FRANCE, 1868, 80c Rose (36; Yvert 32). Tied by dotted star cancel, "Paris Pl de la Bourse 4E/29 Sept. 70" double-circle datestamp and red "PD" framed handstamp on folded cover carried across the lines by Ballon Monte during the siege of Paris and sent by mail to Calcutta, India, presumably carried on the Celeste (the fourth flight out of Paris) departing Sep. 30, sender's directive "via Bombay (par Ballon monte)", part strike of French Oct. 7 and "Sea Post Office 15 10 70" oval transit and red Calcutta Nov. 3 arrival backstamps, cover with couple mild file folds which cross stamp

VERY FINE. A TRULY REMARKABLE BALLON MONTE COVER CARRIED FROM THE BESIEGED CITY OF PARIS DURING THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR AND ONWARDS TO CALCUTTA, INDIA. ONLY TWO OR THREE BALLON MONTE COVERS ARE RECORDED WITH INDIA AS THE DESTINATION.

The Celeste was piloted by Gaston Tissandier (1843-99), a French chemist, editor and aviator. He departed Paris around 9:30 a.m. on Sep. 30, 1870, carrying approximately 80kg of mail and three carrier pigeons. He safely landed near Dreux at 11:50 a.m., traveling around 80km and over the Prussian army surrounding Paris.

From the Magnolia collection. Signed Calves and J-F Brun. With photocopy of 2019 Calves & Jacquart certificate.

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