Lot
573 
Hong Kong, 1859 Manila, P.I. to Concord, N.H. Envelope (nick at top and flap damage) bearing red oval "Russell & Sturgis Manila" (recorded as a forwarding agent by Webb and Rowe), manuscript 40 cents GB debit on US, and Boston 45 cents due hand-stamp for a ¼ to ½ ounce letter "Via Marseilles" as directed, red "London De 30 59" transit cds, and "Boston Br. Pkt. Jan 17" receiving cds on reverse, circular cut out on the reverse, probably either Hong Kong or Singapore transit cds, F.-V.F. Estimate $400 - 600.
If a Hong Kong cds this letter was carried by the P&O Rajah from Manila, 9 Nov, to Hong Kong, 13 Nov, an addition to the dozen recorded covers carried by the P&O Manila - Hong Kong Line, which only operated Dec 1857 to Feb 1860. P&O Cadiz: Hong Kong 15 Nov - Galle 30 Nov; Colombo: Galle 2 Dec - Suez 17 Dec; Valetta: Alexandria 21 Dec - Marseilles 28 Dec. Per Cunard Line Europa: Liverpool 31 Dec - Boston 16 Jan.
Realized: $800