Corinphila Auction 291-297 Day 4

French P.O.'s in China 1869 (Dec 23): Large sized triple rate envelope from Shanghai via London to Boston, endorsed "Mess. Imp. Packet 'Phase' - Via Marseille" and bearing an irregular block of six Napoléon perf. 80 c. rose, tied by Gros Chiffres '5104' numeral obliterator, "SHANG-HAI Bau FRANCAIS" despatch cds in black, framed PD, "LONDON PAID 5 FE 70" transit and "BOSTON PAID .. FEB 70" arrival cds's, these in red alongside. Opened roughly and shortened at right, nevertheless an exceedingly rare destination from China with 80 c. to Europe and additional 80 c. across the Atlantic, for each weight rate. Cert. Brun (2022).rnNote: Although endorsed via Marseille, this item made its journey on the vessel 'Phase' to Hong-Kong where it was given to a British vessel to London and further to Boston.