Lot
4014 
Australian States: Victoria, 1854 (Sep. 4) Melbourne, Victoria to Monmouth County, N.J., U.S.A., blue folded letter bearing Victoria, 1s blue (18), margins to touched, tied by "1 V " barred oval, matching "Melbourne, Victoria, SE4, 1855" rimless oval, carried as endorsed by ship Croesus via Cape Horn to England, red London (12.15) cds with ms. "8" pence due for ship rate, manuscript "16" cent debit to U.S., carried by Collins Line Atlantic from Liverpool Dec. 18th to New York arriving Dec. 31st; some edge wear, Very Fine. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
THE ONLY RECORDED UNITED STATES DESTINATION FROM THIS INTERRUPTED SAILING.
The steamship "Croesus" sailed from Melbourne on 10 September 1854. Her propeller broke near New Zealand and she limped around Cape Horn under sail. After repairs were attempted at Ascension Island, the "Croesus" finally arrived at Southampton on Dec. 15th. This letter was in transit for 112 days.
Realized: $850