France - Italy

Cover from La Porta, Corsica of February 1860 with mixed franking French 20c and Sardinia 20c both in blue from the origin. The franking was accepted at departure but then the cover was taxed 5c considered not sufficiently franked. A remarkable and unique item.

Greece - Olympic Games

The famous "Mertzanoff" cover from the Trachtenberg collection is the only known postally used and travelled cover bearing the complete set of the First Issue Olympic stamps. It is acknowledged as the quintessential Olympic item.

Mauritius

The world famous first stamps to be issued in Mauritius in 1847, bear the inscription "Post Office" instead of "Post Paid", a "mistake" corrected by the engraver Barnard in the very next issue. The One Penny orange-red unused stamp here presented is one of only two known, and the Two Pence blue is one of the four existing stamps. This is the most renowned set of stamps in the world.

Argentina

This cover from Argentina to France originated its journey being carried by the local diligence (mail coach) to Buenos Aires and shows a magnificent strike of the blue "Nueva Mesagerias Nacionales - Merlino Comparella". Other transit markings show its maritime travels and eventual arrival at Reims. A fascinating item reflecting a romantic journey and the only well-known diligence letter received in Europe.