Lot
736 
1869, 10¢ yellow, strip of three, tied by three strikes of NYFM circle of wedges, red "New York, Paid All, Br. Transit, Mar 2" exchange cds and matching red "16" cent Phantom double-rate credit handstamp on Geo. W. Ford Bookseller corner card cover front to Paris, France, London Paid (3.14) transit and matching oval "PD" handstamp; right 10¢ corner crease upper right, Very Fine front at the Phantom double-rate. Scott No. 116 Estimate $500 - 750.
Following the expiration of the U.S.-France mail treaty on December 31, 1869, the New York postmaster was aware of and sometimes employed an unannounced fully-prepaid rate to France of 12¢ with 8¢ credit to England (published in the foreign postage tables for Algeria). The 12¢ rate applied only until July 1st, when it was reduced to 10¢. As usual, the sender of this cover may have prepaid it for the expired 15¢ treaty rate (3¢ overpayment). Most Phantom rate covers are prepaid with the 1869 or 1870 Issue.
Realized: $1,100