Lot 359 Canada 1878 10c UPU letter rate cover to Arabia, franked with a 10c dull lilac rose, tied by a duplex cancel, paying the 10c double weight UPU letter rate. Mailed from Toronto (OCT.15.1878) to Suez, Arabia (receiver on back) via London (Oct. 28 transit in red), Alexandria, Egypt (transit on back). A lovely and fresh cover, slightly reduced at left, very fine. (Unitrade 40)
An exceptional cover in all aspects, from the light cancel on the stamp, the overall fresh “bloom,” to the exotic destination where it was sent. The only recorded solo use of the 10c value to Arabia (Egypt) and arguably amongst the finest and most important usages of the 10c value on UPU covers. Based on an unpublished census of 10c covers, this is also the earliest UPU rate cover bearing a 10c stamp.
Provenance: Unknown collector, Sissons auction (1976).
Estimate $5,000
