Lot 1222
1882, 5¢ yellow brown (205), single tied by "Baltimore Md. Sep. 16, 1886" duplex on cover to Tacna, Peru, with additional instructions, "For F.A. Canfield, Potosi, Bolivia" written at lower left, reverse with Arica and Tacna Chile backstamps; cover with faint edge toning at sides and two tiny tears at top, otherwise fresh appearance, Fine, an instructive and unusual usage.
Estimate 500 - 750
The sender preferred to send this to Tacna to avoid the 17¢ rate, unaware that Bolivia had recently joined the UPU. The sender was also confused about the status of Tacna. Part of Peru until its occupation by Chilean troops in 1883, Tacna was not returned to Peru until 1929. A war had broken out in 1879 over a territorial dispute among Chile, Peru and Bolivia regarding ownership of the Atacama Desert. The desert region had given Bolivia its only outlet to the Pacific, but until the discovery of rich nitrate deposits, no one had disputed this. Bolivia was too weak to resist, but Chile and Peru fought a three year war that ended with the capture of Lima.
|
| |
| Unsold |
