ROPiT 1865: 2 pi. blue & rose without rose underlying below "R.O.P.i.T.", fresh colour and large margins all round showing part of the cutting lines on three sides, fold in the upper part, tied by framed "P.P." in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 148) and two strikes of "COMPAGNIE RUSSE DE NAVIGATION SMYRNE" cds in black (Tchilinghirian fig. 150) to outer letter sheet to Mersina. The rare datestamp of Smyrna is described by Tchilinghirian to be used in blue and was thought to be used only on incoming mail to Smyrna which is here proved not to be the case. In spite of its faults a rare and appealing cover. (Image)