COVER EXPOSING ARGENTINA'S EXPLOITATION OF THE UPU's UNPAID ...

Estimate

£110 - £150

COVER EXPOSING ARGENTINA'S EXPLOITATION OF THE UPU's UNPAID LETTER TAX: 13 June 1878 E (hinge remnants at top) form Bordeaux to Buenos Aires carried by the French steamer "Orenoque". The Argentinian P.O. affixed labels to foreign-bound mail discouraging pre-payment however UPU convention allowed a tax at double rate to be levied as postage due. Simultaneously, another label for domestic mail warned of large fines for evading postal regulation. Together, both charges would give the P.O. a significant pay-day. This cover however has both labels affixed. Payment of the 16c ms & hs charge in blue was refused as shown by circular "NO DAN RAZON" ('NO REASON GIVEN") hs. Unique & interesting cover. Cross Reference: FRANCE, POSTAGE DUE STAMPS & COVERS, UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION