Lot
2137 
1869, 15¢ brown & blue, type II, used with 3¢ ultramarine (114), each tied by fancy cork cancels, matching "Philad'a Pa., Dec 15" cds on 1870 cover to Santa Cruz, Danish West Indies, bold New York red "8" cent handstamp credit to G.B., carried by U.S. packet to Havana, then by RMSP packet to St. Thomas, "St. Thomas, 2/1" transit cds and blue crayon "4" cents internal postage due rating; no back flap, Very Fine and choice 1869 use. Scott No. 119 Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 18¢ BRITISH MAIL RATE VIA HAVANA TO THE DANISH WEST INDIES, THIS BEING THE ONLY 1869 ISSUE EXAMPLE.
Although this 18¢ rate by American Packet to Havana, then British mail to St. Thomas was effective January 1, 1867 to June 30, 1875, it is exceptionally rare as the direct American packet rate was only 10¢. The rate consisted of 10¢ for American packet to Havana, plus 8¢ British packet to St. Thomas.
Realized: $9,500