Auction 309-320 - Europe & Overseas - Day 6

Ballon monté 1870 (Nov 23): Entire letter carried on board of balloon no. 34 'Jacquard' to Beauchastel nearby La Voulte-sur-Rhône, Ardèche, franked with Siège 20 c. blue, a fresh and fine example, tied by Étoile de Paris '3' numeral obliterator with Paris Pl. de la Madeleine despatch cds. Reverse with fair "LA VOULTE-S-RHONE" arrival cds (Dec 23). An extremely rare balloon due to its history, ex collection Provera, cert. Calves (1991) Maury = € 3'250.rnNote: The 'Jacquard' wrecked off the Scilly Islands west of Cornwall, several post bags were recovered at different time points and given to the postal authorities in the UK or France.