British Post Office in Constantinople 1857-1914: 6d. rate to Great Britain via Marseilles, 1857 (Dec. 9) entire to London franked 6d. lilac (piece reinstated, adhesive faults at foot) for 1/4oz. rate, tied ''C'' barred oval with red London Paid Dec. 18 arrival below and showing fine unframed ''BRITISH POST OFFICE/DE 9/1857/CONSTANTINOPLE'' in black on reverse. THIS IS THE EARLIEST RECORDED STAMPED LETTER FROM THE BRITISH CIVILIAN P.O IN CONSTANTINOPLE. J. Parmenter recorded the earliest franked cover to be 9.6.1858, the cover on offer is 6 month prior. A UNIQUE AND MAJOR RARITY OF THE BRITISH PO' s IN TURKEY.