1861 (Apr. 29) Philadelphia Pa. to Madras, India, cover bearing 30¢ orange (38), nat. s.e. at left, tied by large circular open grid cancel, matching "Philadelphia Pa, Apr 29" octagonal datestamp, magenta "27" cent credit rating, carried by Cunard Line Niagara from Boston May 1st to Queenstown arriving May 12th, red Calais (5.14) transit cds and matching "P.D." framed handstamp, Marseilles (5.15) transit backstamp with matching small "PD" framed handstamp, reverse with Bombay (6.9) transit and Trichinopoly arrival cds; Jun. 14th 1861 receipt docketing at left; open at left and top, tiny edge tear, F.-V.F. Estimate  $1,000 - 1,500. A RARE 30¢ 1857 ISSUE FRANKING PREPAYING THE FRENCH MAIL RATE TO INDIA. The 30¢ French mail rate to India was effective April 1, 1857 to December 31, 1869. The 27¢ credit was for 6¢ transatlantic packet, 3¢ British transit and 18¢ French transit with New York retaining 3¢ U.S. postage. $0 (Image)