Lot 5192
1870 (Dec. 7) Williamsburgh, N.Y. to Darmstadt, Hesse, orange buff cover bearing 1¢ buff (112) and 6¢ ultramarine (115), tied by cork cancels duplexed with "Williamsburg N.Y. Dec 7" cds, red "New York, Paid All, Direct, Dec 10" exchange cds, carried by NGL Line America from New York Dec. 10th to Bremerhaven arriving Dec. 24th, red "Bremen, Franco, 25/12 70" framed transit, Dec. 27th arrival backstamp, Very Fine and rare 1869 Issue franking for the 7¢ direct rate.Estimate $500 - 750.
The Franco-Prussian War broke out on Jul. 19th 1870. Direct mail service was suspended, but the closed mail route remained open. The decisive Prussian victory at Sedan on Sep. 2nd 1870 left no doubt about the outcome of the war, and direct mail service resumed Oct. 29th 1870.
Realized: $325