Corinphila Auction 284-290 Day 3

Indian Post Offices abroad - Penang 1857 (Dec 21): Unpaid Entire letter, date lined Penang and directed to Marseille, front struck by merchant's cachet "MATHIEU & Cie / PULO-PINANG" in blue, framed "INDIA UNPAID" handstamp in black and French "PAYS ETR. V. SUEZ MARSEILLE 26 JANV. 58" entry cds in red. Charged with '8' (décimes) due upon arrival. Presumably by courrier brought to Calcutta where it got its UNPAID handstamp, mail from Penang via Calcutta is very scarce as most mail was sent via Singapore.