Provenance: Arthur White.

Details:

• May 10, 1855 (Julian) a letter dated May 10/22 reflecting the Julian/Gregorian calendar posted at St. Petersburg. Sender wrote 'fco' in lower corner left. At the post office weight and rate was assessed and marked on the letter, manuscript at top corner right '11/20' 11 grams at 20 kopeks and '2' for double rate category. The letter was paid but this was not restated by handstamp (no 'FRANCO' marking). The postmark '1855 St. PETERSBURG V 10' was applied.

Dobin: 1.02 type 3.07. Reception expedition of foreign correspondence, transit postmark used 1854-1859, Rarity 4.^[1]

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

Vandervelde: Aus Russland type CV5 39x10mm.

• May 30, red 'PRUSSE VALENCIENNES 30 MAI 55 3'. French entry mark at Valenciennes. 3's show the postmark was struck at Paris. Letter was also marked by the French with red 'P.D.' (Payee au Destination).

Noël: #1021^[2]

• May 30, 'PARIS 30 MAI (60)' receipt backstamp.