Auction 220 (part 1): EUROPE & OVERSEAS

1853: 40 c. orange, a horizontal strip of four, three very fine and the fourth stamp defective at left, used on 1855 single rate cover from Paris to Canton, China endorsed 'via Marseille per Overland Mail' tied by 'grille sans fin' in black with Paris cds below (July 5). Carried on the 'Valletta' via Malta to Alexandria and from Suez on the 'Hindustan'. Manuscript '4' (pence) applied on front for amount due on receipt. Reverse with double arc Hong Kong and Canton datestamps (Aug 27) in black. Despite faults a very scarce and early cover.
Catalogue 220: Europe & Overseas