1863 (Oct. 17) New York, N.Y. to Berlin, Prussia, cover with black "N. York Hamb. Pkt. '3' Oct 17" debit exchange cds, carried by Hapag Line Saxonia from New York Oct. 17 to Hamburg arriving Oct. 31, Hamburg (10.31) backstamp and blue "6½" debit h.s., Berlin (11.1) arrival backstamp and blue crayon "6½" due restated, Very Fine. Estimate  $200 - 300. In late September 1863, the U.S. reduced its share of the international rate from 5¢ to 3¢, thus allowing Hamburg to renew its contract with the steamship line at a more favorable arrangement. The Prussian post office in Hamburg marked the blue "6½" handstamp to show the total postage due in Prussian currency. Later, a blue manuscript marking of the same value was marked for the postage due, probably at Berlin. $0 (Image)