Auction 333-341 Europe & Overseas - Day 5

Martinique 1845: Entire letter from Martinique via Réunion to China, addressed to "Monsieur Eugène de Lauchène ensigne de vaisseu à bord de la corvette La Sabine faisant  partie de la Station française en Chine, recomandée aux soins du Consul français" with "SAINT PIERRE MARTINIQUE" despatch cds (Jan 17), transit cds of "OUTRE-MER / LE HAVRE" in red (Feb 23) and thence to Réunion where struck with fine (and very rare) oval framed "BOURBON / POST FREE" handstamp in black (numbered '494') alongside "ST. DENIS / ILE BOURBON " cds (July 2) in black. Reverse with "HONG KONG" double arc cds in black (Dec 24) with '4' (pence) due in blue manuscript. An exceptional entire of great beauty, importance and rarity. Signed Baudot.