| 1901 legal
size cover to MARSEILLE (bkstp), apparently regis. (pencilled number),
f.w. U.S. Administration 15c pair, 3c (x4, two pairs) & 1c all tied
by killers, alongside ms."43" rate and MIL. P. STA. No. 1 MANILA P.I. cds
(year inverted), on reverse Manila company h.s., red wax seals, and NAPOLI
d.s., corners clipped (indicating printed matter).
3c franking
matching the indicated rate at top right corner for proper 35c multiple
outbound rate and 8c registration fee.
The endorsement
of "PLANO DE VAPOR MERCANTILE" confirms this to be a printed matter posting
(apart from the clipped corners). However I believe this was not accepted
as Third Class mail matter but instead as First Class based on a provision
that it should be more than 20 identical copies in order for it to pass
for Third Class rate.
The
1900-1902 Schedule of Postal Rates that stipulate the Third Class rate
as follows: Books, circulars, pamphlets, and, other matter wholly in print,
proof sheets and manuscript copy accompanying same. Facsimile copies of
hand or typewriting obtained by a mechanical process and easy of recognition
as imitations, when mailed in twenty or more identical copies at a post
office window;
when mailed otherwise or in less number, such matter
becomes subject to first class postage............Thus, this letter went
out at a rate of 7 times, 3.5 ounces maximum weight (at 5c per half ounce
or fraction thereof). |
