1863 (May 12) Paris, France to New Orleans, La., cover bearing 1860, 80c. rose on pinkish, four margins, just clear top left, tied by lozenge, Paris (7.12) cds and red "3c" h.s. as 3¢ credit to the U.S., London red "Br Service" framed h.s., carried on Allan Line Hibernian that departed Londonderry May 15 to Quebec arriving May 25, red "Portland Me. 'Paid 15' May 27" exchange credit cds; some light aging, F.-V.F., a scarce Portland exchange use. Scott No. France #20  Estimate $200 - 300. Paris marked 3¢ credit to U.S. using a 3 centime postage due handstamp and red ink. While this is not a scarce usage of this marker, it is uncommon. Under the U.S.-French postal convention mails carried on Allan Line steamers (American mail contract) were accounted for as mails carried on British steamers. Letter in closed mail bag put off at Riviere du Loup on the St. Lawrence River and taken by train to Portland for distribution. $0 (Image)