"The Treasure of the Eagles" Collection of Albania - Part I
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"The Treasure of the Eagles" Collection of Albania - Part I
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Showing 181-192 of 192 items.
# 3181 - Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1930, Definitive Issue, 1q. to 5fr., c... »
Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1930, Definitive Issue, 1q. to 5fr., complete set of 11 values in very fine full sheets of 100 unmou...
£300 to £600
# 3182 - Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1930, King Zogu I Airmail Issue, 5q. t... »
Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1930, King Zogu I Airmail Issue, 5q. to 3fr., complete set of seven in imperforate plate proofs in f...
£2,500 to £4,000
# 3183 - Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1933 (May 1st). 1st Südamerikafahrt, r... »
Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1933 (May 1st). 1st Südamerikafahrt, registered cover from Vlonë to Recife, Brazil, with the corresp...
£150 to £250
# 3184 - Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1933 (June 1st). 2nd Südamerikafahrt,... »
Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1933 (June 1st). 2nd Südamerikafahrt, registered cover from Vlonë to Recife, Brazil, with correspond...
£150 to £250
# 3185 - Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1938 (May 14). Commercial cover from Z... »
Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939) 1938 (May 14). Commercial cover from Zerqan to Dübendorf, Switzerland, bearing 1930 25q., tied by "z...
£250 to £400
# 3186 - German Occupation (1943-1944) The Unique Complete Set in Full Sheets w... »
German Occupation (1943-1944) The Unique Complete Set in Full Sheets with the "1943" Errors 1943, 1q. on 3q., complete set of 14 val...
£10,000 to £20,000
# 3187 - German Occupation (1943-1944) 1943 (Oct. 23). Registered commercial e... »
German Occupation (1943-1944) 1943 (Oct. 23). Registered commercial envelope from a law firm from Tirana to Elbasan, correctly payi...
£200 to £400
# 3188 - German Occupation (1943-1944) 1944, Aid for the Victims of the Air Ra... »
German Occupation (1943-1944) 1944, Aid for the Victims of the Air Raids, 5q. + 5q. to 3fr. + 1.50fr., complete set of seven values...
£700 to £1,200
# 3189 - Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943) Berat. 1943, 25q. on 15q. red, ov... »
Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943) Berat. 1943, 25q. on 15q. red, overprinted with five-pointed star within the silhouette of a do...
£150 to £300
# 3190 - Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943) Berat. 1943, 1q. slate, 1q. on 2q... »
Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943) Berat. 1943, 1q. slate, 1q. on 2q. olive, 2q. olive, 3q. brown (sheet margin at left), and 5q....
£700 to £1,200
# 3191 - Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943) 1943, 2q. olive, marginal pair, a... »
Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943) 1943, 2q. olive, marginal pair, and single 5q. green, overprinted in red with a five-pointed st...
£3,000 to £5,000
# 3192 - People’s Republic of Albania (1946–1976) 1945, Overprinted 1fr.sh. on... »
People’s Republic of Albania (1946–1976) 1945, Overprinted 1fr.sh. on 30q. to 5fr.sh. on 2fr., the highest four values of the first...
£500 to £800
Albanian Occupation of Dibër (1913)
(x) Albanian Occupation of Dibër (1913)The Most Important Item1913 (Sept. 23 or 24). Cover from Dibër to Peqin, probably dispatched on the 23rd or 24th, franked by "DIBER" overprinted stamps of the Albanian occupation, including 10pa. blue-green (2) and 20pa. rose, both representing all Albanian stamps issued for this territory, tied by "diber/shqipenie/1913" single circle, the primitive undated cancellation provisionally produced for the occupation, showing transit c.d.s. of Elbasan at left. Some minor creases not affecting the franking. The most spectacular of the only three letters known wi...
Albanian Republic (1925-1928)
(x) Albanian Republic (1925-1928)1925 (May 31). Registered commercial cover from Shkodër to Vienna, franked on back by vertical block of ten of 1915 5q., showing thin "R" of "Republika" at lower left, tied by dispatch c.d.s.'s. A very scarce multiple on cover. Michel 120.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Albanian Republic (1925-1928)1925 (Sept. 20). Insured commercial cover for 1,450 gold francs, weighing 56 grams, from Tirana to Trieste, Italy, franked at 295 qindar with 1925 10q. pair, vertical strip of three and two singles, and 25q., one single, vertical strips of three and five, tied by dispatch c.d.s.'s. The reverse with bari ferrovia (22.9) c.d.s. Vertical fold not detracting from this spectacular and unique franking. Michel 121, 122.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Albanian Republic (1925-1928)1926 (March 1st). Cover from Durres to Bologna, Italy, franked with 1925 10q. perf. 13½, paying the rate from Tirana to Durres, additionally franked with Italian 60c. to cover the Durres–Bari maritime line carriage and domestic postage within Italy, each tied in Bari by “Bari/(Sezioni Riunite)” c.d.s., repeated alongside, backstamped on receipt. A very scarce mixed franking. Michel 136A.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Albanian Republic (1925-1928)1926 (Nov. 2). Registered 10q. postal stationery envelope from Tirana to Vienna, uprated on the reverse to cover the 50q. registered foreign rate with a marginal strip of four of 1925 10q., perf. 13½, all tied by dispatch c.d.s.'s. A very scarce usage of registered stationery. Michel 136A.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Albanian Republic (1925-1928)1926 (Jan. 26). 10q. stationery envelope to Shkodër, redirected to Tirana, tied by very fine blue c.d.s of Bilisht, with Korçë (27.1), Shkodër (2.2) and Tirana (2.2) backstamps. A rare cancellation from a locality with about 1,500 inhabitants.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Albanian Republic (1925-1928)1927, Second Anniversary of President Zogu, the high values in unmounted half sheets of 50, the 1fr. from the upper part, the 3fr. and 5fr. from the lower half with marginal Greek imprint at base, also including a block of four of the 5fr. Very fine and scarce. Michel 158A, 160A, 161A; €1,015+.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
Austrian Albania (1797-1806; 1814-1918)
(x) Austrian Albania (1797-1806; 1814-1918)Budua1844 (March 30). Entire letter from the Bishop of Shkodër (Scutari), Apostolic Mission of Pulati, to Baron de Jessé, President of the Central Council of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith in Lyon, France, bearing a neat strike of the oval "budua" postmark, red “TS” transit handstamp applied in the Kingdom of Sardinia, red French entry c.d.s., and French “13” décimes due h.s. on front; initially charged on reverse with manuscript “10” kr. The letter was exceptionally posted at the port of Budva (Budua) rather than via the usual rout...
(x) Austrian Albania (1797-1806; 1814-1918)Cattaro1833 (March 22). Incoming entire letter from Porto Rose on the north-eastern Adriatic coast to Budua (Budva) on the Montenegrin coast of “Austrian Albania”, routed through the port of Cattaro (Kotor), where it was disinfected. The reverse displays the extremely rare “del. mar. sanitaria i.r. del porto di cattaro” (“Imperial Royal Maritime Health Delegation of the Port of Kotor”) disinfection seal, applied on arrival (the only such disinfection seal used at this port). The contents include an exchange of information between the municipal admini...
(x) Austrian Albania (1797-1806; 1814-1918)Cattaro1843 (Jan. 27). Registered entire letter from the Austrian Consulate in Shkodër to the Imperial Consul of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in Venice, showing on the reverse the corresponding negative handstamp of the Consulate, with a signed notation and a manuscript red cross below indicating disinfection at the Lazaret of Castellastua, before being forwarded to the Austrian Post Office of Cattaro (Kotor), where it was struck with the Austrian “Cattaro” linear postmark, together with the “5. Feb.” datestamp, "raccom." denoting registration, and...
(x) Austrian Albania (1797-1806; 1814-1918)Cattaro1850 (Jan. 10). An unusual incoming cover from Venice to Rafo Barisic, Bishop and Apostolic Vicar of Herzegovina, at the Monastery of the Most Blessed Virgin in Shèrobregh (Siroki Brijeg, Bosnia and Herzegovina), bearing three different Austrian two-line d.s.: Venice on the front, and Cattaro (Kotor) and Ragusa (Dubrovnik) on the reverse. In Ragusa, the letter was taken in charge by the local Diocese, which governed the ecclesiastical province including Herzegovina, and was then forwarded directly to the final addressee through internal church...
Austrian Levant & Ottoman Postal Interaction in Albania (1869-1870)
(x) Austrian Levant & Ottoman Postal Interaction in Albania (1869-1870)1869 (July 20). Cover from Pest to Scutari, bearing Austria 1867 Coarse Printing 5kr. red, pair and single, paying 5kr. for the overland rate and 10kr. for the coastal maritime carriage, tied by "Pest Dél Ötán" c.d.s.'s, with application in Scutari of Turkey 1869 1pi. yellow, cancelled by a superb strike of "scutari d'albanie" (29.7) small thimble c.d.s. in blue. Small gum stains impinging on the Turkish franking and not detracting. An extremely rare cover from this origin featuring a mixed Austrian-Ottoman franking.proven...
(x) Austrian Levant & Ottoman Postal Interaction in Albania (1869-1870)1870 (Feb. 8). Cover from Venice to Shkodër (Scutari), endorsed "Via Trieste-Col Valore Austriaco di Antivari", franked by Italy 1866 60c. (Sassone T21), tied by "196" dotted lozenge with matching dispatch c.d.s. and adjacent "P.P.", oval d.s. of Trieste (9.2) on reverse, blue "scutari d'albanie" small thimble (19.2) c.d.s. on obverse, together with Turkey postage-due 1869 1pi. (Michel 12Aa) at lower left, paying the inland Ottoman Antivari–Scutari carriage by horse courier, tied by "Iskodra/81" double circle in Arabic for...
(x) Austrian Levant & Ottoman Postal Interaction in Albania (1869-1870)1870 (March 4). Cover from Venice to Shkodër (Scutari), endorsed "Via Trieste-Col Valore Austriaco di Antivari", bearing Italy 1866 60c. (Sassone T21), tied by "196" dotted cancel with corresponding Vencie c.d.s. at left, Austrian "scutari d'albanie" small thimble c.d.s. in blue on March 11, and Turkey postage-due 1869 1pi. (Michel 12Aa) at lower left, used to cover the Antivari-Scutari inland carriage by horse courier, tied by "Iskodra/81" double circle in Arabic in blue. Struck in transit in Trieste on the reverse. A rare...
(x) Austrian Levant & Ottoman Postal Interaction in Albania (1869-1870)1870 (June 21). Entire letter from Shköder (Scutari) to Venice, franked with Turkey postage due 1869 1pi. (Michel 12Bb), tied by "Iskodra/81" double-circle c.d.s. in blue on dispatch, paying the horse courier service from Scutari to Antivari. "P.D." at top, showing superb "scutarie d'albanie" small thimble c.d.s. in blue. Further franked for the Antivari-Venice route with Austrian Levant 1867 Coarse Printing 5s. red and 10s. blue vertical pair (irregular perforations at right), tied by Antivari c.d.s. in dark brown, backsta...
