1868 (Jun. 30) Le Havre, France to New York N.Y., blue datelined folded letter bearing France 80c carmine, creased by fold and tied by "1269" diamond lozenge, matching "Le Havre, 30 Juin 68" cds adjacent, red framed "P.P." handstamp, red London Paid (7.1) transit cds and red "3 / Cents" credit handstamp, carried by Commercial Ship Virginia as endorsed, red "Boston Paid Jul 18" exchange cds, Fine, prepaid at the 80c consignee letter rate. Estimate  $150 - 200. As of January 1, 1868, the option of forwarding prepaid letters from France to the United States in the British open mails was introduced in order to allow businessmen the opportunity to include their correspondence with any merchandise being sent by commercial vessels departing from British ports. The rate was 80 centimes per 7½ grams, with the United States receiving a 3¢ per ½ oz. credit from England. $0 (Image)