Lot
54 
(Incoming Mail to San Francisco) 1849, Glasgow, Scotland. Cover to the forwarding agent Louis Lewis in Panama for forwarding to San Francisco, postmarked bright red double line arc "Glasgow Paid 15 Sep 1849" cds with partial "Paid IC 17se171849" transit cds to the left, and black framed San Francisco "40" cents due marking superimposed, red manuscript "2/" rate on the left side, black manuscript "recd Decr 4/49" docketing on the reverse, Very Fine and rare, scarce West Indies routing to California - From the Daniel Gibb correspondence. Estimate $300 - 400.
The rate from Scotland to Panama was 1sh per half ounce from 16-Mar-1848 through 30-Jun-1881, consequently the indicated franking on this cover paid the correct rate for up to an ounce. 40 cents was collected in San Francisco, which is based on 20 cents per half ounce steamship rate from Panama to San Francisco, particularly since the British rate indicates a weight of between one half and one ounce.
Probably carried per the Royal Mail Steamship "Avon", departing Southampton 17-Sep-1849, arriving Jamaica 14-Oct-1849. Carried from Jamaica per steamer "Tay" on 18-Oct-1849, arriving Charges 24-Oct-1849 and traveled overland from Charges to Panama. The only sailing that might fit the Panama to San Francisco leg of the journey, was the Pacific Mail Steamship Company steamer "Oregon", which departed Panama 10-Nov-1849, arriving San Francisco 1-Dec-1849.
Realized: $1,200