Lot
2081 
Mexico, 1865 French Expeditionary Forces, French military engineer officer cover from Mazatlan to Strasbourg, France, endorsed "Voie du Panama", but first sent on northbound ship to San Francisco (18 Apr 1865) with "30" rate handstamp (under March 3, 1847 act all letters to and from Panama 30 cents) "New York, 18, May 6" cds for carriage up eastern seaboard, reverse with French receiver and docketed "Mazatlan" in pencil on reverse, Very Fine, This is the only known letter from this French Officer from Mazatlan using the public mail system, his correspondence from various French held places is well known, ex-Schimmer. Estimate $600 - 800.
No stamps were used because the Maximilian government and its stamps were not recognized by the United States and this letter was going there on its way to France.
Realized: $1,500