1863 France 40c. orange imperforate, close to large margins all round used on cover from BRUSSELS to PARIS, with despatch cds in black "Bruxelles Nord/ 3.1.63". The stamp was considered null and void by the Belgian post office and was later tied by entry marking "5 BELG.5 / VALENCIENNES / 4 DEC. 63" in red with further strike alongside. The franking was ignored on arrival and considered 'Posted out of course' and charged as unpaid with handstruck '6' décimes due marking in black. Signed Calves.
A RARE USAGE OF THIS FRENCH STAMP IN BELGIUM, POSSIBLY UNIQUE WITH SUCH A SPECTACULAR RED CANCELLATION.