Lot
4176 
Australian States: Victoria, 1870 (May 25) Melbourne, Victoria to San Francisco Cal., cover bearing Victoria, 2s blue (28) tied by "Victoria" barred oval duplexed with "Melbourne, MY 25, 70" cds, carried by Coastal ship to Sydney, then carried by ASN Wonga Wonga from Sydney May 28th via Auckland to Honolulu, then NPT Ajax from Honolulu Jun. 23rd to San Francisco, partial San Francisco (7.4) cds and matching "20" due handstamp for double the 10¢ steamship rate; cover reduced at ends and small faults, soiling, Fine and very scarce use of the 2s woodblock on cover. Estimate $200 - 300.
The rate from Victoria was 1/ per half ounce - soon would drop to 8d and 6d. Pre-treaty mail was assessed steamship rates in San Francisco. The Victoria 2s blue woodblock is very scarce on cover with less than 10 known covers.
Realized: $160