Lot 2012

1863 (26 Oct) a cover with printed flag “PER OVERLAND VIA MARSEILLES” from Hong Kong to the U.S.A., endorsed by “Messageries Imperiales w/ Donnai”, a red color HK c.d.s. “HONG KONG PAID / 26 OC 63”, London transit c.d.s (4 Dec), New York arrival c.d.s. “N. YORK BR. PKT / DEC 19 / 5(cts)”, manuscript mark circled “5”. On the reverse side, Hong Kong despatch c.d.s. (26 Oct). The mail was carried by French M.I. steamer “Donnai” and “Moeris” to Marseilles. “Donnai” was its 3rd voyage since the introduction of French MI packet services in Nov 1862. Hence, this mail was a very early use of French M.I. line.

1863.10.26 香港寄美國，鈐香港已付日戳。12.4經倫敦。12.19抵紐約。此信由法國郵船Donnai及Moeris寄馬賽。甚早之Messageries Imperiales例子。