(x) Austrian Levant & Ottoman Postal Interaction in Albania (1869-1870)1870 (Aug. 25). Entire letter from Skopje, Macedonia, to Scutari, bearing pair and single of Turkey 1868 20pa. green (Michel 14A), tied by all Arabic "Uskup 81" double circle (Coles & Walker type 4) in blue on dispatch, showing above a very fine "scutari d'albanie" small thimble c.d.s. in blue (Tchilinghirian type 1). Some edge imperfections to cover and ageing along perforations. A rare incoming letter paying only Ottoman postage; as in this case, despite entering the Austrian P.O., the entire carriage of the mail was han...
(x) Austrian Levant & Ottoman Postal Interaction in Albania (1869-1870)1870 (Aug. 31). Cover from Scutari to Venice, franked by two examples of Turkey 1868 20pa. green (Michel 14A), tied by very fine small "scutari d'albanie" thimble c.d.s. in blue, paying the Ottoman courier service by horse from Scutari to Antivari, where the Austrian type 2 c.d.s. was struck at right. Taxed with 35 kreuzer in blue crayon including 25kr. for the Antivari-Trieste sea route and 10kr. for the Trieste-Venice portion of the journey. Trieste and Venice backstamps. Part of the addressee's panel cut off. A very sca...
(x) Austrian Levant & Ottoman Postal Interaction in Albania (1869-1870)1870 (Oct. 25). Cover from Scutari to Venice, franked for the Scutari-Antivari courier horse-ride route with 1870 1pi. yellow (Michel 15B), tied by the all-Arabic "Iskodra/81" double circle (Coles & Walker fig. 3), showing at right two pairs (one stamp with irregular perforations at base) and one single of 1867 Coarse Printing 5s. red, tied by "antivari" (26.10) c.d.s.'s (Tchilinghirian type 2), paying 10s. for the maritime transport to a "Küstenland" port and the 15s. single rate to Italy (in force from 1867), "P.D." at to...
(x) Austrian Levant & Ottoman Postal Interaction in Albania (1869-1870)1870 (Nov. 26). Cover to Venice, sent stampless to an Italian destination without the required Ottoman franking, and therefore without the application of Austrian stamps to avoid any potential conflict with the Ottoman administration. Bearing Antivari c.d.s. at left and charged on arrival with 70 centesimi, paid with postage due 1869 10c. and 1870 60c., tied by "Venezia-Arrivo" ( 29.11) d.s. A very rare mixed franking and a very scarce example of correspondence from Antivari charged on arrival.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer P...
Austrian Levant (1820-1914)
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Antivari1856 (Jan. 14). Cover from the religious mission of Sappa, in the vilayet of Scutari, to the Council for the Propagation of the Catholic Faith in Lyon, France, posted at Antivari (Bar) with early use of Type 2 (Tchilinghirian & Stephen, fig. 467) “antivari” c.d.s. of the Austrian Lloyd maritime postal agency opened there in 1854. Red Sardinian “Via degli Stati Sardi” h.s. attesting direct transport by French vessel, red French entry c.d.s., and “10” due on arrival; backstamped in Triest and Lyon. Handwritten rate of “10” soldi on back -instead of the usua...
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Antivari1862 (July 5). Registered envelope (upper back flap missing) from Shkodër (Scutari) to Constantinople via Bar (Antivari), where the “recom.” (indicating payment of the registration fee), “franco” and "antivari" second-type c.d.s. were all applied in transit, backstamped with Austrian arrival c.d.s. Cover edge imperfections at lower left. To our knowledge, an exceedingly scarce combination of these postmarks, being unique applied in blue.provenance: Fiorenzo Zanettinote: The letters from Albanian territory addressed to the Ottoman Empire could reach their...
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Antivari1867, 5kr. red, Coarse Printing, type IIa, horizontal pair, kreuzer denomination instead of soldi, used on small piece and tied by very fine "Antivari 15/4" c.d.s. in blue. A unique multiple used in Albania and an extremely rare example of a kreuzer usage in this territory, further enhanced by the postmark usage in blue. Cert. Ferchenbauer. Michel 37IA.provenance: Anton & Elisabeth JergerSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Durazzo1830 (Jan. 19). Entire letter sent between members of the Tripcovich family from Durrës (Durazzo) to Trieste, charged with a reduced fee of “3” kreuzer for sea transport, rated as a local direct sea delivery, without intermediate postal transit. Reverse bearing wax seals of “i.r. lazzaretto san carlo in trieste” with double-headed eagle, applied on arrival (Meyer T. VII, Sub-Type M). A very scarce disinfected letter.provenance: Walter Andrea D'AgostinoSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Durazzo1863 (Oct. 20). Cover from Durrës to Vienna via Trieste, struck on departure with the "durazzo" second-type c.d.s., and showing at right the oval handstamp of the Greek forwarding agent Petros Kalaididapa of Durrës; backstamped at Trieste and Vienna. Rated "10/15", including 10kr. for the Albania-Trieste and 5kr. for the Trieste-Venice sea journeys, paying the Venice-Vienna overland route with 10kr. Five covers are known with the involvement of this forwarding agent.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Durazzo1865 (Oct. 2). Cover from Durres (Durazzo) to Trieste, correctly paying the single postage with two examples of 1863 5s. rose, each harmoniously applied on the two upper corners, tied by second-type c.d.s. on dispatch, and exceptionally by pen stroke in the lower part, backstamped on arrival. The 1863 issue is exceedingly rare used in Albania. Michel 16.provenance: "Albania" collection sold by F. Zanetti (1998)Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Durazzo1867 (March 7). Large registered envelope from Durres (Durazzo) addressed to the Grand Minister of State (Grand Vizier, Sadrazam) Mehmed Emin Ali Pasha (one of the most influential statesmen of the Ottoman Empire during the reform era known as the Tanzimat), franked with four examples of 1867 Coarse Printing 5s. red, vertical pair, and two singles (one torn on opening) on the reverse to pay the registration fee, tied by very fine "Durazzo" c.d.s.'s (type 2) in blue, with "recom:" straight-line at right, and Austrian c.d.s. of Constantinople on reverse. An...
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Durazzo1872 (1 March). Cover from Durazzo (Durrës) to Corfu, franked with Austrian Levant 1867 10s. blue, tied by "durazzo” thimble c.d.s. in blue (Tchilinghirian & Stephen type 3), delivered on 26 June 1872 to the Austrian Lloyd post office in Durazzo and in use until the late 1870s. The 10s. was insufficient to cover the 20 soldi rate for a foreign destination, and it was charged on arrival with “20” lepta in blue crayon, paid with Greece “Rologakia” 20l. (Michel 106), tied by the “106” dotted lozenge on arrival. The only known cover from Albania in combination...
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)DurazzoKreuzer Used In Durazzo1873 (7 March). Cover from Durazzo (Durrës) to Trieste, franked with 1867 10 kreuzer, instead of the required soldi currency, as one of the exceptional cases in which this went unnoticed by postal clerks, very cleanly tied by the “durazzo” thimble c.d.s. in blue (Tchilinghirian & Stephen type 3), backstamped on arrival (13.3). Among the very few covers bearing the usage of kreuzer stamps in Albania, about five recorded, this is unique with this cancellation. Signed F. Zanetti and Y. Nakri. Michel 4.provenance: "Cihangir" collection...
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Janina1865 (Jan. 31). Envelope from Janina to Vienna, bearing 1864 5s. rose, pair and single, cleanly tied by very fine strikes of "janina" c.d.s.'s, backstamped in Trieste (7.2) and Vienna on 9 February, thus showing the efficient service provided by the Austrian Lloyd, transporting a letter over such a long distance in only nine days. A very rare franking paying a double rate. Michel 21.provenance: "Oscar" collection and Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Prevesa1869 (Sept. 9). Entire letter from Preveza (then in the Vilayet of Janina in Ottoman Albania, now in Greece) to Kerkyra (Corfu, Greece), franked with 1867 10s. blue, tied by "prevesa" second-type c.d.s., with alongside "P.P." marking on departure, taxed on delivery with "20" blue crayon paid with Greece 20l. (the due tariff was 20 soldi for the foreign destination). A very fine example of this combination cover, with fewer than ten known, and this displaying clean and very good strikes. Signed Holcombe. Michel 5.provenance: "Cihangir" collection and Marku...
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Prevesa1880 (Dec. 12). Part of letter from Preveza (Ottoman Albania) to Kerkyra (Corfu, Greece), bearing 1867 10s. Blue, cleanly tied by "prevesa" c.d.s. (Tchilinghirian & Stephen type IV). Very fine and scarce. Michel 4.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Prevesa1893 (Feb 22). Cover from Prevesa (Ottoman Albania) to Zara (Dalmatia, then Austrian Empire), franked by Austrian Levant 1890-92 1pi. on 10kr. grey-ultramarine, tied by superb "prevesa" c.d.s. (Tchilinghrian & Stephen type 2). A delightful cover. Michel 23.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Scutari d'AlbaniaThe Unique Letter Bearing the Austrian Castellastua Seal and One of Two Bearing the First Austrian Postmark of Scutari1832 (Dec. 30). Entire letter from the Consular Post Office of Shkodër (Scutari) to Mr. Antonio Tripcovich in Kotor (Cattaro), exhibiting a splendid strike of the framed Austrian "scutari" from this Austrian office opened in Ottoman Albania in 1820, rated at "2" kreuzer for the inland Castellastua-Cattaro carriage, both part of the “Austrian Albania” territory, with a red pencil cross also on obverse denoting payment of the due ta...
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)ValonaThe Unique Example of the Lloyd Postmark of Valona1855 (March 3). Entire letter from Trieste (Triest) to Shkodër (Scutari) via Vlorë (Valona), correctly paying the Austrian inland rate of "10" kreuzer (blue crayon) to the Austrian Levant, struck with dispatch c.d.s. at top, exhibiting a very fine strike of the sunburst oval "agenzia del lloyd austriaco/valona" postmark, being unrecorded in any catalogue, although Tchilinghirian and Stephen note that the Vlorë Agency would have received a cancel of this standard Type “P” in 1854. The only example recorded of...
