Lot
4186 
1880 (Jul. 27) San Diego, Cal. to Westwood, Tasmania, cover bearing United States, 1¢ blue (156), 2¢ vermilion (178), two pairs with s.e. at right, and 3¢ green (158), each cancelled by four-ring purple target, matching partial "San Diego, Cal., Jul 27, 1880" cds, "San Francisco, Rec'd, Aug 12" transit cds, carried by PMSC City of New York to Sydney arriving Sep. 25th, Launceston (10.2) arrival backstamp; partial flap, some light staining affects right stamps, Very Fine and attractive three-color franking. Estimate $150 - 200.
Confusion with the non-treaty colony rates led to senders prepaying the 12¢ treaty rate before treaties were signed, despite the lower 5¢ rate prevailing. Tasmania did not sign treaty until 1886. The American packet rates were seldom used.
Realized: $1,600