Lot
510 
1850 (Jul. 17) Palermo, Sicily to Williamsburgh, N.Y., folded letter sent unpaid by sailing ship to Liverpool, "8 AU 1850 Liverpool Ship" framed backstamp with manuscript "32cts" debit rating to U.S. (8d ship plus 8d transatlantic fee), carried by Cunard Line Europa from Liverpool Aug. 10 to Boston arriving Aug. 21, "Br. Packet Boston 21 Aug" cds with final manuscript "37" cent due (5¢ British Open Mail plus 32¢ debit), Fine, combined ship/contract mail rates were allowed by treaty, examples of which are scarce. Estimate $150 - 200.
British debit to U.S. included 16¢ ship letter rate to G.B. from Palermo and 16¢ transatlantic sea postage. To this, Boston added 5¢ British open mail rate by British packet for a total postage due of 37¢.