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Valona1860 (May 8). Cover from Vlorë (Valona) to Vienna via Trieste, postmarked with "valona" second-type c.d.s. and “franco” straight-line h.s., confirming full prepayment at dispatch of the red “10” kr. tariff in red crayon for inland transport within the Austrian Empire. A very fine example from this post office, which was used more rarely than those of Durazzo and Antivari, as it was not well connected.provenance: Achille RivoltaSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Valona1865ca. (Nov. 10). Large part of registered cover front from Vlorë (Valona) to Durres (Durazzo), bearing 1864 10s. blue tied by "valona" type 2 c.d.s., with part of "recom:" straight line for registered mail at right. Additionally, a fragment with the same value tied by the same cancellation. A very probably unique example of registered mail with the 1863 or 1864 issues carried inland in Albania. Michel 22.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Valona1867, 1s. yellow, Coarse Printing, strip of four, outstandingly fresh tied to piece by "valona" c.d.s. Two vertical creases of little significance for this unique multiple used in Albania. Cert. Ferchenbauer. Michel 1I.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Austrian Levant (1820-1914)Incoming Mail1870 (Jan. 25). An interesting envelope from the italian Consul in Ragusa (Dubrovnik, Austrian possession after the Peace of Vienna in 1866) to Scutari (Shkodër), franked by Austria 1860 10kr. tied by Ragusa c.d.s. (Tchilinghirian type 2), without arrival postmark or Turkish franking, as it was handled as a diplomatic mail directly delivered to the consulate. Addressed to Louis-Gabriel-Gaudéric Aubaret (1825–1894), French Consul-General at Scutari from 1868, a naval officer, linguist, diplomat, administrator, and business leader with over 40 years o...
Central Albania (First Regime, 1913-1914)
(x) Central Albania (First Regime, 1913-1914)1913, assembly comprising 14 overprinted Turkish stamps used and unused, including different types of overprints, with several cancelled by "Vëlorë/Vallona" c.d.s. from the Vlorë telegraph office, as well as part of telegram dispatch receipt and one cover to Trieste with 5pa. (2) examples for the printed matter rate when there was a shortage of values in Durres. A rare and appealing lot.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
Control Commission of Korcë (1914)
(x) Control Commission of Korcë (1914)1914 (March 19). Cover from Korcë to Tirana, handstamped with 10pa. violet and red and 25pa. violet and red, cancelled by Korcë c.d.s. with Tirana (21.3) c.d.s. in blue at lower left. The reverse with Starove (22.3) and Elbasan (25.3) c.d.s. Very fine and clearly visible impressions. Only 25 covers are estimated to have survived. Michel 1a, 2a.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Control Commission of Korcë (1914)1914 (March 19). Cover from Korcë to Thessaloniki, bearing four examples (two applied on reverse) of 25pa. violet and red, each cancelled by Korcë c.d.s., with receiving c.d.s. on reverse. Vertical archive fold not detracting from the overall appearance. An extremely rare multiple franking. Signed Raybaudi. Michel 2a; €800.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Control Commission of Korcë (1914)1914 (March 19). Two covers from Korcë to Elbasan, handstamped with 10pa. violet and red and 25pa. violet and red, each bearing one of the two values with inverted denomination, cancelled by c.d.s. on dispatch, showing Starovë and Elbasan backstamps. An extremely rare duo featuring this variety on both values; fewer than ten covers are recorded bearing an inverted denomination. Signed Raybaudi. Michel 1a, 1a (var), 2a, 2a (var).provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
First Independent Albania (1912-1914)
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)The Modiano Unissued Stamps1912, 5c., 10c., 25c., 50c. and 1fr., complete set of five values, perforation 12½, unused without gum on thin paper. The 5c. with some toned spots otherwise fine. A very rare set in perforated condition. Cert. Raybaudi.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)The Modiano Unissued Stamps1912, 25c. and 50c. imperforate, each in complete sheet of 50 with marginal imprints "50 x cent. 25 " frs. 12.50" and "50 x cent. 50 = frs. 25-", unused without gum. A very difficult duo.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)The Modiano Unissued Stamps1912, 5c., 10c., 25c. and 1fr. on unmailed envelope addressed to La Spezia, Italy, with each stamp tied by "vlonë / 9-12-19 2 / shqipënië" c.d.s., with the “1” in “1912” missing. The earliest recorded genuine usage of the first postmark of independent Albania, representing the only known example of its use in 1912, as well as one of just two known covers bearing these stamps (the other was not used in 1912). Cert. Enzo Diena.note: Only a few examples of the Modiano stamps were illegally circulated in Albania during the first...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)The Modiano Unissued Stamps1912, group of 16 unused stamps, including a complete set from 5c. to 1fr. (three of which with Raybaudi certificates), together with duplicates of the 5c., 50c. and 1fr. values, as well as two marginal blocks of four of the 25c. and 1fr. An interesting assembly of these very rarely seen stamps.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)First Issue1913 (May 27). Large inter Post and Telegraph stampless cover from Qukës to Fier, bearing an unclear strike of the c.d.s. of Qukës, overstruck by another poorly applied c.d.s. of Elbasan (28.6) over one month later, showing alongside c.d.s.'s of Peqin in violet (25.6), Lushje in blue (8.7) and Fier in violet (13.7). An extremely rare mail from this period showing five different postmarks and without franking, probably sent at a time when the first handstamp issue was not yet available in Qukës in May. Cert. Holcombe.Subject to 5% tax on Hamm...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)First Issue1913 (June 13). (1pi.) black handstamp cut to shape with ample, even outer margins, applied to a commercial envelope from Qukës to Peqin, tied by the corresponding c.d.s. on dispatch, with Elbasan transit and Peqin (14.6) arrival c.d.s. at right, all struck in violet. A very scarce usage of this handstamp cut out and used in the first issue, even more remarkable on commercial cover. Michel 1.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)First Issue1913 (June 24). (1pi.) black handstamp on envelope from Peqin to Fier, cancelled by Peqin c.d.s. in violet, with additional strikes of Lushje c.d.s. in blue and Fier (25.6) c.d.s. in purple alongside. A couple of archive folds do not detract from this very fresh and very scarce non-philatelic early usage from a locality with an estimated population of only 2,000–3,000 inhabitants in 1913. Michel 1.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)First Issue1913 (June 28). Registered cover from Durrës (Durazzo) to Naples, pre-franked with (1pi.) black handstamp at top left, cancelled by Durrës c.d.s. in violet on 28.6.1913, before being consigned to the Italian post office in Durrës and additionally franked at right with 1909 2pi. on 40c., tied by “Durazzo/Ufficio Postale Italiano” c.d.s. applied over six months later on 8.1.1914, repeated below, with registration marking in the centre, and arrival c.d.s. on the reverse two days later. The only example known of a first issue handstamp on envelop...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Second Issue1913 (June 16). Cover with blue embossing of the Lloyd in Trieste with emblem with a crowned anchor (on reverse), sent from Vlorë via Trieste to Lindau, Germany, franked with Turkey 1909-11 20pa. rose and 1pi. ultramarine (Michel 161II & 162II), both tied by Vlonë first-type c.d.s. on departure in blue, repeated at left. A very rare cover bearing Ottoman stamps used by the new postal administration of the Provisional Government of Vlorë, which were already recognised by foreign postal administrations, used to avoid taxation on arrival durin...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Second Issue1913, (1pi.) black, cut square, two examples, including one unused without gum, the other with even impression and cleanly cancelled in lower right corner by Qukës c.d.s in violet, with a Mikulski certificate (1996). A very fine duo. Michel 2A; €950.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Second Issue1913, (1pi.) black, cut to shape, one well margined unused example without gum and one used on piece, the latter showing a very neat and strong impression, touched on two small places, on large piece tied by violet Vlonë c.d.s. (28 August) and part Fier c.d.s. at left. A very fine duo. Michel 2A; €950.provenance: Robert BallauriSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Second Issue1913 (May 20). (1pi.) black, handstamped on envelope from Qukës to Shkodër, cancelled by violet Qukës c.d.s. dated 20 May, ten days before the official date of issue of June 1st, with transit c.d.s. of Elbasan and arrival c.d.s. of Shkodër dated May 25. One of the few covers recorded prior to the official date of issue. Cert. O. Graf. Michel 2.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Second Issue1913 (June 20). (1pi.) black handstamp on envelope from Fier to Tirana, cancelled by Fier c.d.s. in violet, with blue Tirana (25.6) c.d.s. at left; as well as one (1pi.) handstamp in purple, cut to shape on piece tied by violet Durrës (8.9) c.d.s. A difficult duo including two different colours of this value. Michel 2, 2A.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Second Issue1913 (July 29). (1pi.) black, cut to shape, slightly touched at top, on envelope (rough opening at right) from Elbasan addressed to the prominent figure of the Albanian National Awakening, Luigj Gurakuqi, at the Ministry of the Interior, tied by Elbasan c.d.s., with arrival c.d.s. on reverse applied 19 days later. Some ageing around the stamp. A very rare usage on non-philatelic mail, showing a very fine impression. Michel 2A.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Second Issue1913 (Oct. 28). (1pi.) black, sewing-machine perforation, used on envelope to Elbasan, tied by Qukës c.d.s in violet, with receiving (28.10) c.d.s. on back. Apparently non travelled, but a scarce used stamp. Michel 2B; €800 off cover.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Second Issue1913 (Aug. 26). (1pi.) black, pair from the lower left corner of the sheet, with misplaced impression at left partly overstruck on the example at right, correctly paying the rate of a registered envelope from Qukës to Elbasan, tied on dispatch by violet c.d.s. (26.8.1913), receiving the c.d.s. on receipt on back for the same day. At most three examples are known of the largest multiple on cover; in addition, this represents the earliest recorded date for the sewing-machine stamps. Michel 2B.note: The sources vary considerably in their comme...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 2pa. olive, red overprint inverted, which was uniformly applied, almost unmounted mint with original gum, usual centring, excellent perforations, deserving a premium in its valuation. A rare double variety. Michel 3 (var).Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 2pa. olive, horizontal tête-bêche pair with oily blue, instead of black, overprint, inverted at left, showing cancellations confined to the lower corners. Minor toning in the centre margin just mentioned for accuracy. Very scarce. Michel 3 (var).Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 2pa. olive, blue overprint variety instead of black, oily applied, block of four lightly cancelled by indistinct blue c.d.s.’s, quite well centred. Minor toning on a few perforations, not detracting from this extremely rare used multiple. Michel 3 (var); €3,400+.provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 5pa. ochre-yellow, red overprint inverted, well centred for this stamp, unmounted mint with original gum. A very fine and rare double variety. Michel 4 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. emerald, red overprint inverted, an outstanding example unmounted mint with original gum and very well centred. Highly desirable for this very scarce double variety, preserved in the choice condition sought by Lef Nosi. Michel 5 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. emerald, an outstanding example featuring three overprint errors: inverted, double and in red instead of black in an intense shade, with full perforations, additionally displaying the overprint slightly misplaced to top left, very lightly mounted with original gum. The triple varieties are extremely rare and highly desirable, being unique or with two or three examples recorded. Cert. Holcombe. Michel 5 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. emerald, pair with each example displaying the overprint sideways, the two arranged face to face. Excellent impression of the overprint, very lightly tied to piece by an indistinct c.d.s., and with good centring. A couple of short perforations at lower left, as usually encountered and not detracting. An extremely rare variety in multiple; as a single, the sideways overprint variety would already be remarkably scarcer than the inverted overprint. Michel 5 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addi...