Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

French Post Office in Aleppo 1865 (Nov): Quadruple rate Letter sheet from Aleppo via Alexandretta to Marseille, opened up for display, bearing on reverse in total 20 examples of Napoléon perforated 10 c. bistre in multiples and singles, the adhesives tied by Gros chiffres '5079' numeral of Alexandretta, a matching "ALEXANDRETTE SYRIE 13 NOV 65" cogwheel cds struck on obverse. The adhesives tied in addition by framed PD and "SMYRNE TURQUIE" transit cds (Nov 17), both in black. Front struck upon despatch with two line "POSTE FRANÇAISE / D’ALEP“ handstamp in blue and framed "PAQUEBOTS DE LA MÉDITERRANÉE" handstamp in red. As to be expected from a franking of that size, minor imperfections occured, nevertheless a most exceptional way to pay the 200 c. rate for a quadruple cover. Signed Calves.
Note: The fourth rate was also noted in blue crayon on the front. Because of this it is not understandable to the describer why the cover was taxed with '40' décimes in handwriting, being the port du rate for an unpaid or underpaid fourth weight rate cover in the 1857 tariff. Did the postal officer not realize that the franking and the PD handstamp is on reverse? There is in addition a handwritten note "affranchi pli" on the front whose meaning stays unclear.
Provenance: Collection Cihangir, Corinphila sale 121 (May 2000), lot 2882.