1856, 5¢ red brown. Margins just touching projection at top, otherwise large margins, deep color, tied by "New Orleans" cds on 1856 folded cover to France with red "New-York Br. Pkt" credit cds, numerous transit and arrival markings, Extremely Fine. Scott No. 12  Estimate $1,500 - 2,000. Carried by the British packet Niagara, which departed New York December 3, 1856, this is a late example of the "French Decree" rate. On January 1, 1857 the French due rate dropped from 13 decimes to 8 decimes (the so-called "Three Months" rate, which was in effect only until April first). $0 (Image)

1856, 5¢ red brown. Margins just touching projections at top & bottom, otherwise large at sides, deep color, tied by "New Orleans" cds on 1856 folded cover to France with red "New-York Br. Pkt" credit cds, numerous transit and arrival markings, Extremely Fine; with 1978 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 12  Estimate $1,500 - 2,000. A "French Decree" letter weighing over 7½ grams but less than ½ ounce, thus charged a single rate of 5¢ U.S. postage, but a double rate of 26 decimes by France. Carried by the British packet Persia. $0 (Image)