Lot
583 
Hong Kong, 1865 Hong Kong to Sing Sing, New York. Envelope with black circular "Paid" hand-stamped (not previously seen on mail from China; possibly applied by the Sing Sing P.O.), manuscript "Southampton", red "London N Paid 2 Ja 66", partial red "New York Am Pkt Jan 21 Paid" cds, and British red rocking horse "21" cents credit to the U.S. (5 cents U.S. inland & 16 cents U.S. Packet). "Hong Kong No 15 65" cds, Proud type D11, on back. This was fully prepaid to the US destination: "1/9 ½" + "1"d retained by the Hong Kong PO, equivalent to 45 cents rate for not over a half ounce letter via Southampton, Sep 1861 - Dec 1867. Absence of prepayment in Hong Kong stamps, mandatory from Treaty Ports beginning 15 Oct 64, and from Hong Kong before that, indicates this letter was turned in at Hong Kong PO, or at P&O dock, just before sailing time, and PO clerk did not have time to affix required adhesive stamps. Only example seen of such an occurrence; tear across top sealed on the reverse by cellophane tape, otherwise F.-V.F. Estimate $300 - 400.
Carried per P&O steamers "Benares": departing Hong Kong 15 Nov, arriving Galle 30 Nov, "Nemesis": Galle 1 Dec - Suez 16 Dec; "Ripon": Alexandria 20 Dec - Southampton 1 Jan 66. Probably per Inman Line steamer "City of New York I"I: Liverpool 3 Jan - New York 20 Jan.
Realized: $550