Maritime Mail of Spanish Colonies in America

Argentina Incoming Mail 1810 circa. Cover (three side flaps missing) from Spain to Buenos Aires, extraordinarily carried via Havana-Panama-Valparaíso by maritime means, then overland via Santiago to final destination, bearing red "España" straight-line handstamp struck in Havana on front, also confirming the transit through Chile with the corresponding italic "Chile." postmark of Santiago on reverse, with handwritten "5" reales on front, which may have matched a double weight. An extraordinary usage of great historic and postal interest, outstandingly carried to Argentina, as a result of the events leading to the independence of this territory, following an exceptional Atlantic and Pacific route via Cuba-Panama-Chile, as an alternative route to the direct maritime journey from Spain; its importance is further enhanced by being one of just two covers recorded exhibiting the combination of any "España" and "Chile" postmarks (both are included in this sale, see also lot 23).