Lot 899

✉ VENEZUELA. 1866. LE HAVRE to CARUPANO. Entire franked with 80 cts. rose (corner fault) tied by "1769". Endorsed "Per steamer anglais via Southampton" but with HAMBOURG AMERICAN/LINIE TENCUAG/CPN POOR 18 APRIL 66, transit ST THOMAS cds on reverse, carried to La Guaira per RMSP. Horizontal filing fold but oustanding cover UNIQUE KNOWN. Ex. col. H. Von Strokirch. NOTE: This cover is dated five years before the HAPAG service via St. Thomas commenced. It is even earlier than the company began services to Mexido in 1867. We expect that the HAMBOURG AMERICAN LINIE was a similar name and short-lived competitor of HAPAG.