U.S. and Worldwide Stamps, Postal History, Forgeries, Collections and Literature

Gabon: 1867, Napoleon III Laureate, 30c brown on yellowish, used with 1870 40c orange (47), both fine, tied by "3219" in lozenge cancels on small mourning cover addressed to the frigate General La Bellone off the coast of Gabon, postmarked ROUEN 3 FEVR 72 and red boxed PD, on reverse various Paris/Calais transits, COTE-D'OR 18 MAI 72 receiver, thence returned to France via LORIENT 26 JUIN and finally AVRANCHES 28 JUIN. Rare African usage.
Yvert 30. (Scott 34).
Estimate $1,000 - 1,500

This death notice traveled four and a half months in all on its unsuccessful attempt to meet the General La Bellone off Gabon, eventually being re-directed back to France .