1856 (Mar. 15) Melbourne, Victoria to San Francisco Cal. via Sydney N.S.W. Folded letter endorsed "via Sydney pr "What Cheer" ", entered mails with rimless "Sydney, N.S.W., MR *17* 1856" cds backstamp and NSW 3d green (34), large margins to in at bottom, tied by barred oval, blurry "San Francisco, Cal. 14 Jul" cds and bold "Ship 6" clamshell rating handstamp, Very Fine.
Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300

1856 (Apr. 28) Auckland, New Zealand to New Bedford Mass. Orange buff cover with "Auckland, New Zealand, AP28, 1856" rimless backstamp and red "Paid at Auckland, New Zealand" crown mark, red "2" credit handstamp, "San Francisco, Cal., 5 Sep" cds and matching "SHIP" and "12" rating handstamps for 10¢ transcontinental rate plus 2¢ ship fee, docketed "Edwd. Nichols Ship Alfred Gibbs, Bay of Islands March 11/56" datelined restatement; some erosion at center from wax seal removal, F.-V.F. appearance.
Estimate; $500 - 750. Est. $500-750 (Image)

Est. $500-750

1858 (May 3) Macao, China to Nevada, Cal. via San Francisco. Yellow cover pencil docketed "From Macao, China, May 3d 1858" on reverse, endorsed "p. "Flying Fish"" at bottom left and "Pr. Wells, Fargo & Co." at top, 3¢ dull red (26), scissor trimmed at bottom, tied by bold blue "Wells Fargo & Cos. Express, S. Frco, 29 Jun" double-circle and oval "Paid" handstamp, Very Fine.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE USE FROM CHINA TO CALIFORNIA VIA WELLS FARGO & CO. EXPRESS.

The Clipper Ship "Flying Fish" departed Hong Kong May 5th to San Francisco arriving Jun. 22nd. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

1868 (Apr. 17) Shanghai, China to Greensburg Ind via Yokohama and San Francisco. Cover bearing 10¢ green (68) tied by quartered cork (Frajola SHA-Can6), matching partial "P.O.D.U.S. Con. Genl., Shanghai, Apr 17" cds, carried by PMSS Costa Rica from Shanghai Apr 17th to Yokohama arriving Apr. 24th, then by PMSS New York from Yokohama Apr. 28th to San Francisco arriving May 18th, red "China and Japan, Steam Service" oval, entered mails with "San Francisco Cal. May 18" cds duplexed with circle of wedges cancel also tying 10¢; flaws, F.-V.F. and scarce use from Shanghai.
Scott No. 68; Estimate $500 - 750.

This is the earliest known use of the Shanghai quartered cork (Frajola SHA-Can6). Est. $500-750 (Image)

Est. $500-750

1869 (Jan. 4) San Francisco Cal. to Canton, China. Gray folded cover endorsed "p Str. Great Republic" at top, "San Francisco, Cal. Jan 4" cds and magenta "Paid All" exchange marking, 10¢ green (68) added to cover and does not belong, Hong Kong (2.11) transit backstamp, Very Fine appearance.
Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300