Lot
4051 
Australian States: Tasmania, 1851 (Aug. 30) Hobart, Tasmania to Salem Mass. via San Francisco, datelined folded letter carried as endorsed by Brig Pryde to San Francisco, entered mails with "San Francisco Cal., 13 Nov" cds and matching "Ship 6" clamshell due handstamp with "6" obliterated by grid cancel, "12" handstamp struck for the 10¢ transcontinental rate plus 2¢ ship fee, carried by PNSC Northerner from San Francisco Nov. 15th to Panama arriving Dec. 2nd, then USMSS Philadelphia from Chagres Dec. 10th to New York, Very Fine. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
In a 1968 article in "Western Express", Scott Polland opined that this "6" clamshell handstamp was applied in error. We believe that it was purposely struck to satisfy postal requirements to mark ship letters with a "Ship" marking, and then the "6" rating obliterated.
Realized: $2,250