1865 mourning cover MANCHESTER to ‘MENTONE, ITALY’. Franked double rate of 8d with horizontal pair of SG82 4d pale red with HAIRLINES.

Actually an anachronistic address as the Franco-Italian border town of Menton was ceded to France five years earlier having previously been under the protection of the Kingdom of Sardinia. So the sender was either ill informed or making a political statement.

Hotel des Iles Britanniques was one of many that sprang up in Menton post 1860 after work by an English doctor popularised the town as a destination of choice for TB patients.

CV per SG for two SG82 On cover is £600+. Stoneham retail is £110+

1865 mourning cover MANCHESTER to ‘MENTONE. SG82 4d pale red HAIRLINES