Lot
4135 
Australian States: South Australia, 1874 (Jul. 16) Adelaide, South Australia to Philadelphia, Pa., cover with "Government House, Adelaide S.A." flap seal and bearing South Australia, Official 4d dull violet, pair overprinted "P.S." for Private Secretary, each stamp tied by "Adelaide, S.A., JY 16, 74" cds, additional strike adjacent, red crayon "2", carried by P&O via Southampton, red London Paid (9.7) transit cds and matching "2/Cents" credit handstamp, carried by Cunard Line Calabria from Liverpool Sep. 8th to New York arriving Sep. 20th, Very Fine and exceptionally rare departmental use. Estimate $4,000 - 6,000.
ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED SOUTH AUSTRALIA DEPARTMENTAL OVERPRINT COVERS TO THE UNITED STATES.
Reduction of the transatlantic rate to 3d in January 1870 reduced the via Southampton rate to 8d.
Realized: $5,500