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 20pa. rose, with inverted overprint and additionally in red instead of black, well centred for this issue, lightly mounted with original gum. One corner perforation missing; irregular perforations are characteristic of this issue. A double variety of considerable scarcity. Signed Dr. Peters. Michel 6x (var).Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 20pa. rose, pair with inverted overprint at right and in blue-violet variety, very well centred stamps, very lightly mounted with original gum; few irregular perforations as often found and not detracting. This tête-bêche variety is outstandingly scarcer in mint condition than in used stamps. Signed Brun. Michel 6x (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 20pa. rose, refulgent shade, block of four with o.g., showing the upper pair lightly mounted, with the lower pair being unmounted, usual centring. Two barely toned perforations at left not detracting. Multiples larger than pairs are very scarcely found in this issue. Michel 6x; €1,400+ (for hinged condition).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 20pa. rose, horizontal block of ten, generally very good perforations for this stamp, very fresh displaying some overprint varieties, unmounted mint with original gum. Large multiples of this issue are extremely scarce, and this is the largest recorded unused multiple for this value. Signed Calves. Michel 6x.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 20pa. rose, three small pieces: one with two single examples, including one with inverted black overprint (the example without the variety with one short perforation, of no importance); the other two showing a horizontal tête-bêche pair, one overprinted in blue, the other in violet, instead of black and inverted at right, the former with intact perforations, well centred and very fresh, the other with some barely noticeable toning confined to few perforations. A rare trio. Michel 6 (var).Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 20pa. rose, two horizontal tête-bêche pairs, exhibiting the overprint in refulgent red and carmine-red, with the inverted position at left, both tied to piece, with the former featuring an outstandingly good centring. A very fine and rare duo. Michel 6 (var).Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 1pi. ultramarine, with inverted overprint and further in violet instead of black, strongly applied, very fresh and unmounted mint with original gum. A very fine example of this rare double variety. Michel 7 (var).Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 1pi. ultramarine, a remarkable horizontal block of six, being remarkably unmounted mint with original gum. Small tone spot in the lower left margin and a few barely noticeable toned perforations, mentioned only for accuracy. A very desirable and extremely rare multiple, larger than a block of four. Michel 7; €1,800+ (for hinged condition).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 1pi. ultramarine, red overprint inverted, a superb example with well centred design and overprint, clean perforations which are very rarely found, very lightly cancelled leaving the design very clear. In the excellent condition chosen by Lef Nosi for a desirable double variety. Cert. O. Graf. Michel 7 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 1pi. ultramarine, horizontal tête-bêche pair overprinted in dark carmine and displaying the inverted position at left, very well centred stamps and excellent impression of the overprint, tied to piece by c.d.s. A magnificent example of this variety. Michel 7 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (Aug. 23). Cover from Fier to Istanbul via Vlora (24.8) (transit on reverse), bearing 1913 1pi. ultramarine for the correct 1 piastre tariff, tied by Fier c.d.s. in purple. Taxed on arrival with framed bilingual “T” marking, as the Albanian stamp was not acknowledged as valid by the Ottoman postal administration. Some overall ageing, still quite fresh and rare non-philatelically inspired cover with an unusual cancellation. Michel 7.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (Sept. 14). Cover from Vlorë to Smyrna, Turkey, franked on reverse with 1913 1pi. blue, strong impression of the overprint, tied by violet "Vlonë" second-type c.d.s on dispatch, delivered through the Italian P.O. on receipt with "Smirne/Ufficio Italiano" c.d.s. at left. A rare and very fine commercial mail. Michel 7.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (Oct. 24). Envelope from Vlorë to the district of Üsküdar in Constantinople, correctly franked with 1913 1pi. ultramarine with inverted overprint and additionally in dark carmine or reddish-brown instead of black, tied by violet dispatch c.d.s., showing on the reverse the c.d.s. of the Italian P.O. at Constantinople, bilingual c.d.s.'s of Scutari (Üsküdar) and Galata in the same city, and roller d.s. of Constantinople, all struck on 30.10. Some minor tone spots, and a vertical archival fold far from the adhesive, not detracting from this...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (Dec. 6). Registered mourning envelope from Tirana addressed to Amelia Baroness von Godin (a German researcher, writer, and cultural activist connected with Albania, closely linked to figures and events of 1912–14), delivered via the Austrian Consulate in Durres, franked by 1913 1pi. ultramarine, single and strip of three, lightly tied by violet c.d.s.'s on dispatch. A couple of archive folds do not affect the franking and the overall appearance. To our knowledge, a unique franking, including a very rare used multiple, paying the triple...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (Oct. 28). Registered envelope from Vlorë to Copenhagen, Denmark, bearing 1913 1pi. ultramarine with overprint in red instead of black, in combination with Fourth Issue 1gr. black (black eagle), each tied by the "Vlonë" second-type c.d.s., repeated below, with a hand-designed framed registration marking at top left. The reverse with arrival (2.11) c.d.s. A very scarce mixed franking correctly paying the registered rate. Michel 7 (var), 20.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premiu...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, an unusual group of four unmounted mint pairs including the values of 5pa. ochre, 10pa. emerald, 20pa. rose and 1pi. ultramarine (cert. Raybaudi), a very fine and desirable group in this excellent, never hinged condition. Michel 4, 5, 6, 7; €+3,020 (for hinged stamps).provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 2pi. black-blue, red overprint inverted, good centring and strong overprint in refulgent colour, mint with large part original gum. Very fine and very difficult double variety for this value. Michel 8 (var).Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (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 monitor...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (June 18). Envelope from Vlorë (Valona) to Klagenfurt, Austria, bearing a 1913 20pa. rose vertical pair and two singles of 2pi. black-blue, tied by "Vlonë" dispatch c.d.s.’s (type 1) in blue. Carried at the 5 piastres quintuple rate, justified by the unusually large size of the cover. A unique franking on commercial mail. Michel 6, 8.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 2½ dark sepia, overprinted in blue instead of black, slightly oily, very lightly mounted with original gum. Rough perforations as usual. Signed Raybaudi. Very scarce. Michel 9 (var); €1,530.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 2 ½pi. dark sepia, showing a double variety with the overprint inverted and in blue instead of black, lightly cancelled by an indistinct black c.d.s., clearly displaying the error. Very fine and extremely scarce. Signed Dr. Peters. Michel 9 (var).Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (July 26). Registered cover with acknowledgement of receipt from Valona (Vlonë) addressed to Charles Halla, Consul of Austria-Hungary in Monastir, correctly paying the 3 piastres tariff for this service and destination with 20pa. rose and 2½pi. dark sepia, each tied by dispatch c.d.s.'s in blue with traces of black ink, "A.R." marking in centre, Saloniki transit on reverse. A very rare combination of these two stamps on cover. Signed Sorani. Michel 6, 9.provenance: Markus Gmähle note: Charles (Karel) Halla represented Austria-Hungary...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pi. brick-red, excellent margins due to the magnificent centring, clear overprint, lightly cancelled leaving the design quite clean and displaying very good perforations for this stamp. Only 241 stamps were issued, and this is one of the finest available examples. Michel 11; €4,800.provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 25pi. dark green, crisp impression and vivid colour, good centring for this issue and very well perforated, attractive impression of the overprint, cancelled by Vlone c.d.s. Discoloration in margin, resulting from soaking in an envelope; of natural origin and not detracting. One of the five rarest stamps of Albanian philately, of which just 35 examples were issued. Cert. O. Graf. Michel A11; €10,000.provenance: Robert BallauriSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. emerald with "Beyiye" overprint, inverted eagle overprint well centred horizontally, unmounted mint with patchy original gum. Some irregular perforations at base as frequently encountered. Very rare. Michel A12 (var).Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (July 15). Part of cover from Vlorë to Constantinople, bearing on reverse 1913 "Beyiye" overprinted 10pa. emerald in horizontal pair, oily overprint, tied by first-type c.d.s.'s of Vlorë in violet, showing part of Galata and Constantinople postmarks alongside. Some gum spots at top not detracting. An extremely rare commercial usage. Signed A. Diena. Michel A12.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 20 pa. rose with "Beyiye" overprint, inverted eagle overprint and in blue instead of black, good perforations and usual centring, unmounted mint with original gum. A very rare and desirable double variety on "Beyiye" overprinted stamps. Michel 13 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 1pi. dark ultramarine with "Beyiye" overprint and in an infrequent shade, displaying the eagle overprint applied in blue instead of black, better perforations than usual and quite well centred, very lightly mounted with original gum. An attractive example of this very difficult variety. Cert. Raybaudi. Michel 14 (var); €3,060.provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 1pi. ultramarine with "Beyiye" overprint, inverted eagle overprint and additionally in violet instead of black displaying a strong impression, outstandingly centred and possessing well-preserved perforations (rare to found them in this quality in the third issue), remarkably preserved unmounted mint with original gum. An extremely rare and desirable double variety on this rare "Beyiye" overprinted stamp, with two or three examples recorded. Michel 14 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 1pi. ultramarine with red "Beyiye" overprint, outstandingly well centered, as is also the case with the double-eagle overprint, tied to piece by indistinct c.d.s. Only 250 stamps were issued, and this is one of the finest available examples. Signed Raybaudi. Michel 14; €1,700.provenance: Kol GjinajSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 1pi. black on rose, centred to top, cancelled by black postmark of Vlorë. Fine and a very rare value with only 345 examples issued. Cert. O Graf. Michel 15; €2,600.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. on 20pa. rose, overprinted in blue instead of black, with far above-average centring and good perforations, very lightly mounted with original gum. Very fine and rare. Michel 16 (var); €2,040.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. on 20 pa. rose, inverted overprint in red instead of black, a difficult and very unusual double variety in a very fine example unmounted mint with original gum. Michel 16 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. on 20 pa. rose, inverted surcharge and overprint in red instead of black, both displaying strong impressions, well centred in unmounted mint condition with original gum. A very rare and appealing double variety, including a most unusual error in the Turkey stamp prior to the Albanian overprint. Michel 16 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. on 20pa. rose, inverted surcharge and inverted overprint, very fresh unmounted mint with original gum. An appealing and very rare combination of these two varieties, including the remarkable error in the previously surcharged Turkey stamp. Michel 16 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. on 20pa. rose, inverted surcharge, additionally showing the inverted overprint and in red instead of black, unmounted mint with original gum. Some rough perforations as usual, minor surface rubbing at bottom and negligible foxing along few perforations, of little significance for this rarity fully preserving its gum. An extremely rare triple variety. Michel 16 (var).provenance: Minister Lef NosiSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. on 20pa. rose, an extraordinary example featuring a very scarce "10" double and inverted surcharge, further combined with an inverted eagle overprint, very lightly mounted with original gum. The relatively light impression of the overprint allows the surcharge variety to be clearly displayed. Minor gum spots confined to the perforations at right, and a few irregular perforations as often encountered, of no significance for this rarity. An extremely rare triple variety for this stamp, probably unique. Michel 16 (var).provenance: M...