Auction 309-320 - Europe & Overseas - Day 6

Ballon monté 1870 (Oct 23): Entire letter on extremely thin paper carried on board of balloon no. 18 'Le Montgolfier' and directed to Esclassan, Gers, franked with Napoléon laureated 20 c. blue type II, a fresh and fine adhesive with good perforation, tied lightly by Étoile de Paris mute obliterator with clear "Paris (60)" despatch cds alongside. A very rare balloon captured by the Prussians, ex Provera. Cert. Robineau (1981), Behr (1981) Maury = € 3'500 / Lhéritier = € 3'800.