1856 (Mar. 28) London, England to New York N.Y. Gray folded letter with red London "Paid, LS" (3.28) Maltese cross datestamp and red manuscript "1/" 1s prepaid rating handstamp, red "5 / Cents" credit handstamp to U.S., carried by Cunard Line Cambria from Liverpool Mar. 29th to Boston arriving Apr. 16th, New York "Paid" in arc handstamp over London markings, "New York Post Office, Advertised" oval and "ADVERTISED" straightline, unclaimed and returned, "SENT BACK TO ENGLAND / WITHOUT A REASON / FOR NON-DELIVERY" three-line handstamp, Very Fine and scarce use.
Estimate; $300 - 400. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400

1856 (Jun. 24) Hyderabad, India to Winchester Centre, Conn. Folded soldier's letter with "Soldier's Letter" endorsement, Bombay (7.19) backstamp and red "India" oval handstamp, red "Lombard Paid", London (8.21) backstamp with large "2" pence due handstamp updated in manuscript "4" cents G.B. debit to U.S., carried by Cunard Line Niagara from Liverpool Sep. 3 to Boston arriving Sep. 15, "New York Br. Pkt., Sep 3" exchange datestamp and manuscript "9" due rating for 4¢ plus 5¢ inland due rating, Very Fine and rare.
Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.

ONE OF ONLY FOUR RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS SCARCE SOLDIER'S CONCESSIONARY RATE FROM INDIA TO THE UNITED STATES.

Unpaid soldier's letter from Private Jeremiah Ryan, 2nd company, 2nd Regiment, Bombay European Light infantry. Letter entitled to British military concessionary rate with appropriate endorsement and signature of company officer, and appropriately signed by the Major commanding. London marked 2d due, the unpaid concessionary rate to the U.K. and passed this on as 4¢ debit to U.S. New York added 5¢ for U.S. inland fees and marked the letter for 9¢ postage due. This was the only way an unpaid letter could be sent from India to the U.S. for only 9¢. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000