Lot
1018 
1861, 12¢ black, in combination with 1863, 5¢ brown (76) on folded letter to Solothurn, Switzerland, tied by "Aurora, Ill., Sep 9, 1863" cds and target duplexes, reverse with red "N. York Hamb. Pkt., Paid, Sep 19" exchange cds, German transits including "Hamburg, 2/10 63" oval date stamp and receiving cds, with 2¢ Blackjack fallen off during transit (where Solothurn cds was applied on front), Very Fine and scarce, sent from U.S. to Switzerland under the 1860 U.S.-Hamburg Convention.Scott No. 69 Estimate $400 - 600.
In June 1860, the prepaid letter rate from the U.S. to Switzerland was reduced to 19¢ per ½ ounce when sent via the U.S.-Hamburg Convention. The U.S. was entitled to only 3¢ per ½ ounce on letters sent aboard German steamships. Despite the fact that this convention remained in effect until the end of Dec. 1867, it appears that very little mail was exchanged between the U.S. and Switzerland via the U.S.-Hamburg treaty. Winter records only six letters via Hamburg mails (Winter Vol. II, page 969).
Realized: $270