RARE "MALTA POST OFFICE" MARK ON OFFICIAL CONSULAR MAIL TO T...

Estimate

£220 - £300

RARE "MALTA POST OFFICE" MARK ON OFFICIAL CONSULAR MAIL TO TUNIS ENDORSED "Franco" IN CRAYON; Remarkable 5 Oct. 1837 EL (two chisel-slits from disinfection) from the Austrian Consulate in "Malte" (endorsed "I.R. Consolato Austriaco Malta" above the address) to the Austrian Agent-General in "Tunisi" having a mainly very fine rare "MALTA POST OFFICE" (MPO 2a; very seldom seen) on the front, but also underlined in red crayon with matching crayon "Franco" alongside, suggesting that the Austrian P.O. in Tunis was not to charge any postage. Rare early Official Mail with no postal rates apparent on front or reverse. [With small bird's feather found inside; ?mentioned in the contents?]