Lot No. 250
1921, Aïn-Tab issue, black overprint, 1pi. on 10pa. on 20pa. carmine, horiz. strip of three with different positions of surcharge, fresh colour, normally perforated, unmounted mint, signed Calves (right stamp showing a very faint indication of toning at base). This issue was authorised by the District Governor of Aïn-Tab for mail to Aleppo and locally and was in use until 27 August 1921. Though Aïn-Tab (now Gaziantep) lay in Cilicia, 20 miles north of the Syrian border, in an area where French troops were fighting the Turkish Nationalists, the stamps were overprinted 'Syrie'. MAJOR RARITY OF SYRIA, ISSUED IN LOW QUANTITY OF 3500 STAMPS ONLY (both surcharges counted), especially valuable as a unit! Maury gives no price for u/m, estimated to 800,- €++.
