Lot
5249 
1869 (Aug. 20) Havana, Cuba to Trieste, Austria via New York, blue cover endorsed on reverse "1869, 20/8 Havana" and partial merchant flap handstamp, Cuban stamp removed in transit at New York, black "New York, Direct, Sep. 2" exchange cds and large "7" cents due handstamp, carried by NGL Line Deutschland from New York Sep. 2nd to Bremerhaven arriving Sep. 15th, Bremen (9.15) transit backstamp and framed "Aus Westindien/über Newyork." handstamp, Trieste (9.18) arrival backstamp and blue crayon "45" Austrian nkr. due rating; light staining top right and some edge wear, F.-V.F. and rare. Estimate $500 - 750.
ONE OF ONLY 7 RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE BREMEN "AUS WESTINDIEN/ÜBER NEWYORK." HANDSTAMP.
The postage due was 4sgr direct mail rate, 2¾sgr US transit and 2sgr unpaid fine for total of 8¾sgr due, or 45 Austrian neukreuzer.
Under the US-NGU Convention, the US charged a transit fee of 7¢ for mail to Germany from Cuba.
Realized: $675
Lot
5250
1875 (Jun. 19) Havana, Cuba to Schönbach dei Löbau, Saxony, cover bearing Cuba 50c green pair cancelled by blue "P.C" in circle handstamps, some gum toning, blue merchant "Alvarez Valle y Ca, Habana, Jun 19, 1875" double-oval flap seal, black "New York, Jun 26" exchange cds and matching "UNPAID" framed and "7" cent due handstamps, carried by NGL Line Rhein from New York Jun. 26th to Bremerhaven arriving Jul. 8th, black "Aus Westindien/über Newyork." framed handstamp and updated with blue crayon "80" pfennings due, Schönbach (7.9) arrival backstamp, ex-Kouri; with 1989 P.F. certificate. Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
ONE OF ONLY 7 RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE BREMEN "AUS WESTINDIEN/ÜBER NEWYORK." HANDSTAMP.
Cuba stamps were not recognized since it did not become a member of the U.P.U. until May 1, 1877.
This cover is important because it shows postage due in the 1875 single German currency (1 Mark = 100 pfennings). Since it arrived after the General Postal Union became effective on July 1, 1875, the U.S. transit fee was crossed out. Postage due was 50 pf. Direct Mail rate plus 30 pf US Transit = 80 pfennings (8 sgr in old currency).