Lot
361 
1856, 5¢ red brown. Margins just touching projection at top, otherwise large margins, deep color, tied by "New Orleans" cds on 1856 folded cover to France with red "New-York Br. Pkt" credit cds, numerous transit and arrival markings, Extremely Fine. Scott No. 12 Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
Carried by the British packet Niagara, which departed New York December 3, 1856, this is a late example of the "French Decree" rate. On January 1, 1857 the French due rate dropped from 13 decimes to 8 decimes (the so-called "Three Months" rate, which was in effect only until April first).
Realized: $900