Auction 321 - 332 Europe & Overseas Asia / Africa, Europe A –Z, Collections & Accumulations - Day 4

Gouadeloupe 1865 (24 March): Large envelope from Point-à-Pitre to Paris of the 26th weight rate, showing handwritten '260 g', bearing Aigle 40 c. orange in an irregular block of 16 and pair 5 c. green, as to be expected for a multiple of this shee size three stamps shaved, one touched and one with a tear, otherwise in an unexpectedly over average quality, tied / cancelled by grill obliterator, one stamp in addition by French "ST. NATAIRE" entry cds in red, despatch cds in black and framed PD in red alongside. Reverse with arrival (16 April) cds. Opened on three sides, some shortening, nevertheless a unique and spectacular franking representing one of the highest in the first general colonial issue.