This is a Mauritius Pre Stamp Full Letter.  It was sent from Port Louis, Mauritius to Marseilles, France on 1/9/1858.

What makes this letter so special is not merely its age and condition, but the postal markings it has.  It was endorsed "via Aden & Marseilles."  It also has a SHIP LETTER MAURITIUS in an oval in BLACK on the back, which is RARE.  It also has an 8 Manuscript used for postage on the front, which is even RARER still.

This cover likely transitted through Mauritius, but no marking shows as such.  Nonetheless, a VERY RARE Origin from an early date to Brittany.

Please take care as this cover, while it is in fantastic shape, is still over 100 years old.

This item is over $100 USD so I will ship it using Priority Mail in the US, and Registered Mail Overseas.  This is to ensure that it reaches you in a safe and timely manner, and includes tracking!