U.S. and Worldwide; The "Aurora" Collection of R.S.F.S.R.
February 8-10, 2011
| Images | Description | Current Bid |
 | Lot #958 ITALIAN STATES Sicily 1859 50gr brown lake, position 2, used in combination with 20gr gray, position 89, paying 70gr on a complete four-page folded letter from Catania (13 Mar), via Messina (16 Mar) to Napoli, with departure and transit datestamps alongside, endorsed "Vapore Francese," with red arrival pmk on back. Both stamps have margins all around and in perfect condition. There are various pencil signatures including Sylvano Sorani, Giulio Bolaffi, Dr. Enzo Diena , Giorgio Colla, handstamped A.Bolaffi, with 1996 Diena and 2002 Colla certificates ("la lettere e originale al pari degli annulli e dei francobolli, perfetti e superbamente marginati, documenti postali piu belli e rari di Sicilia.") One of only four known 70gr frankings (two to Napoli, others to Paris), exquisite rarity from Sicily (catalogue value for 50gr on cover)  Catalog #Sass.13,14 Catalog Value €170,000 | Price Realized $47,500.00 |
