Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

Russian P.O. in Acre 1871 (Oct 2): The famous cover from Acre to Beirut franked at Ship rate of 6 kopeks with pair of 1868 3 kop. green, perf. 11½, cancelled by the unique framed floral handstamp of Acre in blue (Tchilinghirian fig. 224) with Nicola Datodi sender's cachet below and reverse with over-inked "PORT BEIRUT" datestamp in blue (Tchilinghirian fig. 217). Slight file fold crossing the adhesives but not detracting at all from the marvellous appearance. A tremendous rarity for the connoisseur of both Russian and Levant Postal History. Cert. Sorani (1985).
Reference: This cover is mentioned and discussed on page 161 of Tchilinghirian & Stephen.
Provenance: Fabergé collection, Harmer’s London (Jan 1940), lot 251; E. Tolkowsky collection; Corinphila sale 173 (April 2004), lot 806.