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. on 20pa. rose, a fine example with good perforations, cancelled with violet c.d.s. of Vlone (Vlorë). Michel 16; €1,200.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (Sept. 7). “Përlindja e Shqipërisë” newspaper, “The Renaissance of Albania”, a nationalist political newspaper and essentially the official gazette of the Albanian provisional government, sent from Vlorë to Naples, franked with the 1913 10 pa. on 20 pa. rose, showing a light impression of the surcharge and overprint, tied by a neat “Vlonë” c.d.s. in violet. Very few such newspapers are recorded with this scarce stamp, paying a rare 10 para rate, which was only valid for one month; highly desirable. Michel 16.provenance: Markus GmähleSub...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, 10pa. on 20pa. rose with "Beyiye" overprint, inverted surcharge, usual centring, with the double-eagle overprint applied in a relatively light black ink, allowing the also black surcharge to be clearly visible, mint very lightly mounted with original gum. Signed Raybaudi. Very fine, the only example recorded of this exceptional variety. Cert. Raybaudi (with his embossed seal “Grande Rarità” -great rarity-). Michel 17 (var).provenance: Robert BallauriSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third IssueAn Uncatalogued Great Rarity and Gem of Albania - Only Four Known Examples1913, 10pa. green (Turkey, 1901 inland mail, Michel 87), overprinted with the black double eagle, mint with large part original gum, exquisitely centred, with a light and very clear impression and good perforations for this issue. A couple of light creases are of no significance whatsoever for this great rarity. Only four examples of this stamp are recorded, of which two bear the regular black overprint, including one on cover, and two show varieties, namely the overpri...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third IssueA Unique Variety Among the Four Known Examples1913, 10pa. green (Turkey, 1901 inland mail, Michel 87), impressive variety displaying the overprint in red, unmounted with original gum, well centred with good perforations for this notorious gem, showing a balanced and clear impression of the overprint and an overall remarkable freshness. According to the certificate, “a few tiny foxing spots are mentioned for completeness’ sake”, entirely negligible and in no way detracting from this unique piece. Of the four recorded examples of this stamp -on...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third IssueThe Only Recorded Inverted Overprint Among the Four Known Examples of This Stamp1913, 10pa. green (Turkey, 1901 inland mail, Michel 87), the spectacular double variety featuring the overprint in red and inverted. Mint with large part original gum, ideally centred both for the stamp design and the overprint, with well-preserved perforations. Very fresh, with a bold and clean strike of the overprint. The certificate states: "a tiny crease on the right side of the stamp is mentioned for completeness' sake", which in our opinion is entirely insig...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third IssueThe Most Important Item of Albanian Philately1913, 2pi. deep rose, postage due, from the Third Issue of June 1913 by the Provisional Government of Vlorë, showing a well-centred overprint impression, with good perforations and above-average centring for the Ottoman stamp, affixed to piece and tied by Vlorë c.d.s. Only two examples of this stamp were issued, as confirmed by No. 21 of the Official Gazette of Vlorë “Perlindja e Shqipëniës” (“Birth of Albania”), dated 28 March 1914, the first newspaper of the newly independent state, published by...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (Oct. 14). Third Issue 20pa. rose stationery postcard with inverted overprint, sent from Vlora to Boston, United States, addressed to Paskal Aleksi (1885 - 1966) who was among the founders of the "Vatra" federation in the United States, journalist and Albanian patriot, who immigrated to the United States in 1904 and became involved in the patriotic movement. Showing “Postat e Qeverrisë së Përkohshme të Shqipeniës” control mark in centre and cancelled by purple "Vlonë" c.d.s. on departure. An extremely rare inverted overprint and additi...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913 (Aug. 18). Official cover from Skrapar addressed to the Director of Posts and Telegraphs in Valona (Vlorë), bearing a partial negative Arabic seal at top right and two strikes of the Skrapar c.d.s. on the obverse, all in red, with the receiving (24.8) c.d.s. on the reverse. A very rare stampless official mail from this mountainous region, where the population was widely dispersed across villages.provenance: "Cihangir" collection and Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Third Issue1913, assembly comprising 27 unused (no gum to full original gum) stamps, with some duplication, mostly featuring varieties including overprints in blue, violet and red-brown, as well as examples showing ink-heavy or oily impressions of the overprint. A fine and interesting lot with a high catalogue value in excess of Michel €16,500.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Later Issues1914 (April 14). Postcard datelined in Albania, sent on board the ship "Prinz Hohenlohe" to Wilferdingen, Germany, bearing 1913 2q. (3) and 1914 10pa. on 5q., tied by the Austrian Lloyd “Korfu-Triest 41” c.d.s. A very rare cancellation on Albanian franking. Michel 29, 42.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Later Issues1914 (March 10). Registered cover from Valona (Vlorë) to Cologne, Germany, paying the foreign double rate for registered mail with 5q. green, 10q. rose pair, overprinted "7 Mars" (first issue of the Prince de Wied administration of Independent Albania), with German registration label at top right and arrival (13.3) on reverse. A very scarce issue on cover, of even greater significance on non-philatelically inspired mail. Signed G. Bühler. Michel 36, 37, 38.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Later Issues1914 (July 25). Registered cover from Shkodër to Munich, Germany, correctly franked with 1913 25q. blue (minor imperfection at top right) in combination with 1914 1g. on 25q. of the first issue of Albanian Principality stamps, issued by the Interim Administration of the International Control Commission before the arrival of Prince Wilhelm of Wied, each tied by Shkodër c.d.s., backstamped (30.7) on arrival. An extremely rare mixed franking of the final issue of the Vlorë Provisional Government and the first issue of the Interim Administratio...
(x) First Independent Albania (1912-1914)Later Issues1914 (April–May). 1914 surcharged issue, trio of items sent shortly after the arrival in Albania of Prince de Wied, including one spectacular cover to Naples bearing on reverse a vertical block of ten of 5pa. on 2q. paying the double rate, registered cover to Bern with three examples of 1g. on 25q., and postcard to Rome correctly franked with 10pa. on 5q., but erroneously taxed on arrival with Italian postage due of 10c. A very scarce group.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
French Albania (1806-1814)
(x) French Albania (1806-1814)1808 (March 24). Inventory of the military dresses of the contingent of the Division of Albania of the French Army of Dalmatia made by the Adjunct Commissioner for the Italian War, Mr. Giambelli, signed and stamped by the Commissioner for the War, Mr. Dechamples, with its corresponding handstamp, and undersigned by Ms. Anna Sorgo in Gozza and by Mr. Giò Zuzzeri Talani. An extremely rare seal of the French contingent of the Division of Albania.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) French Albania (1806-1814)1808 (March 24). Entire letter from Dobrota to Venice (14.04) via the port of Kotor (“Cattaro” in Italian), bearing the rare French “cattaro/in albania” two-line postmark from the post office of the French "Division of Albania", as the Montenegrin coast from Budva to Dubrovnik was under the control of this division. Handwritten tariff of “18” cents due for letters weighing up to ¼ ounce, sent from a place located three radiuses from the point of departure, during the third tariff period of the French Italian Kingdom postal administration (01.02.1807-30.04.1809)....
(x) French Albania (1806-1814)1809 (Feb. 2). Entire letter from Ragusa (Duvrovnik) to Venice (March 13th), sent through the postal services established by the French Army of Dalmatia (“Armee de Dalmatie”) in Dubrovnik, bearing “ragusa/d.to d,albania” postmark, with a handwritten postal rate of “22” Italian centimes, the correct tariff applied in accordance with Decree No. 46 issued on 12.1.1807 for the transport of a letter weighing from ¼ to ¾ ounce carried within the Italian Kingdom (Department of Dalmatia) to a destination within a distance of 3 radiuses. Letter sent during the last months...
(x) French Albania (1806-1814)1809 (March 27). Incoming letter from Venice to Dobrota during the first period of French occupation of both territories, prior to their later incorporation into the Austrian Empire (as agreed at the Congress of Vienna). Handstamped with the red italic “Venezia” postmark issued by the French postal administration. Incorrectly charged “18” cents, the internal rate for a letter of less than ¼ ounce in weight sent within the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy up to a distance of 3 radiuses during the third tariff period (1.2.1807-30.4.1809).note: In fact, Dobrota did not b...
(x) French Albania (1806-1814)1809 (June). Cover sent from Dobrota to Venice through the port of Kotor (Cattaro), struck with the French “cattaro/in albania” handstamp, when Kotor was under the control of the French military contingent. Charged “40” cents of lira in manuscript for a letter weighing less than ¼ ounce sent to the Napoleonic Italian Kingdom (Adriatic Department with Venice as capital) from a non-neighbouring foreign province (Albania in the French Empire, with Cattaro as capital). Reverse erroneously marked with handwritten “16” cents, as this tariff should have been applied to m...
(x) French Albania (1806-1814)1810 (Dec. 23). Cover from Cattaro (Kotor) to Castelnuovo (Herceg Novi), with a very fine strike of the “cattaro/illyrie" two-line postmark in red (Müller 216b=280 Points), adopted by the Albanian Division of the French Dalmatian Army (occupying the Dalmatian coast from 1807 to 1815), showing on reverse a neatly applied “R.a delegaz.e provin-/ciale di cattaro” two-line handstamp (Royal Provincial Delegation of Kotor). A very rare postmark (as reported by Müller) and one of two items known with this administrative cachet from Cattaro.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Pr...
(x) French Albania (1806-1814)1813 (Jan. 26). Entire letter from Paris sent by the French Minister of Worship, Félix-Julien-Jean Bigot de Préameneu, to the Bishop of the Diocese of Cattaro (Kotor), Marco Antonio Gregorina, serving in French Albania within the Illyrian Provinces, struck in transit with French "trieste/illyrie" two-line postmark in red. Containing very important information about the agreement reached by Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII, written and signed by the Minister, including: "Mister Bishop, I am charged with announcing that yesterday at Fontainebleau a concordat ha...
French Levant (1841-1847)
(x) French Levant (1841-1847)The Unique "PP" - "SCUTARI EN ALBANIE" Letter1841 (May 15). Entire letter from Shkodër to the captain Andrea Tripcovich in Dobrota, displaying a superb strike of the French Consular “scutari en albanie” postmark, with “P.P.” handstamp above, indicating "port payé" and full payment of the tariff on dispatch. The letter was disinfected at the French Consulate in Scutari, without passing through the Lazaret of Castellastua. Small wormhole through the "B" of the postmark, of no significance for the best available strike. The finest of only three recorded letters bear...
(x) French Levant (1841-1847)1847 (May 26). Entire letter from Shkodër (Scutari) to the Central Council of the Congregation for the Promotion of the Faith in Lyon, France, showing the French "scutari/en albanie" two-line handstamp. Disinfected in transit at the Lazaret of Castellastua with the handwritten notation "Espurgato entro e fuori li 27.9.47" and the oval "c.e.deputa/zione.sani./taria.di.cas./tel.lastua" marking on the reverse. Austrian transit "cattaro/29.sete." from Kotor, Sardinian “TS” ("Tassa Semplice") transit, French entry c.d.s. also in red, and manuscript French “20” tax also...
