Lot
166 
1862 (Jan. 1) New York, N.Y. to Brussels, Belgium, Civil War Patriotic Flag cover with "N. York B. Pkt. '20' Jan 1" debit exchange cds, reverse with "Br. Packet" h.s., carried by Cunard Line America that departed New York Jan. 1st and arrived at Queenstown Jan. 14th, Brussels (1.15) arrival backstamp and red manuscript "14" decimes due rating; light toning, F.-V.F. Estimate $200 - 300.
Patriotic envelopes were popular early in the American Civil War and are occasionally seen on stampless transatlantic mails, but seldom on covers to Belgium. New York debited Belgium 20¢ of the equivalent 27¢ (14 decimes) postage due for a single rate letter.
Realized: $725