Description and research notes
Magnificent illustrated letterhead of the Compagnie des Bateaux Omnibus, the Nile passenger and freight line operating regular services between Cairo, Sakkara, and Fayoum. Issued 17 October 1912 and addressed to the Egyptian Ministry of Public Works, the document reports revenue for operations on the Bahr Youssef Canal during the third quarter of the year.
The masthead features a fully engraved Nile steamer flying the company flag, pyramids in the background, and palm-tree framing—one of the most iconic designs used by any Egyptian transport company before World War I. The left margin lists the firm’s services, including excursions, postal runs, cargo towing, and boat rentals.
A Ministry of Public Works arrival stamp (21 October 1912) confirms official receipt, linking this commercial company directly to government oversight of waterways. Illustrated Nile-navigation letterheads of this caliber are rare, especially with ministry usage and full dating. This example stands as a top-tier artifact of pre-war river transport and Egyptian industrial tourism.