German Occupation (1943-1944)
(x) German Occupation (1943-1944)The Unique Complete Set in Full Sheets with the "1943" Errors1943, 1q. on 3q., complete set of 14 values, comprising the first ten in full sheets of 100 each and the last four in two sheets of 50 each unmounted mint original gum, including numerous overprint varieties and notable errors, ranging from four to seventeen per sheet. Among these are several spectacular date varieties, such as “1948”, “1643” or “1944” instead of “1943”. The only set of full sheets available featuring these errors, of particular importance due to the large number of varieties and the...
(x) German Occupation (1943-1944)1943 (Oct. 23). Registered commercial envelope from a law firm from Tirana to Elbasan, correctly paying the 25q.+25q. domestic registered rate with 2q., 3q. single and block of four, 5q. pair and 25q. blue, all tied by "B" c.d.s. of Tirana on the first day of issue, with receiving c.d.s. on back (22.10.1943, 9am) possibly not updated since that morning. Some tone spots not affecting the franking. The internally circulated, genuinely travelled mail from this period is very rare. Michel 2, 3, 4, 7.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer...
(x) German Occupation (1943-1944)1944, Aid for the Victims of the Air Raids, 5q. + 5q. to 3fr. + 1.50fr., complete set of seven values in full sheets of 50, possessing unmounted mint original gum, with the corresponding surrounding margins. Minor expected splits otherwise a very rare and spectacular set in this format. Michel 15-21; €5,000+.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
International Miliary Contingent in Shkoder
(x) International Miliary Contingent in Shkoder1913 (June 23). Cover from Shkodër (Scutari) to Amiens, endorsed at top “Troupes débarquées à Scutari” (troops landed at Scutari), from a member of a temporary French naval landing detachment in Shkodër from the French cruiser “Ernest Renan”, showing at right cachet with anchor ‘marine française/service a la mer’ and ‘escadre/1re Division Légère/"ernest renan"’ handstamp at left, franked with “F.M.” (“Franchise Militaire”) overprinted "Semeuse" 10c., transported in a closed bag to Modane in France, where the franking was tied by c.d.s. of Modane t...
Italian Levant (1901-1914)
(x) Italian Levant (1901-1914)Durazzo-Durres. 1914 (Jan. 28). Registered express commercial envelope from Durres (Durazzo) to Rome, franked by Durazzo 20pa. on 10c. rose, 1pi. on 25c. blue and 2pi. on 50c. violet, in combination with Italian Levant Express 1pi. on 25c. rose, tied by "Durazzo/Uff° Postale Italiano" square c.d.s.'s, with Naples transit and receiving d.s. on back. Envelope with some creasing and slight foxing along some perforations, of little significance. One of the earliest mails after the ICC (International Commission of Control) and a very rare registered express mail. Sass...
(x) Italian Levant (1901-1914)Durazzo-Durres. 1914, three registered covers bearing different frankings including the 10pa., 20pa., 30pa. and 1pi. values of teh Durazzo P.O., showing registration marking or label, and two types of cancellation. Destinations comprise Austria (redirected to Germany), Rome (signed Sorani) and Egypt (signed Enzo Diena). A rare trio of commercial registered mails. Sassone 1-4.provenance: "Cihangir" collectionSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939)
(x) Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939)1929 (Sept. 7). Insured 25q. stationery envelope for Italian Lire 1,050 or 200 gold francs, from Elbasan to Ried im Innkreis (Austria), uprated with 1925 Zogu 50q. and 1fr., each tied by "Zyra Postare/Elbasan" c.d.s., with Italian Brindisi, Udine and Tarvisio transits on back. A rare usage of insured stationery. Michel 139A, 140A.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939)1929 (Dec. 26). Insured envelope for 260 francs, sent from Kolonjë to Grimmenstein, franked on reverse with 1fr. 50q. by three 1928 50q., each tied by Kolonjë c.d.s., showing between the stamps a very rare usage in this period of an Ottoman negative oval postmark in violet denoting registration; Brindisi (4.1.30), Udine (5.1) and arrival (7.1) c.d.s.’s alongside. Additional strike of the dispatch c.d.s. on obverse. A very rare usage of the Ottoman registration postmark in this rural and mountainous area. Michel 191.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in additio...
(x) Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939)1930 (Aug. 12). Large commercial registered airmail cover from Tirana to England, franked with 1928 10q. (2) and 25q. (2, one damaged), 1929 1q. on 50q. vertical strip of four and 5q. on 25q. (4, including one pair with misplaced overprint, leaving the “25” denomination clearly visible), and 1929 airmail 25q. (4, one with a small tear at the top) overprinted in red, all tied by “tirane/posta aerore” airmail c.d.s.’s. The reverse displaying Vlorë and Brindisi (12.8) c.d.s.'s. Vertical fold not impinging on the franking. An exceptional airmail cover featuring a...
(x) Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939)1930, Definitive Issue, 1q. to 5fr., complete set of 11 values in very fine full sheets of 100 unmounted mint original gum with sorrounding margins and four-figure control number on one of the sides. Very rare. Michel 217-227; €2,500+.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939)1930, King Zogu I Airmail Issue, 5q. to 3fr., complete set of seven in imperforate plate proofs in full sheets of 100, the 5q. to 50q. values with "Registrato/Il Capo della Sezione Staccata" control marking in violet and signature, applied on upper margin and between panes of 50. As far as we know only two sets of 100 were printed. Michel 228-234.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939)1933 (May 1st). 1st Südamerikafahrt, registered cover from Vlonë to Recife, Brazil, with the corresponding Zeppelin cachet, franked by 1930 5q., 15q., 25q, Airmail 5q., 15q., 20q. (2) and 50q. Friedrichshafen c.d.s. (May 6th). Italian transits and arrival on back. Very fine and scarce. Michel 219, 221, 222, 228-231.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939)1933 (June 1st). 2nd Südamerikafahrt, registered cover from Vlonë to Recife, Brazil, with corresponding cachet in green and bearing 1930 15q., Airmail 5q., 20q. (2) and 50q. (6, one defective) and, on the reverse, 1930 50q., alonsgide with various transits. Very fine and scarce. Michel 221, 228, 230, 231.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939)1938 (May 14). Commercial cover from Zerqan to Dübendorf, Switzerland, bearing 1930 25q., tied by "zerqan/A" c.d.s., with an additional and equally neat strike at left, with transit of Tirana on reverse. c.d.s. Fewer than five covers recorded with this cancellation, from a small rural village with a population of probably about 1,500 inhabitants. Michel 222.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
Montenegrin Occupation of Shkodër (1913)
(x) Montenegrin Occupation of Shkodër (1913)1913 (March 31, Julian calendar). Serbia 5pa. stationery postcard (Michel P-66) from Krusevac to Shëngjin, cancelled by c.d.s. on dispatch, returned to the sender after application of Cyrillic-Latin "sc. Jovan meduanski/st. jean de medova" c.d.s., lightly struck in centre on 5th March (Julian Calendar, or 18th in the Gregorian calendar). Despite the light strike of the postmark, a very important piece, being the earliest recorded of this office, from which no more than three items are recorded, the rarest of the Montenegrin occupation. Cert. Dimitri...
Northern Epirus First Greek Occupation (1912-1916)
(x) Northern EpirusFirst Greek Occupation (1912-1914)1913 (April 16). Greece 1912 5l. green postal stationery card from Ioannina to Baden, Germany, upfranked to meet the foreign rate with Greece 1912 “Campaign” 5l. green, issued to replace previous issues for the occupied territories, tied by dispatch c.d.s.'s. A rare usage of this mixed franking in the Epirus territory.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Northern EpirusFirst Greek Occupation (1912-1914)1913 (Sept. 16). Cover from Tepelenion (Tepelenë) to New Bedford, USA via Sarandë, franked with First Issue 5l. green in a vertical strip of four, tied by "tepelenion" c.d.s. Taxed on arrival with 2c. postage due (corresponding to 10l.). The reverse with "Agioi Saranta" (20.9) and arrival (7.10) c.d.s. Some foxing not detracting. An extremely rare usage of these stamps in Tepelenë, which, together with Sarandë and Gjirokastër, were the last three towns occupied by Greek forces in 1913, as they lay along the border with territories controlled...
(x) Northern EpirusFirst Greek Occupation (1912-1914)1913 (Dec. 14). Greece 1912 10l. red postal stationery card addressed from Delvinë to Leghorn, Italy, cancelled by "delvinakion" on dispatch and "agioi saranta" (Sarandë) transit c.d.s.’s, with receiving c.d.s.'s in centre. A rare usage of postal stationery from Delvinë, following a hazardous route by sea to a distant destination during a difficult historical period for foreign communications, marked by regional conflicts and the involvement of the Great Powers.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% V...
(x) Northern EpirusGreek Autonomous Government (1914)Argyrokastro - Gjirokastër1914 (March 6). Registered cover with return receipt from Argyrokastro (Gjirokastër) to Athens, franked with 5l. on 10pa. emerald and pair of 20l. on 1pi. blue, all tied by "argyrokastron" c.d.s., displaying arrival (24.3) on reverse. A scarce franking, correctly paying the double-weight registered rate. Michel 1, 3, 4.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Northern EpirusGreek Autonomous Government (1914)Chimarra - Himarë1914 (25 Feb.). Registered envelope (reduced at top) from Sarandë (Santi Quaranta) to Antwerp, Belgium, initially posted under the Provisional Government of Northern Epirus and duly franked with two examples of the 1914 25l. blue and red, issued for Himarë on 10 February, tied by Greek “Agioi Saranta” c.d.s. As this government had not obtained international recognition, the stamps were not considered valid abroad, and the cover was therefore additionally franked with a 1908 50c. of the Austrian Post Office in Crete (Michel 2...
(x) Northern EpirusSecond Greek Occupation (1914-1916)General Issues1915 (Dec. 19). Cover from Korytsa (Korçë) to Boston, U.S.A., displaying a rare use of the foreign tariff for a transatlantic destination, paid with overprinted 1914 25l. blue, tied by "korytsa" c.d.s., 34 mm diameter. Backstamped on receipt on 7.2.1916, 40 days after dispatch due to the difficulties of communication during WWI. Michel 23.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Northern EpirusSecond Greek Occupation (1914-1916)General Issues1916 (July 31). Cover (front missing, reverse preserved) from Argyrokastro (Gjirokastër) to the United States and subsequently returned to Northern Epirus, franked on the reverse with a pair, a strip of three and a strip of five of the 1915 5l. green, correctly paying the single registered foreign rate or a double foreign rate, and Red Cross vignette. The franking is tied by "argyrokastron" c.d.s.'s on dispatch, in addition variably tied by Patras (6.8) c.d.s., Italian censorship marking of Bologna, oval d.s. of New York (18.9...
