Auction 265th - 273rd - Day 3

1867/80: 3 d. rose, pl. 6, wmk. Spray, a used example on 1871 single rate entire letter to Paris tied by London duplex (Feb 3). Paris had fallen to the Prussians on January 28, 1871 and this letter is correctly endorsed "Open Letter" and "Lettre Ouverte" to be sent "via Dieppe" but travelled via Calais with transit in blue (Feb 6). A very rare example of mail sent during this turbulent period - contents begin "At last! Although this is an open letter I can congratulate you on the end of your seclusion and sufferings...I have deposited £ 500 on St. Swithin's Lane to be remitted to you..". A few imperfections but very rare.rnrnNote: Letters to newly occupied Paris had to be sent 'open' (unsealed) between February 6 and February 16, 1871. Censorship of Mail by the Prussians began on occupation and continued until circa February 20, 1871.