Lot
4182 
Australian States: New South Wales, 1873 (Apr. 19) Sydney, New South Wales to San Francisco Cal., cover bearing New South Wales, 6d lilac (57) tied by "N.S.W." oval duplexed with "Sydney, AP 19, 73" cds, carried by private ship direct to San Francisco, "San Francisco Cal., Jul 30" cds with bold "Ship 4" straightline for the 4¢ ship letter rate to port; no flap, Very Fine. Estimate $200 - 300.
Used during the period when no shipping contractor could be found. Note that arriving ship letter rates in the United States were cheaper than steamship rates, but transit time was much longer.
Realized: $500