Lot
506 
Sicily, 1859 Ferdinand II 5g bright vermilion, plate II, Palermo paper, two singles (clear to large margins) tied by horseshoe cancels on letter from Messina to Malta dated 22 May 1860, with Malta receiver on reverse 23 May 1860.; skillfully repaired with the addition of a small amount of paper along the top, and particularly behind the stamps, for protection, F.-V.F., an outstanding usage; signed Em. Diena with 1988 En. Diena and 2012 Vaccari certificates. Sassone No. 11a; €42,000 for single on cover Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
A late-usage cover, and unique to Malta with this franking, surcharged '1' [penny] for delivery in Malta. Having been lost at some indeterminate time before 1941, this cover was re-discovered by a dealer in Malta in 1987. Note: Approximately two dozen Sicily covers to Malta are known.
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Realized: $2,900