Private stampless cover to Athens from civilian at Gaitani village (2 km west of Zakynthos city on the homonymous island), postmarked ΖΑΚΥΝΘΟΣ -1.ΔΕΚ53 [Zakynthos/Zante, 1 December 1953]. Sender’s details: χωρίον Γαϊτάνι, Ζάκυνθος.
No postage stamps or other indications were applied on the cover as, following the newly issued Law 2745 that provided the exemption from postal charges on letters up to 20 grams and postcards originating from the islands of Zakynthos, Cefalonia and Ithaca to domestic destinations. That situation was first set from August to the end of 1953, when it was extended to 31 December 1954.
[The 1953 series of earthquakes Ionian earthquake (magnitude 7.3 on the Richter scale) struck the southern Ionian Islands in Greece on August 12, raising up the whole island of Kefalonia by 60 cm, and causing widespread damage throughout the islands of Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos (Zante). All but two buildings were destroyed in Zakynthos city, and many people fled the island or emigrated even out of Greece.]
It should be noted that for the international outgoing mail from the three islands, the same law allowed the excemption of regular and other additional airmail charges for ordinary letters up to 10 grams and postcards. These items were forwarded to Patras main Post Office that provided the required postage stamps be applied and canselled with the ΠΑΤΡΑΙ postmarks, along with a special boxed rubber marking texted “ΤΑ ΤΑΧ. ΤΕΛΗ / ΚΑΤΕΒΛΗΘΗΣΑΝ ΥΠΟ ΤΟΥ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΟΥ / ΝΟΜΟΣ 2745” [Postage / paid by the Public / Law 2745].
Condition: Excellent; see scans.