Lot
4404 
San Francisco, Cal. "June 20", straight line handstamp with magenta manuscript date and matching ms. "40" rate at top right on 1849 cover to Middletown, Conn.; some minor edge wear and tear at right, Very Fine, ex-Chambers, Myerson. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
A RARE FIRST DAY OF USAGE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO STRAIGHT LINE HANDSTAMP, ONE OF ONLY EIGHT FROM THE FIRST CONTRACT SAILING OF THE USSC PANAMA.
The San Francisco straight line postmark was used only on mail dispatched on the third, fourth, and fifth contract sailings from San Francisco to Panama in 1849. It was used on some mail dispatched on the first departure of the S.S. "Panama" on June 20 (including this folded letter), all mail dispatched on the second departure of the S.S. "Oregon" on July 2, and some mail dispatched on the second departure of the S.S. "California" on August 1. The straight line postmark was preceded by manuscript postmarks and succeeded by cds postmarks.
Realized: $1,250