on piece 1870 (Dec.) front addressed to London, endorsed "Via Marseilles" (which has subsequently been crossed through), triple rate bearing 96c. brownish grey (short corner perf.) tied by company h.s. and first type of "S1" in blue, with "4/-" rate mark in red ink and with a good strike of "INSUFFICIENTLY-PREPAID__9D" (which has been deleted by handstamp) and London (23.1) arrival c.d.s. alongside. Marseilles had just been closed due to the Franco-Prussian War and the mails now sent via Brindisi, it is likely that this was posted at the time of this change and some confusion arisen about the rate to be charged - 32c. via Marseilles or 38c. via Brindisi. Photo