Lot
4143 
Australian States: New South Wales, 1855 (Jun. 20) Sydney, New South Wales to New York N.Y., blue folded letter with "Sydney, JU 20, 1855" rimless backstamp, manuscript "6" pence due, carried as endorsed by P&O Phoenix from Melbourne Jun. 23rd for Singapore, she was wrecked on reef, mails transferred P&O Cecrops to Singapore, then P&O via Marseilles to England, red London (10.5) transit backstamp, manuscript "56" cent debit to U.S., carried transatlantic by Collins Line Atlantic from Liverpool Oct. 6th to New York arriving Oct. 18th, black "New-York, Am. Pkt., Oct 18" exchange cds, debit crossed out and manuscript "98" cent due rating, Very Fine. Estimate $300 - 400.
The paddle-steamer "Phoenix" sailed from Melbourne on 23 June 1855 for Singapore to connect with P &O steamer from China. She was wrecked on a reef in the Torres Straits and mail was transferred to the "Cecrops". Two covers are recorded by Hogarth and Gwinn.
Manuscript "98" is the amount due from addressee - 6d ship rate plus 1/10 via Marseilles equals 28d (56¢). Rated double 21¢ transatlantic and internal (42¢). Note that New York postal clerk used back of envelope to add 56 and 42 to determine 98¢ due.
Realized: $450