Lot
1504 
Cuba, 1760-78 (c.) Gandia, Spain to Havana, Cuba, folded cover with "V/ VALEN / CIA" three-line handstamp (known 1760-78) and additional "VALENICIA" straightline, Havana red "ESPANA" straightline handstamp (type 1: 1x3.6cm, 1765-1801), Fine. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
THE EARLIEST RECORDED HAVANA "ESPANA" POSTMARK STRUCK ON MAIL TO HAVANA.
By the King's order the ESPANA handstamp should have been struck in La Coruna on each transatlantic letter. If this was missed, the postmaster was obliged to struck this post at the port of arrival. Though the trading companies still had their office in Cadiz, the Espana marking had to be struck in Havana.