Lot
4123 
Australian States: Queensland, 1864 (Nov. 9) Maryborough, Queensland to Marysville Cal. via London, blue Aaron correspondence cover bearing Queensland, 2d blue, 1s dull violet, each tied by "96" starburst radial cancel, matching "Maryborough, Queensland, NO 9, 1864" rimless cds, red crayon "8" pence credit to G.B., carried by P&O Madras from Sydney via Southampton, red London Paid (1.19) transit cds and matching bold "16/Cents" handstamp credit to U.S., carried by transatlantic by American packet, closed bag to San Francisco, "San Francisco, Cal., Feb 27" arrival cds and matching bold "5" due handstamp for 5¢ inland postage, Very Fine. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
From July 1863 the 10¢ United States transcontinental rate was reduced to 3¢. The result was that the via Southampton rate to the west-coast became the same as the east-coast rate. This was a step back - no longer could west-coast mail be paid to destination.
San Francisco was an exchange office - mail from England was sent in closed bags so received no USA east-coast markings.
Realized: $750