Lot
2667 
British Consular Office, Boston. Red straight line handstamp struck on entire dated "8th December 1843" to Dublin and cross written on a used Mourning sheet originating in Kingston (Jamaica) 5th October 1843. The senders location is not shown. Carried by Cunard Line?s "Acadia", Boston December 16th - Liverpool December 30th, 1843, The Consul put the letter directly onto the Acadia which left Boston December 16th arriving Liverpool December 30th 1843 making this a late use of the Consular stamp. At Liverpool the standard packet rate of 1 Shilling was applied with the "AMERICA / L" struck on reverse. At Dublin that offices arrival stamp for December 31st was applied., Very Fine. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
When Britain introduced its West India service with a branch line to the US in 1842 it also tried to establish consular offices in Boston, Charleston, Mobile, New Orleans, and New York. The American Postmaster General became aware of the breach of Sovereignty and by early 1844 had these offices closed.
The office at Boston is recorded as using a straight line "BOSTON" handstamp from 2nd December 1842.
Realized: $1,700