Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 26015 - "The Treasure of the Eagles" Collection of Albania - Part I
Lot: 3005

(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)
Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania
1851 (April 24). Entire letter from Carlo Pooten, Bishop of Maronia and Apostolic Administrator of the Religious Mission in Antivari, Ottoman Albania, with the rare negative seal of the Mission at top left, sent to the President of the Central Council of the Charity for the Propagation of the Faith in Lyon, France. The letter was originally intended to be shipped from Cattaro (Kotor), but was unexpectedly carried inland to Karlovac (Karlstadt), likely due to a problem with sea transport; after crossing Austrian Empire territories via Lombardy-Venetia and Switzerland, it entered the Swiss Confederation at Basel for onward transmission to France, following a long and rare route. Postmarks include “P.D.”, Cattaro d.s. (30.4), “über/Basel”, red French entry c.d.s., and the oval “7/AED” (“Affranchie à l’Étranger jusqu’à Destination”), all on front, with backstamps in Karlstadt and Lyon. A fascinating and very rare usage.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£400 to £700

Starting price
£350