Lot
4008 
Australian States: Victoria, 1853 (Jun. 1) Melbourne, Victoria to New Bedford Mass., datelined folded letter with partial indistinct "Paid at Bendigo CK." and red manuscript "Registered" and "2" pence prepaid to Melbourne, reverse with partial "Melbourne, Victoria, JU 1, 1853" rimless backstamp, carried by private ship Typhoon via Cape Horn to England, red London (9.29) transit backstamp with "1/2" due rating updated to "28" cent debit to U.S., carried by Havre Line Humboldt from Southampton Oct. 1st to New York arriving Oct. 14th, "New.York, Am. Packet. Oct 15" exchange cds with manuscript. "49" cent due rating; cover tears and wear, Fine and rare. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
THE EARLIEST RECORDED REGISTERED COVER FROM AUSTRALIA TO THE UNITED STATES.
The 28¢ debit (1s/2d) to U.S. for 8d private ship rate plus 6d G.B. registration. The 49¢ final due rating for 37¢ collect private ship letter rate plus 12¢ British registration fee.
Reference: Illustrated and described in article "Foreign Registered Mail: 1855-1875, Part Two: British" by Dr. James Milgram, Chronicle 262, May 2019, pp. 178-180, fig. 19.
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Realized: $850