Lot
1277 
1861, 30¢ orange, used with 2¢ black (73) and 12¢ black (69), each tied by circular grid cancel, matching "La Crosse Wis., Dec 24, 1863" cds on orange cover to Ringsaker, Norway, partial red "Detroit, Mich, Am. Pkt., Paid, Dec 31" exchange backstamp and matching red "23" in circle handstamp credit to Prussia, forwarded by train to Portland, carried by Allan Line Jura from Portland Jan. 2nd to Londonderry arriving Jan. 12th, red "Aachen, Franco, 16/1" framed transit handstamp, blue ms. "f 6½" credit rating (17¢), reverse with Hamburg (1.16.64), K.D.O.P.A. Hamburg (1.16) transits, and Christiania (1.25) arrival cds; edge wear and soiling, Fine and scarce. Scott No. 71 Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
A SCARCE THREE-VALUE 1861 FRANKING TO NORWAY AT THE 44¢ PRUSSIAN CLOSED MAIL RATE VIA THE DETROIT EXCHANGE OFFICE.
The 44¢ per ½ ounce Prussian Closed Mail rate to Norway was effective May 1, 1863 to May 31, 1865. Minnesota was settled by a large number of Norwegians. The Detroit exchange office typically made up treaty mail from the Wisconsin area and sent it by train to the Allan Line steamers departing from Quebec (Summer) or Portland (Winter).
Realized: $900