(x) Northern EpirusSecond Greek Occupation (1914-1916)Moschopolis - Voskopojë1914 (Oct. 23). Registered cover to Leipzig, Germany, franked by two examples of 1914 25l. in contrasting shades, tied by two violet circular cachets in Greek with double-headed eagle inside and reading "post of the epirus campaign" & "autonomous epirus - taking of moschopolis 24-6/914", and "moschopolis" c.d.s in black, manuscript registration number at top "R N° 383". Korytsa (Korçë) transit and arrival c.d.s.'s on reverse. In addition, the mint set of 15 values from 1l. to 25dr. plus the two overprinted 5l. & 25l....
Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)
(†) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania1718 (April 25). Entire letter from Durrës, sent by Michel Guigou to Nicolò Caragiani (Nikolaos Karaiannis, a famous Greek trader of that time) in Venice, describing pirate attacks by corsairs from Ulcinj (Dulcigno) on an English ship off the port of Durrës (Durazzo). The reverse with manuscript postal rate “18” denari and cocketed "Durazzo 1718/at 25 Aprile". Very fine and fresh. The letter contains exceptionally important contemporary eyewitness testimony, including the following translated passages: “I arrived in good health...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania1812. Entire letter from Durrës (Durazzo) written by Mustafa Bey (Bushati) and Omar Bey (Vrioni) on behalf of Ali Agha, sent to Mr. Gautier, General of the Division for Albania of the French Army of Dalmatia stationed in Ragusa (Dubrovnik). The letter requested French assistance for their brother Halil Bey, who was besieged by Ottoman troops in Bosnia. The letter was d...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania1849. Accompanying declaration (“Jurnal”) No. 16 of a letter from Filibe (Plovdiv, Bulgaria) to Shkodër (Iskodra) via Skopje (Uskub), rated at 3½ piastres, bearing the Arabic negative handstamp "An-Canib Posta-i Iskodra 265” (“on behalf of the Shkodër Post Office in the year 1265 of the Hegira”) in black (Coles & Walker, fig. 1), and the negative seal of Plovdiv on dispatch (Coles & Walker, fig. 16). The letter was carried over five days by mounted messengers, the so-called “Tatars.” Rare.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5%...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman AlbaniaAccompanying declaration (“Jurnal”) of three letters from Monastir (Bitola, Rumelia) to Shkodër (Iskodra) via Skopje (Uskub), showing partial Arabic negative handstamp "An-Canib Posta-i Iskodra 265” (“on behalf of the Shkodër Post Office in the year 1265 of the Hegira”) in black (Coles & Walker, fig. 1) and the negative seal of Monastir neatly struck (Coles & Walker, fig. 81). Rare.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania1851 (April 24). Entire letter from Carlo Pooten, Bishop of Maronia and Apostolic Administrator of the Religious Mission in Antivari, Ottoman Albania, with the rare negative seal of the Mission at top left, sent to the President of the Central Council of the Charity for the Propagation of the Faith in Lyon, France. The letter was originally intended to be shipped from Cattaro (Kotor), but was unexpectedly carried inland to Karlovac (Karlstadt), likely due to a problem with sea transport; after crossing Austrian Empire territorie...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania1854 (Oct. 2). Registered letter from Urbanus Bogdanovic, Bishop of the Diocese of Skopje, during his mission in Scutari (Shkodër), to the Central Council of the Congregation for the Promotion of the Faith in Lyon, France. The letter was transported by horse courier from Scutari to Cattaro (Kotor), then consigned to the Austrian P.O. (7.10), charged at a 43 kreuzer rate (25 + 18 on reverse), with excellent strikes of “raccom:” and "cattaro/7. otte." h.s.; it was then transported to Zara (Zadar), backstamped en route, before cros...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania1859ca. Registered cover from Shkodër (Ishkoder) to Monastir (Bitola, Rumelia), with Arabic negative "An-Canib Posta-i Iskodra 265” oval h.s., showing alongside rare application in Shkoder of Arabic small negative "Taahhüt olunmustur" ("has been registered") oval. Handwritten tariff of 40 para = 1 Kurus at top left. A rare registered mail.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania1859. Entire letter from a Greek trader from Shkodër (Ishkoder) to Monastir (Bitola, Rumelia), showing the Arabic negative "An-Canib Posta-i Iskodra 265” (“on behalf of Shkodër Post Office in the year 1265 of the hérgire") handstamp (Coles & Walker, fig. 1). A very fine example.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania1864 (Feb. 10). Postal receipt for the payment of 100 piastres dated "29 Tesrin-i sani 1279", with superb strike of all Arabic negative "Postahane-i Iskodra 1278" circle with crescent half moon of Shköder (Iskodra), which was the second type introduced in 1862 (Coles & Walker fig. 2), into force until 1867. Probably the finest example of fewer than five covers recorded. Signed Nakri.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Mail Originating in Ottoman Albania1898. Official registered mail sent free of charge from Janina (then in the Vilayet of Janina in Ottoman Albania, now in Greece) to Istanbul via Valona/Vlorë (9 May 1898), carried by courier, showing an extremely rare and neat strike of the all Arabic negative seal of Janina at top right, and the very rare bilingual "Vallona" c.d.s. at lower right. The sender was Yany Padisahi Emlak Mültesariye Müdürlügü 1303, Janina, Office of the Sultan, 1887. A very scarce mail as carried overland from Janina to Istambul; in addition, the co...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Related Correspondence or Incoming Mail1804. Disinfected envelope from Venice to Naples via Chioggia, Fano, and Rome, bearing two different “Venezia” postmarks on departure and charged with 12 kreuzer, additionally showing a framed “il magistrato/di sanita'marittima/in venezia” handstamp, containing posters related to the disinfection rules to be applied to incoming goods, persons, and letters arriving from the Levant, including Ottoman Albania. These dispositions were prepared by the Health Magistrate of Venice in accordance with the information received from sh...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Related Correspondence or Incoming Mail1818 (Nov. 22). Entire letter from the Health Magistrate of Venice to the Supreme Health Magistrate in Naples, reporting outbreaks of pestilence occurring at the port of Vlorë (Albania), including very interesting passages (English translation of the text enclosed), bearing “Venezia” postmark, arrival postal cachet of Naples in red at right, handwritten with double postage: “6” Italian lire of the Austrian Empire and “14” tornesels of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, as well as the registration number “3046”, incorrectly wr...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Related Correspondence or Incoming Mail1868 (Nov. 26). Cover from Trieste to Scutari (Bianchi correspondence), franked by Austria 1867 Coarse Printing 10kr. blue (irregular perforations at top left), tied by "trieste/col valore" two-line handstamp (Tchilinghirian fig. 20), charged on arrival with Turkey 1869 postage dues of 20pa. and 1pi. (Micheal 11Aa, 12Ab) applied on reverse over a transit (26.11) c.d.s. of Zara, tied by all Arabic Scutari double circle (Coles & Walker fig. 3, Tchilinghirian fig. 498). A rare mixed franking, further enhanced by the very infreq...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Neapolitan Consular Intelligence Mail1781 (Sept. 10). Entire letter from the Consul of the Kingdom of Naples in Corfu (Kerkyra), Mr. Demetrio Micazza, to the Supreme Health Magistrate in Naples, with evidence of disinfection by flame, reporting on the state of pestilence on the Greek island and in neighbouring territories under Venetian rule, the Kingdom of the Morea, and Turkish Albania, including "...the continuation of the perfect health status that thanking God is still characterising this Island, as well as all the neighbouring Levant under Venetian Domain,...
(x) Ottoman Albania (1718-1912)Neapolitan Consular Intelligence Mail1781 (Sept. 26). Entire letter, showing disinfection slits, from the Consul of the Kingdom of Naples in Corfu (Kerkyra), Mr Demetrio Micazza, to the Supreme Health Magistrate in Naples, marked on the reverse Si gradisca e si comunichi ad agenda 3. Nov. 81, reporting on the quarantine of two Venetian vessels and on the state of pestilence on the Greek island and in neighbouring territories under Venetian rule, the Kingdom of the Morea, and Turkish Albania, including "I did not forget to give attention to repeating the warnings...
Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943)
(x) Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943)Berat. 1943, 25q. on 15q. red, overprinted with five-pointed star within the silhouette of a double-headed eagle, unmounted mint with original gum. Very rare and fine, this being the first overprint type used of Berat.provenance: Robert Ballauri This lot was illustrated in an article by Robert Ballauri in the "Koleksionisti" magazine (issue 2/98).Note: Martin Erler, a Luftwaffe officer attached to the German command in Albania, based on his firsthand experience in the field, stated in a 1949 article published in the magazine "Globus" that stamps (includi...
(g) Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943)Berat. 1943, 1q. slate, 1q. on 2q. olive, 2q. olive, 3q. brown (sheet margin at left), and 5q. green, the complete set of five values, showing the second overprint applied in Berat, in red, featuring a framed five-pointed star and the initials "VF-LP" for "Death to Fascism-Freedom for the People", unmounted mint with original gum. One of only five complete sets recorded, of which one was donated by Robert Ballauri to Giulio Andreotti, the well-known Italian politician -also a philatelist- who served seven times as Prime Minister of Italy.provenance: Robe...
(x) Partisan Liberation of Berat (1943)1943, 2q. olive, marginal pair, and single 5q. green, overprinted in red with a five-pointed star and the "VF-LP" initials, the three tied by "berat" straight-line postmark and correctly paying the local 9 qindar rate on an envelope from the Partisan Command in Berat to Vasil Gallani, Notary Public of Berat. Only two covers and one notarial act (sent in newspaper format) are known bearing this issue; these three items represent the only genuine postal-history examples of mail franked with Partisan stamps in Albania, and the three were addressed to the No...
People’s Republic of Albania (1946–1976)
(x) People’s Republic of Albania (1946–1976)1945, Overprinted 1fr.sh. on 30q. to 5fr.sh. on 2fr., the highest four values of the first set of the Republic, including various sheets and few large blocks unmounted mint original gum. High catalogue value. Michel 364-367.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
State Consolidation Period (1920-1925)
(x) State Consolidation Period (1920-1925)1921-1922. Two covers, one from Peshkope to Tirana featuring a rare single rate domestic franking with 1920-22 2q., second overprint, in strip of five, tied by the rare dispatch c.d.s.; the other, bearing single 25q., first overprint, was directed from Përmet to Salzburg, Austria. A rare duo. Michel 76II, 79I.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) State Consolidation Period (1920-1925)1923 (Nov. 13). Registered cover from Libohove to Clinton, U.S.A., franked by 1922 50q., tied by Libohove c.d.s. in blue repeated at left, and Jergucat c.d.s. in transit in the same colour below. Transit of Gjirokastër (14.11) on reverse, together with various U.S. d.s. and an indistinct (Italian) c.d.s. Envelope torn on the reverse and slightly creased, still quite fresh and an extremely rare cover bearing the highest value of the Sixth Issue of Independent Albania, with scarce cancellations. (Libohovë at that time likely had fewer than 150 inhabitant...
