U.S. & Worldwide Stamps & Postal History
November 18-19, 2009
| Images | Description | Current Bid |
 | Lot #4161 ISRAEL - HOLYLAND 1863 (10 Eylul - Sep 23 or 10 Sep (Julian calendar) fully prepaid FL from Haifa to Beirut via the Ottoman post, endorsed in manuscript at upper right "Haifa", franked with Turkish 1 piaster (first Postage Due), full margins all around, tied by dotted "Battal" (cancelled) of Beirut, with ms "3" (representing the weight of 3 dirhem = 9.9gr) at upper left. As the distance from Haifa to Beirut was less than 50 hours, the rate was 1 piaster. There are a few insignificant reinforced cover tears and erosions not affecting the stamp. This is one of only four known First Issue covers from Haifa Ottoman Post Office (all affixed and cancelled in Beirut), an important exhibition piece and one of the highlights of Holy Land and Turkish philately, illustrated in Steichele & Collins (page 25), ex-Sorani, with 1997 Muentz and 2006 Nakri certs  | Unsold |
