Lot
3333 
Ecuador, Postal History, small collection of "Sello del Policia," or "Police Eyes" as described in "Ecuador - Postal History & Listing of Pre-philatelic Postmarks," by Harris, Bergholtz and Peaz T. These striking markings are a "stylized human eye between crossed olive branches centered in the middle." They were used on official city and national police documents in the 1840s-1870s, either on the outside of folded letters in the manner of a "free frank" or on the inside at the top-center of the letter. Some speculate these were meant to intimidate or remind uneducated folk in small villages in the country of the police control. This collection includes 14 "cut squares" and 29 folded letters and documents, including 5 showing the "Police Eyes" on the outside of the letter. Estimate $500 - 750.
Realized: $725