Interpostal Seals On Covers
Only a handful of covers exist bearing Interpostal Seals. In most cases the Interpostals were placed on the cover to reseal or repair it. Very rare ones exist bearing an Interpostal Seal which is struck with a postmark.
Above : A rare postmarked type IV-c Alessanria Interpostal Seal affixed to the reverse side of a Cover from Alexandria to Ferrara Italy via Brindisi through the Italian Post Office in Alexandria cancelled by the ‘234’ postmark and stamped with Alessandria d’Egitto Poste Italiane cds dated 17-1-1872. The type IV-c seal was introduced in 1870.
To the left : Envelope postmarked on 16 July 1890 from Alexandria to Massawa, Eritrea, under-franked with the 1884 carmine-rose 5 millime scott-48. The correct rate being 1piaster, this deficiency is noted on the face and supplemented by 2 Italian Postage Dues 5c. and 10c. (on reverse) initialed in ink and cancelled with "MASSAUA/(MAR ROSSO)" CDS. The envelope is not delivered and returned via Brindisi to Alexandria where it was cut-opened in error, showing a note to this effect, and resealed with a blue Interpostal Seal Type VI affixed at top.
Above : Type V-b(?) Scibin El Kom torn partial Interpostal Seal tied with a Cairo CDS dated Dec 16 1874. Affixed to the reverse side of an official wrapper from Scibin El Kom to Cairo, with Scibin El Kom negative seal and "POSTE V. R. EGIZIANE / SCIBIN EL COM" CDS. The postal office routinely used Interpostal Seals to repair or reseal damaged or torn letters and wrappers in this way.