Lot #101 1854 envelope to Switzerland "per via de Madras" with Half-Length 3d blue SG 11 block of 4 (trimmed at the top, the lower units are both very fine) with two superb strikes of Barred Oval '1' & 'MELBOURNE/MY29E/ 1854/VICTORIA' d/s unusually on the face, superb strike of the Anglo-French 'COLONIES/&c ART 13' h/s in red overstruck with Calais TPO cds, various rate indicators, 'NEUCHATEL' arrival b/s in blue, minor blemishes. The third-earliest Victorian cover to Switzerland as per Ben Palmer's Cens

Description:

1854 envelope to Switzerland "per via de Madras" with Half-Length 3d blue SG 11 block of 4 (trimmed at the top, the lower units are both very fine) with two superb strikes of Barred Oval '1' & 'MELBOURNE/MY29E/ 1854/VICTORIA' d/s unusually on the face, superb strike of the Anglo-French 'COLONIES/&c ART 13' h/s in red overstruck with Calais TPO cds, various rate indicators, 'NEUCHATEL' arrival b/s in blue, minor blemishes. The third-earliest Victorian cover to Switzerland as per Ben Palmer's Census. [Prior to 1857, postage to foreign destinations could be paid only to the first British port, all further charges being paid by the recipient]