Auction 250 - 256 Day 4

Beirut, Paquebot 1861 (Dec 21): Letter sheet from Beirut to Constantinople with receiver's docketing 'Beyrouth 21 Dec 1861' franked with 1853 Napoléon imperforated 10 c. bistre and vertical pair of 20 c. blue, all in type I, tied by Ancre lozenge, "CARMEL 21 DEC 61" ship cds in black alongside, reverse with Constantinople arrival cds (Jan 4). The cover was underfranked, an "AFFRANCHISSEMENT INSUFFISANT" handstamp was applied and the receiver had to pay '15' décimes. The 10 c. bistre shows a pre-use pinhole at base, file fold well away from the adhesives, a rare and attractive cover at double rate.