Lot
129 
Ecuador, 1872, 1r ochre on quadrille paper, two horizontal pairs, full margins, tied by red fancy "P.I." in star cancels on wrapper to Otavalo, matching "Quito, Abr 15, 73" cds and manuscript "8oz" weight notation at top right, year docketing on reverse; vertical file folds affecting left pair, otherwise Very Fine, an extremely rare on cover usage of the fancy "P.I." in star cancellation.Scott No. 1 Estimate $400 - 600.
The P.I. stands for "Porte Interno" or internal fee. It is believed that this cancellation was produced in France and was used in Quito starting in 1870. This cover shows a later date than its reported use from Santa Elena, indicating the existence of at least two cancelling devices of this type.
Realized: $475