1866, 15¢ black. In combination with 1867 2¢ black, E. grill, two singles and tied by bold strikes of circle of V's cancel on 1868 folded cover to Palermo, Sicily, also tied by red "New York Paid All Direct Apr. 22" circular datestamp, transit and receiving backstamps as well as boxed "22" handstamp, few toned spots at top of 15¢, Very Fine, scarce and unusual franking of Black stamps of the 1866 and Grilled Issues paying the 19¢ rate via North German Union Closed Mail; with 2005 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 77+78  Estimate $300 - 400. $0 (Image)

1866, 15¢ black. Showing dramatic shift of design, tied by "New Orleans, La., Jul 30" origin cds and cork handstamp on 1867 folded letter sheet to Bordeaux, France, red New York exchange and Calais entry cds's, receiving backstamp, Extremely Fine and attractive, a striking freak perforation stamp on cover. Scott No. 77  Estimate $300 - 400. $0 (Image)

1866, 15¢ black. In combination with 1869, 1¢ buff on 1869 cover to Carlstad, Sweden with printed ornate address panel, tied by cork cancels with "Norway Lake, Minn., Sep 27" cds, red Hamburg boxed date stamp and "3 Cents" credit handstamp; repaired corner defect to 1¢ stamp at lower left, otherwise F.-V.F., a rare combination and usage to Sweden. Scott No. 77+113  Estimate $300 - 400. $0 (Image)

1866, 15¢ black. Group of five, including three to France (one marked Insufficiently Paid, a mourning cover to Germany, and a cover to Switzerland, forwarded to Italy, couple have small tears at top, and one has no backflap, Fine appearing lot. Scott No. 77  Estimate $300 - 400. $0 (Image)