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Auction: SW1002 - Latin America, including the Tito Collection - Part I
Lot: 1304

1861, July 19. Cover conveyed by German merchant vessel, addressed to Helmstedt (Brunswick, Germany) by Dr. Hermann Blumenau, founder of the Blumenau Colony in Santa Catarina Province, confirmed by blue cachet with manuscript date on front, together with two manuscript "4" gröschen notations denoting fees debited by the addressee to the Hamburg and Helmstedt P.O."s. The letter was sent free of postal charges in Brazil according to the official Decree 399 which exempted immigrants for payment of postage for mail sent to their country of origin. Reverse showing Brunswick Consulate paper seal and mandatory yellow label inscribed: "Das Kaiserlich Brasilianische General-Consulat in Hamburg befördert jeden Monat alle demselben bis zum 2ten für in Brasilien ansässige Kolonisten zukommenden Briefe gratis; später eingesandte werden einen Monat später befördert.", stating that the Consulate in Hamburg sent free of charge all letters  addressed to colonists in Brazil; unless this mail was delivered by the second day of each month would be sent one month later. Hamburg and Helmstedt datestamps in blue. Illustrated on page 103a of "Catálogo Enciclopédico de Selos & História Postal do Brasil". The yellow Consulate label is preserved in extraordinary condition as not being torn on opening. A fascinating usage for collectors of Brazilian and German postal history, with only three covers recorded. Starting Price US$ 1,500

Sold for
$8,500