Lot
4168 
Australian States: South Australia, 1889 (Jul. 15) Adelaide, South Australia to New York N.Y., cover bearing South Australia, 2d orange red (62) block of four, seperated between top pair, tied by two strikes of "S. Australia" barred circle duplexed with "Ship Mail Room, S.A., JY 15, 89" cds, carried as endorsed by P&O Rome from Australia, P&O steamers via Suez Canal to Brindisi, New York "Paid All" (8.25) backstamp, forwarded to Brooklyn with purple "Forwarded/(N.Y.P.O.-4th Div.)" two-line handstamp; top edge mend and partial flap, Fine appearance. Estimate $200 - 300.
In 1889 P&O steamers began going through the Suez Canal with all mail onboard - the fast mail was off-loaded at Brindisi.
Realized: $150
Lot
4169
Australian States: Victoria, 1890 (Mar. 13) Melbourne, Victoria to Washington D.C., preprinted O.H.M.S. Department of Agriculture envelope with Official Frank at top right cancelled by "Melbourne, MR 13 '90" duplex, held for postage, Victoria, 6d bright blue tied by bold "Victoria" barred oval duplexed with "Melbourne, MR 21, 90" cds, red crayon "2" pence credit, railroad to Adelaide where sent on P&O Shannon via Brindisi (4.25), mail steamer from London to New York, reverse with New York (5.7) transit and Washington (5.8) machine arrival cds, Very Fine and scarce official use to Great Britain. Estimate $200 - 300.
Victoria's 1864 Postal Act authorized various government departments to prepay mail with official frank stamps that applied to internal postage only. Victoria post office credited 2d internal postage for use of frank stamp and required 6d additional postage for the 8d via Brindisi rate to the United States.
Realized: $160