Lot
1111 
Elaborate Positive Geometric, two bold strikes tie 3¢ green (158) and 5¢ Taylor (179) together on Jan. 8, 1876 cover to Paris, France, red "New-York Jan 8" exchange cds and blue Paq. Fr. Brest (1.19) postmarks each tie stamp; cover with small mended tear at top, minor spindle hole, Very Fine appearance, an unusual combination of stamps. Weiss Nos. GE-EP4 Estimate $300 - 400.
The 5¢ G.P.U. rate had just come into effect on January 1, eliminating the 9¢ French mail rate. The only rate this would have paid was double the 4¢ open mail rate by American packet via England, made obsolete 15 months earlier. It is most likely an early misinterpretation of the G.P.U. rate.