Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

French Post Office in Alexandretta, Ingoing from Aleppo 1871 (Aug 23): Letter sheet from Aleppo via Alexandretta to Marseille, bearing Bordeaux 80 c. rose, a fresh and fine example, tied by Gros chiffres '5079' numeral of Alexandretta, a matching "ALEXANDRETTE SYRIE" cogwheel cds, framed PD in black, and framed "PAQUEBOTS DE LA MÉDITERRANÉE" handstamp in red alongside. Reverse bears Turkey Dulos 1 pi. yellow (def.) and 20 pa. green, tied by crisp triple-framed Arabic HALEP despatch handstamp with bilingual ALEP despatch (Aug 22), "BEYROUTH SYRIE" transit, and MARSEILLE arrival (Sept 4) cds's. A rare use of the Bordeaux issue on this combination cover.