Lot
587 
1867 (Dec. 5) Cincinnati, Oh. to Carlsruhe, Baden, cover with blue "Cincinnati O. Dec 5" origin cds, "New York Br. Pkt. '23' Dec 11" debit exchange cds, carried by Cunard Line Persia departing Dec. 11 to Queenstown arriving Dec. 22, Verviers (12.24) and Baden (12.25) backstamps, large blue "45" kreuzer due handstamp; reduced at left, Very Fine, ex-Winter; with 1997 van der Linden certificate. Estimate $150 - 200.
U.S. debit included not only U.S. inland postage but also sea and British transit fees which the United States was required to pay to the United Kingdom. Transit through Belgium was paid for by the British. The Aachen exchange office clerk struck the blue "45" handstamp to show the postage due in Southern German currency, kreuzer (equivalent to 30¢). This uncommon handstamp was used only in 1866-67.
Realized: $180