1868 Folded cover from Dardanelli to Constantinople, franked by 2nd Issue 20 paras green pair, to pay the single 1 piastre rate, tied by circular negative seal handstamp of DARDANELLI in blue with repeated srike at right reading “Chanak-kil’l / 1868 / Post Office / Egyptian Official” in Arabic, manuscript ‘franco’ and ‘par vapeur Egyptien’, backstamped POSTE VICE REALI EGIZIANE / CONSTANTINOPOLI / 9 DEC 68 circular datestamp, no sideflaps, an exhibition showpiece Rarity: One of just three recorded covers Provenance: Peter Smith (Image)

1876 (7.12) Folded letter sheet from Dardanelli to Metelino, franked 3rd Issue 20 paras gray and 1 piastre scarlet, tied POSTE EGIZIANE / DARDANELLI / 7 DICE 76 circular datestamp, backstamped on arrival V. R. POSTE EGIZIANE / METELINO / 7 DIC 76, a very fine and rare usage Note: The letter was sent by ship to the Forwarding Agent A. Xanthopoulidis at Dardanelles, who wrote “received on 6/12 and forwarded on 7/12" (Image)