Transatlantic Packet Mail Between the USA and France: 1840-1875: The Philatelic Exhibit

This exhibit is a comprehensive survey of postal rates, routes, and markings for steamship packet mail between the USA and France from July 1840 to December 1875.Prior to the first France-USA postal treaty in April 1857, packet mail between the two countries was exchanged primarily via Great Britain (GB), facilitated by the 1836, 1843, and 1856 postal treaties between France and GB. USA-GB treaties and changes in inland postage also affected rates. For packet mail carried directly between France and the USA before 1857, each country was required to collect its share of the postage on each letter. However, the 1857 France-USA Treaty governed packet mail on all routes between the two countries. When it expired in 1870, rates were again determined by a series of France-GB and USA-GB postal treaties until the August 1874 France-USA Treaty.This exhibit features rare frankings and markings, uncommon routings, and unusual steamship sailings. Notable items are highlighted in bold. The exhibit is organized as follows:Mail exchanged under the 1836 France-GB Treaty (July 1840-May 1843)Mail exchanged under the 1843 France-GB Treaty (June 1843-December 1856)Mail exchanged under the 1856 France-GB Treaty (January-March 1857)1847-57 direct packet mailMail exchanged under the 1857 France-USA Treaty (April 1857-December 1869)1870-74 interim non-Treaty mailMail exchanged under the 1874 France-USA Treaty (August 1874-December 1875)These categories are divided into sub-periods defined by changes in rates and/or routes. Each new sub-period begins with a text box explaining the rate or route changes. Examples of letters traveling in both directions are shown in each sub-period, starting with eastbound mail.Another great stamp exhibit from Exhibitors Press. Read more