Lot
280 
Boston (British Consular Office). Red straight line handstamp (BPM 407) struck on 1844 folded cover to England, The Consul put the letter directly onto the ship which left Boston for Liverpool, at Liverpool the standard packet rate of 1 Shilling was applied with the "AMERICA / L" and blue receiving date stamp struck on reverse, Very Fine, a very scarce postmark with approximately 15 known usages. 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: $550