Lot 40664 – 1864 France 1862 Napoléon III Empire dentelé issue,

1864 France 1862 Napoléon III Empire perf. issue, 10c (7), 20c (15, including strip of nine) and 40c (15, including a strip of six and nine), a number showing faults which as to be expected from such a high multiple rate, all tied by clear ”5104” numeral of Shanghai, sent to USA with Marseille transit and red boxed PD, Boston arrival and red framed transatlantic handstamp ”Br. Service” (British packet), opened at the sides for presentation. This remarkable 9fr70c transatlantic mail rate to the USA, showing thirty seven stamps represents not only the highest pre-UPU franking from Shanghai to the USA but also the largest franking of the French post in Shanghai by its number of stamps.