Lot no. 8125

1873: Entire letter at triple rate from Lyon to Mess. Raud & Co., Yokohama, Japan with 1870 Siège 40 c. orange, 1871/75 5 c. green, 25 c. blue and 80 c. carmine (4 examples) all tied by 6316 gros chiffres with 'Lyon / Les Terreaux' cds of despatch (June 27) and framed 'PD' in red at right. Reverse with Marseille transit and partial YOKOHAMA / BAU. FRANCAIS cds with internal docketing of arrival (Aug 10). Minor imperfections but a most unusual four colour franking for the triple rate. Cert. E. Diena (1987). Already in 1871 Joseph Raud (see also lots 8122 and 8123) founded his own merchant company, active in trade until 1877 when Raud left Japan.