Crowned “Paid at Panama” red hs graces “prices current” (published March 15, 1853) from San Francisco to Lima, dated by British P.O. Panama bs of AP 8 / 53, some 6 months before the USA-GB convention superseded the old USA-PSNC agreement for a 50c per half ounce rate. This item, dated well before the agreement with GB, shows original rating of “50” overwritten with “32” and with red crayon “6” (the fee for British carriage from Panama to Callao). Delivered free of charge to Lima per the tariff then in effect. Bold USA “PAID” hs, a classic postal history showpiece, very fine Note: a rather long transit time of one month, though 12 days were lost between the arrival of the “Golden Gate” from California and the departure of the PSNC steamer “Quito” for Callao (Image)

1d Blue, worn impression, uncancelled on folded letter datelined Jan. 23, 1861, carried privately and mailed at British P.O. ISLAY (cds of JA 24 on back), carried to Panama (Feb. 6 transit), then carried to New York where Steamship / 10 was applied. Note “PAID TO PANAMA” hs and red ms 6d for British postage to there, docketed received on Feb. 26, an exceptional postal history showpiece, very fine (Image)

1867 5sh Rose, plate 2, with inverted “C38” cancel of Callao office, slight bends else very fine (Scott $675) (Image)

1871 Cover from British P.O. at PAITA, franked by 19 examples of the GB 1d plate 127 (three strips of 3 + single) and single 4d plate 11, all with “C43” cancels, “A / PAITA” cds (MY 30 / 71) and sent via Panama to Gefle, SWEDEN, with large part Malmö – Falköping entry cds, a spectacular franking and a very valuable showpiece (original addressee changed in transit, typical tiny faults, opened for display) (Image)

Peru 1876 10c Green MIXED FRANKING, tied together with GB 1sh pl. 13 by horiz. “C38” hs of Callao, sent to England (bs) under the July 1878 tariff (1sh per 1/2 oz.), Callao / C GPO bs of OC10 / 78 thus making the letter qualify for the October 1st tariff of 6d / 1/2 oz, but news may have not reached Callao in time. Backstamped in Surrey NO14 / 78, envelope faults neatly mended, else fine, cert. RPS (1970) (Image)

Inbound cover from London with pair of 4d pl. 17 tied at Lombard St. on Nov. 16, 1884, “VIA PANAMA” s/l hs and with oval “VAPOR” (Emsing E203) used at Lambayeque, rated “20 cts.” (double UPU rate) as was paid by the GB stamps, very fine, 2004 cert. Dr. Knopke (Image)

1846-77 Strong showing on over 40 exhibit pages, incl. a separate section of British P.O. cancels on Peruvian stamps (over 40 items incl. few “pulls” of both Callao types from original dies rediscovered in 1952), the exhibited portion includes such destinations as Danzig and Spain, other German States, Italy, France, etc. and is rich in cancellations demonstration alternative routings incl. by forwarding agents. Later covers show a variety of frankings incl. use of Italian postage dues (e.g. on 20c ABNCo BISECT), Peru-GB mixed franking from Callao and other valuable items. A wonderful opportunity to get “the gamut” and exhibit further. 36 covers in all. (Est. € 2’000/3’000) (Image)