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Auction: 26015 - "The Treasure of the Eagles" Collection of Albania - Part I
Lot: 3098

(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)
Third Issue
1913 (Aug. 25). Cover to Hussowitz (Husovice, then Austria) sent by a Geschützmeister (Chief Gunner) aboard the Austro-Hungarian gunboat SMS "Magnet" in Vlorë, franked at double rate on reverse with 1913 2pi. black-blue and Italian Levant 1908 80pa. on 50c. (Sassone 2), each tied by bold strikes of "Vlonë" type 2 c.d.s. in violet. A very rare example of a mixed franking with Italian Levant. Michel 8.

note: The SMS "Magnet" was stationed at Vlorë in 1913 as part of the international naval presence following the Balkan Wars, tasked with monitoring the Albanian coastline, supervising the Serbian withdrawal, and supporting the newly established Albanian government against potential encroachments by neighbouring states. During this period, naval personnel occasionally sent correspondence also through the Austrian or Italian post offices operating in Albania. In this case, the sender may have applied an Italian Levant stamp to ensure that the letter would be accepted abroad at the same rate as the Albanian postage (80 para or 2 piastres), in case the Albanian stamp was not recognised at the destination, as had occurred with the country’s first two issues.

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

Estimate
£500 to £800

Starting price
£420