Auction #503 of Greece Large Hermes Heads

29 September 1861, 2 days before the issue of the stamps, an unpaid cover posted from Constantinople to Spetsai, cancelled with preadhesive "ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΙΣ ΤΟΥΡΚΙΑ*29 ΣΕΠΤΕΜ 1861" with manuscript postage rate to be paid "80", via "ΠΕΙΡΑΙΕΥΣ (2)*2 ΟΚΤ. 61" and "ΑΘΗΝΑΙ (1)*2 ΟΚΤ. 1861", arr. "ΣΠΕΤΣΑΙ (66)*5 ΟΚΤ. 61". On arrival, according to article 95 of the 15 September 1861, taxed with 80l. rose-carmine with plate flaw "line on the Greek border" (pos.69) and cancelled with dot. "66". Article 95:Letters and printed matter, if any, that happened to be in the post offices on September 30 1861, upon payment of the postages in cash, would have a stamp affixed equal to the postage paid. Thus, these letters and printed matter, postmarked with the date canceller of the day were received, must be forwarded to their destination by first postal dispatch. (Philotelia N.323, 1954) A COVER OF GREAT IMPORTANCE CONNECTING THE PRE-ADHESIVE ERA WITH THE STAMP PERIOD.