Special Jubilee Auction #203 - Euro (€)

L'ARMAND BARBES Pli confié pour l'île de WIGHT avec 20c 10c Lauré obl. losange CP2 de l'ambulant Calais à Paris avec càd au dos Calais à Paris 08.10.70 et arrivée Ventnor 10.10.70, grand PD encadré, TB, rare

INCOMING: 1870 (Oct 8) Ballon Monté (L'Armand Barbes flight) entire from Paris during the Franco-Prussian war to the ISLE OF WIGHT, with French 10c and 20c Laurel Crown issue (folded over edge) tied by "CP2" dotted lozenge, with Ventnor arrival bs, fine and rare destination for this balloon mail

Note: During the Franco-Prussian war, the Ballon Montés were an attempt by the citizens of the besieged city of Paris to send mail over the enemy lines to areas of unoccupied France, where they could then be entered in to the postal system