JAPAN, 1875, 6s Orange (43). Syllabic 10, rich color, used with 1875, 4s Green (42), Syllabic 3, dark shade, identical segmented cork cancels, one tying 4s which is also tied by red "Yokohama Paid All Jan. 23" (1877) double-circle datestamp and red "5/CENTS" credit handstamp on folded notice with printed dateline "E. Jubin & Cie, Yokohama, 22 Janvier 1877" to G. Hoyer, Lyon France, sender's directive "Par City of Tokio"--carried on PMSS City of Tokio, which arrived in San Francisco on February 10, 1877, and was placed in quarantine due to a passenger with smallpox (Daily Alta California, Feb. 11, 1877)--"San Francisco Cal. St.Shp. Feb. 11" circular datestamp, Calais arrival datestamp (Mar. 5), Lyon receiving datestamp (Mar. 5), receipt docketing on interior

EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE COVER WITH AN UNUSUAL COMBINATION OF JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM ISSUES PAYING THE 10-SEN RATE TO FRANCE VIA THE UNITED STATES.

At the time of mailing, the rate from Japan to the United States was 5 sen (equal to 5 cents) and the GPU rate from the U.S. to France applied to transit letters received from Japan. The post office at Yokohama applied the "5/CENTS" handstamp to credit the U.S. for the postage to France from the 10 sen (10c) prepayment. This rate and credit are found on covers with the 10s Cherry Blossom issue, but very rarely with a combination of other values.

Ex Rinck. "G.LAMY" handstamp at lower right (a French dealer and expert, who co-wrote philatelic books with Rinck).

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