Provenance: Arthur White.

Details:

• January 28, 1864 (Julian) a letter dated January 25 posted at St. Petersburg by Gustave Sterky & Fils acknowledging a payment from C.J. van Opstall. Sender wrote 'Porto' in upper right corner. At the post office restated by hand stamp 'PORTO' (unpaid). The circular postmark 'St. PETERSBURG * VII. EXP. / 28 JAN 1864' was applied backside.

Dobin: 02.02 type 01a. Applied by the office for accepting and dispatch of foreign correspondence, postmark was used between 1859-1866, Rarity 1.^[1]

• Red 'Aus Russland' applied. Mark used as a German entry/transit mark aboard the Konigsberg-Bromberg T.P.O.

Vandervelde: Aus Russland type Ry3a

• Black 'KÖNIGSBERG Pr 10 2 II BROMBERG' mark applied at reverse.
• Prussian accountancy mark 'P.33.'(PRUSSIA), used on Prussian transit mail from Poland and Russia, with destination France. By treaty of 1858-07-01 between Prussia and France the usage of accountancy markings was agreed. This marking originates from the second account period which was from January 1, 1862 to December 31, 1865. Article allowing Prussia 77.5 centimes per 15 grams of mail. Single rate was 11 decimes (1.1 francs) due. France paid for Prussian transit.
• February 12, blue 'PRUSSE ERQUELINES 12 FEVR 64 3'. French entry mark at Erquelines. 3's show the postmark was struck at Paris. Rate was assessed at double weight: 22 decimes, and mediaeval manuscript '22' applied.
• February 13, 'PARIS 13 FEVR 64 (60)' transit mark at reverse.
• February 13, 'BORDEAUX 13 FEVR 64 (32)' receiver at reverse.