Lot 1532
Danish West Indies, 1905, 5b green (Facit 32), tied by "Christiansted 31/3 1917" on small cover used locally, endorsed "Transfer-Day 31/3 1917", clean and Very Fine. Scott 31.
Estimate $200 - 300
A CELEBRATING USE ON TRANSFER DAY.
The strategic location of the islands as a naval base to protect the Panama Canal became apparent as World War I neared American shores. Negotiations which had been going on for decades were concluded, and the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25,000,000. At 4:00pm, March 31, 1917, the Danish flag was lowered and the Stars & Stripes was raied at Government House Park in St. Thomas.
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| Realized $130 |
