Lot
123 
1857 New Orleans, Louisiana to Paris, France. Folded cover franked with 1851 10¢ type III (cut in) tied by New Orleans cds paying the correct 5¢ per half ounce by British Open Mail letter rate for up to an ounce, which paid only the U.S. inland, with the remainder collected in France, postmarked red "New-York Br. Pkt Mar 18" transit & framed "GB 1F60c" accountancy marking with French "16" decimes due marking. Scott No. 15 Estimate $300 - 400.
This was sent during the three month interval between the implementation of the Anglo-French convention of 1 Jan 1857, and the U.S. - French Postal Convention, which was effective 1 April 1857. During this period if by British packet where both sea and British transit were due, the French Office paid the British Office 1 franc 20 centimes per 30 grams and 40 centimes centimes respectively, as indicated by the framed 1F60c hand-stamp in this instance, or if by American packet where the sea postage was prepaid, only 40 centimes was paid, which was indicated by an oval GB 40c hand-stamp. According to Hargest (George E. - History of Letter Post Communication.) "Covers showing British packet service during these three months are scarce." Per Cunard Line steamer Persia, departing New York 18-Mar-1857, arriving Liverpool 28-Mar-1857.
Realized: $230