U.S. & Worldwide; The Alexander Collection of Russia
September 14-16, 2010
| Images | Description | Current Bid |
 | Lot #1438 RUSSIA Russian Offices in the Turkish Empire 1854 outer FL from St. Petersburg to Bucharest, addressed "To The Danube Army Headquarters", with circular SPB July 6 datestamp and red wax seal, fine and scarce example of military mail during the so called "undeclared war" with the Ottoman Empire. The Russians were the guardians of the Christian shrines within the Ottoman Empire, and when a dispute broke out between Orthodox and Catholic Christians in Jerusalem, France decided to intervene as protector of the Catholics, gaining special status from the Turks in 1852. Tsar Nicholas I of Russia decided to use the tension in an attempt to gain control of Constantinople and with it direct access to the Mediterranean. This alarmed France, long term allies of Turkey, and enemies of Russia, and Britain, who objected to any change in the balance of power, and also had rivalries with Russia further east. Russia issued demands in May 1853, which were soon refused, and Russian Danube Army began to occupy Turkish Moldavia and parts of Rumania in July. Turkey declared wa  | Price Realized $2,700.00 |
 | Lot #1439 RUSSIA Russian Offices in the Turkish Empire 1871 (29.6) FL franked with 1k and 5k Numerals (perf. 11 1/2), tied by "782" in diamond of dots, with large circular "Alexandretta Agency Ropit" 29.6.71 departure pmk on back, sent via the Italian Post Office in Alexandria, where it received a transit pmk (Alessandria d'Egitto Poste Italiane 6 Aug.), to Genova, where it was rated "6" (deci) in ms, with Italian 60c postage due added and tied by 13 Aug. 1871 Genova cds, fine and rare usage from the Russian Post Office in Alexandretta (Syria), with 1995 Holcombe cert. Catalog #8,10 | Unsold |
 | Lot #1440 RUSSIA Russian Offices in the Turkish Empire 1901 (21.3) incoming money letter from Epifan to Constantinople endorsed "for transfer to Ilinsky Skit (monastery) at Mt. Athos", with Constantinople ROPIT receiver, v.f. cover with intact wax seals | Price Realized $130.00 |
 | Lot #1441 RUSSIA Russian Offices in the Turkish Empire 1903 (4 Dec) 4k stationery reply card from Mersina to Czechoslovakia, "ROPIT Mersina" and arrival pmks, v.f. | Price Realized $230.00 |
