Lot
396 
Stockton, Cal., Mar 28, large cds without integral rate and manuscript "40" rate marking on cover to Chaplin, Connecticut "U.S.", undated but necessarily an 1850 use given the postmark type, Very Fine, the only recorded example of this postmark type without integral rate. Estimate $150 - 200.
Realized: $170
Lot
397
Stockton, Cal., Apr 28 / 80, large cds with integral rate on folded letter sheet (no contents) to New Lisbon, New York, "via Panama" sender's directive, undated but necessarily an 1850 use given the postmark type, bleach spots, short edge tear, F.-V.F., the only recorded example of this postmark type showing the 80¢ double rate. Estimate $150 - 200.
Lot
398
Stockton, Cal., June 28 / 40, large cds with integral rate on cover to Falmouth, Massachusetts, undated but necessarily an 1850 use given the postmark type, F.-V.F., ex-Myerson. Estimate $100 - 150.
Lot
399
Stockton, Cal., May 4, '51, manuscript postmark and manuscript "40" and "Pd" rate marking on folded letter to Oxford, Connecticut, letter (1 page) is written in verse from a man to a woman back home and datelined "California May 1, 1851", letter begins "There was quite a rush, To the Post Office last night, And I among the rest, Was happily blessed, With a letter, which gave real delight", minor edge wear, Very Fine. Estimate $150 - 200.
The "destruction of Stockton by fire" is referenced in the letter in the previous lot. That fire may be the reason why the Stockton postmaster resumed using manuscript postmarks for a short time in 1851.
Realized: $90