(x) State Consolidation Period (1920-1925)1922–1925, Landscape issues, non-overprinted and overprinted, a choice group of six items showing five different frankings, including one rare acknowledgement of receipt/advice of payment, one uprated stationery card to Switzerland, and other covers to foreign destinations, including the United States (3) and Australia. Very fine and scarce.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Muslim Insurgent Administration of Vlorë (1914)1914 (Oct. 31). Registered cover from Vlorë to Vienna, correctly franked with upper sheet-margin pair of 50q. blue and ultramarine, tied by bilingual "Valona" c.d.s. in violet, showing at right Italian registration label without handstamp, probably applied at the Italian P.O. in Vlorë, from where this mail was forwarded. Some creasing and peripheral faults are of no importance for this rarity. One of the very few surviving genuinely travelled covers of this local issue. Michel 10.provenance: Robert Balla...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Provisional Administrative Council of Berat (1914-1915)1915, Provisional "Prefecture of Berat-Administrative Council" negative seal on bistre paper, used on piece and tied by "zyra e postes/berat" double circle surrounding a double-face eagle, showing "berat" straight-line handstamp adjacent. Fewer than ten examples of this stamp are known, on or off cover. One of the rarest stamps of Albania, completely underestimated in catalogues. Michel 1; €2,000.provenance: Max Herberznote: Between the rebel takeover on 12 July 1914 and the second Serbian occupa...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Provisional Administrative Council of Berat (1914-1915)1915, Provisional “Prefecture of Berat-Administrative Council” negative seal on bistre paper, used on the reverse of an envelope, probably posted in June, addressed to Vlorë, tied by "berat" straight-line handstamp (produced contemporaneously for this provisional issue) and showing alongside "zyra e postes/berat" double-circle handstamp surrounding a double-headed eagle. One of just four covers recorded, this being among the finest; considered one of the great rarities of Albania. All recorded cov...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Local Issue of Shkodër (1915)1915 (March 20). Registered cover to Como, Italy, bearing 1915 5pa. on 2q., 10pa. on 5q., 20pa. on 10q., 1gr. on 25q. and 2gr. on 50q., all with red overprint, tied by Scutari c.d.s.'s, sent the day after the official issue of these stamps; backstamped on receipt. Additionally, two pieces, one showing a 20pa. on 10q. used on the first day of issue, the other with 5pa. on 2q. (double overprint variety, featuring a shifted “5 PARA” overprint and a black overprint for the “19 March” commemorative inscription). Michel 1a, 1b,...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Local Issue of Shkodër (1915)1915 (April 27). Cover from Obot to Shkodër, sent stampless as the dispatch office (located 15 km from Shkodër) had no stamps available in April, showing the very scarce Obot c.d.s. at left and taxed with "T" marking at right, bearing postage due 25 q. applied on arrival on unfranked printed matter, tied by bilingual "shkodër-shqypëni/scutari-albanie" c.d.s. Vertical crease, clear of the franking. A very scarce non-philatelic cover. Michel 2.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Central Albania (Second Regime, 1914-1916)1915 (April 9). Cover from Durres to Vienna, bearing 2nd Issue 40 pa. with the red ink overprint variety, applied using Essad Pasha’s signet ring, tied by bilingual "durazzo" c.d.s., correctly franked for the foreign rate but nevertheless taxed on arrival, apparently due to the franking not being recognised, with Austrian postage due 1h. (overlapping the edge) and 4h. on arrival cancelled by Vienna c.d.s. Very few covers are recorded with this combination franking. Michel 14.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Central Albania (Second Regime, 1914-1916)1919 (April 29). Cover from Durres to Hinterbrühl, Austria, correctly franked with pair of 2nd Issue 20pa. red, tied by bilingual "durazzo" c.d.s. on departure (type produced for this local administration), with arrival (19.5) c.d.s. at left. Some gum spots around the stamps as usually found with this issue. A rare and appealing usage. Michel 18.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Austrian Post Offices1917 (June 12). Cover from Durres to Vienna, franked with Austrian fiscal stamp for Albania 4h. rose in pair, tied by "K.u.K. Etappenpostamt/b/Durazzo (Durz)" c.d.s., showing "K.u.K. Feldbahnkompagnie 9" military unit marking in violet at left. A very rare usage of these fiscal stamps on mail.provenance: "Cihangir" collectionSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Italian Post OfficesBerat. 1918 (Dec. 18). Postcard to Rome, correctly franked with “Leoni” 10c., tied by superb "poste italiane/berat (albania)" c.d.s., repeated adjacent, with a very unusual "poste italiane/berat (albania)" two-line handstamp at left. One of the finest usages from this very rare office, which was in operation from October 1918 to May 1920. Signed Sorani.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Italian Post OfficesDelvino-Delvinë. 1917 (Sept. 22). Registered cover to the Red Cross in Geneva, bearing a pair of “Leoni” 25c., tied by "poste italiane/delvino" c.d.s.’s, repeated alongside, with registration label and the corresponding two-line handstamp on departure, Italian censor markings and labels on the sides. Transit of Taranto and arrival on back. A very scarce registered usage.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Italian Post OfficesPremeti-Përmet. 1917 (Aug. 17). Postcard to Catania in Sicily, redirected to Premeno on Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, franked with “Leoni” 5c. (lower left corner defective), tied by superb "poste italiane/premeti" c.d.s., additionally neatly struck adjacent, with Valona censorship marking alongside. One of the finest cancellation usages among the few recorded from this office.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Italian Post OfficesSan Giovanni di Medua-Shëngjin. 1915 (March 11). Cover to Genoa franked by Italian P.O. in Durazzo 30pa. on 15c. from the 1909-11 issue, tied by "Piroscafo Postale Italiano/Adriatico" c.d.s, with additional strike at left, showing at top neat "ufficio telegrafico italiano/s. giovanni di medua/-albania-" three-line handstamp, and arrival on reverse. Only two or three items are recorded with this telegraphic postmark. Sassone 3.provenance: Markus GmähleSubject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Italian Post OfficesValona-Vlorë. 1920 (May 24). Registered cover from a "Negoziante" (merchant) in Valona sent to Vienna, correctly paying the rate with "Leoni" 10c. (5), tied by "rr. poste italiane/valona" c.d.s's, with registration label and "valona/ufficio postale italiano" two-line handstamp, transit of Brindisi (27.5) on reverse. Registered mail form this office is extremely rare.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Italian Post OfficesVarious Offices. 1915–22, group of eight covers and cards from the offices of Argirocastro, Santi Quaranta and Valona, including one with the rare “Valona Scalo” c.d.s., a mixed franking Italy-Italian P.O. in Valona, and a military postcard bearing “Comando Zona Argirocastro-Berat/Ufficio Commissariato” handstamp. All except one appear to be non-philatelic items. A very interesting and rare group originating from the Gmähle collection.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914–1920)French Military Missions1916 (Feb. 8). Postcard to Paris, exhibiting a neat "escadrille d'albanie/le capitaine commandant" double-circle cachet in blue, denoting free-of-charge military carriage. Dated one day after the escadrille arrived in Corfu and began at that time its reconnaissance flights over Albania. A very scarce usage, and probably the finest known from this naval aviation unit.provenance: Markus Gmählenote: The Escadrille d’Albanie was a French naval aviation group with Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea as its mission area. It conduct...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)French Occupation of Korcë (1916-1920)1916, 10c. on 2l. red, 10c. on 2l. rose, 25c. on 3l. red, 25c. on 25l. ultramarine and 25c. on 50l. grey-lilac, the complete set of five on pieces, each tied by "korytsa/albanie" c.d.s. on 26 and 27 December 1916, the first and second days of issue. Two additional examples off piece of the 10c. on 2l. red and 25c. on 25l. ultramarine are additionally included, with the same cancellation. An extremely rare complete set including the 25c. on 50l., as only 16 or at most 33 examples of this value were issued. Michel...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)French Occupation of Korcë (1916-1920)1917 (Jan. 26). Commercial envelope from Thessaloniki to Koritsa (Korçë), showing the dispatch c.d.s. but sent stampless, consequently taxed on arrival with "T" marking and the corresponding franking of 25l. on 3l. red, tied by "korytsa/albanie" (2.2) c.d.s., paying a foreign rate. Envelope with some creasing not effecting the adhesive, still quite fresh. To our knowledge, no more than five covers bearing this issue are recorded, and this is the only known example showing any value used as postage due on incoming...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)French Occupation of Korcë (1916-1920)1920 (Dec. 15). Postcard depicting the village of Pisoderi, sent from Korçë to Bilisht, franked on the picture side, where the addressee was also indicated, with 3rd Issue 5c. green and black in combination with 4th Fiscal Issue 10c., both tied by Korytsa c.d.s. An extremely rare mixed franking, overpaid by 5c due to shortage of postage stamps, resulting in the use of fiscal stamps as provisional substitute for postage. Michel 14.provenance: Robert Ballaurinote: The origin of the fourth fiscal issue is unknown. T...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)French Occupation of Korcë (1916-1920)1918 (April 1st). Registered cover to Copenhagen with bilingual printed heading of the Direction of the Post in Koritsa in Albanian and French, correctly franked for the 50c foreign registration rate with 1918 25c. blue and black and “Qarku i Korçës” overprinted 25c. on 5c. green and black, each tied by “korytsa/albanie” c.d.s., showing registration marking at top, Albanian “Poste Albanaise - Censure” and French censorship labels (the former on reverse), London (26.4) and arrival (18.5) d.s. on back. One of the ve...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)French Occupation of Korcë (1916-1920)Fiscal stamps, group of nine from the “Qarku i Korçë A” (red-violet eagle overprint) third issue, including singles of 10c., 20c. (without eagle overprint variety), 50c. (lower left corner repaired), and 1fr., and a fragment bearing 1fr. (2) and 5fr. (3) tied by fiscal cachet. Initially, from 17 March to 11 April 1918, the stamps of the “Albanian Self-government” and “Republic of Albania” issues were used with the red-violet eagle overprint. An extremely rare group.provenance: Robert BallauriSubject to 5% tax on...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Local Issue of Elbasan (1919)1919 (May 14). Official cover from Tirana to Elbasan, with "drejtoria e financavet të prefekturës/në tiranë" in blue, from the Directorate of Finance of the Prefecture of Tirana, and "Zyra e Postës/Tiranë" (Tirana Post Office) brown cachets at base, the latter indicating postal involvement at dispatch, with manuscript endorsement denoting a payment of 20 centimes, and violet "zyra e telegrafëvet/elbasan" c.d.s. at top on receipt. Addressed to Francesco Consoli, appointed by the Italians as a counsellor to the Durrës Govern...
(x) Wartime Transitional Period (1914-1920)Local Issue of Elbasan (1919)1919, (1 gr.) red stationery envelope with handstamp of the Elbasan Financial Office and double-headed eagle in black, very well preserved in unused condition. Only about 500 were issued, of which few have survived complete, with about ten recorded, as the area of the seals was often cut out. Michel 1; €3,800.Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
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