Lot
389 
San Francisco (San Francisco), destination on cover with "per Golden Gate" sender's endorsement, no postmark but "20" due handstamp for an unpaid double-weight letter arriving by contract ship, docket indicates the cover originated April 27, 1855, in Washington, D.C., and was received May 30, 1855, in San Francisco, small stains mostly around the edges, Very Fine, a most uncommon contract ship letter use. Estimate $100 - 150.
This cover was most likely carried on the SS George Law that departed New York City on May 5, 1855, and arrived in Aspinwall on May 16, 1855. The unpaid cover must have been picked up en route in Washington, D.C and transported from there outside of the locked mail bags. The cover was then carried on the SS Golden Gate that departed Panama City on May 16, 1855, and arrived in San Francisco on May 30, 1855.