Lot
5050 
(Switzerland) 1859 (Mar. 9) Augusta Ga. to Geneva, Switzerland, orange buff cover bearing 12¢ black (36) vertical pair and 3¢ dull red (26), tied by two strikes of "Augusta Ga., Mar 9, 1859" cds, red "N.York, Brem. Pk. 'Paid' Mar 19" exchange cds and magenta "24" cent credit rating, carried by NGL Line Bremen from New York Mar. 19th to Bremerhaven arriving Apr. 2nd, blue "America/über Bremen/Franco" three-line handstamp, various ratings, reverse with Frankfurt (4.4) and Basel (4.5) transits; missing part of top flap and with small tear at top, minor edge wear, Very Fine and scarce 1857 issue use prepaying the 27¢ rate to Switzerland via Bremen, ex-Piller, J & J. Estimate $500 - 750.
The fully prepaid rate to Switzerland via Bremen was 27¢ from 1857 to 1860. It dropped to 19¢ when Th. & T. eliminated its transit fee. A prepaid letter was charged a flat fee of 4¢ Swiss postage, but the actual cost was based upon distance.
Realized: $475