Lot
380 
(Retaliatory Rates) 1848 (Jul. 18) Philadlephia Pa. to London, England, folded letter addressed to Col. George A. M Call, United States Army in care of Messrs. Baring Brother & Co., blue "Philadelphia Pa. Jul 18" cds and matching framed "Paid" and small "29" carried as endorsed by Cunard Line Caledonia from New York Jul. 19th to Liverpool arriving Aug. 2nd, red London (8.3) backstamps and manuscript "1/-" shilling retaliatory fee, forwarded with G.B. 1d red tied by "61" oval grid cancel to Fentons Hotel, St. James; some edge wear and small tear, Very Fine, ex-Gibson (handstamp). Estimate $750 - 1,000.
THE EARLIEST EXAMPLE OF THE SCARCE PHILADELPHIA SMALL "29" RATING HANDSTAMP.
This cover was prepaid 29¢ for the 24¢ transatlantic packet plus 5¢ for U.S. postage under 300 miles. Letter carried on the 3rd of 26 Cunard mail eastbound voyages to England under the retaliatory order with Great Britain charging the 1 shilling retaliatory packet fee upon arrival.
Realized: $725