1857 (Apr. 3) Fayetteville Vt. to Melbourne, Australia. Folded cover without side flap bearing 3¢ dull red (11) vertical pair, large margins except in at top left, tied by "Fayetteville Vt. Apr 3" cds, "Boston Br. Pkt., 8 Apr" exchange backstamp, sent by private ship via Cape of Good Hope, scarce strike of Melbourne red "LC, AU 6, 1857" Letter Carrier oval datestamp, "Melbourne, Victoria, AU 6" rimless backstamp, forwarded to Beechworth with rimless Aug. 9 arrival backstamp; some edge wear, Fine and rare 1851 issue use to Australia.
Estimate; $500 - 750.

A 5¢ rate applied for letters sent direct on private ships from Boston or New York. This use is convenience overpaid by 1¢. Ship captains received 2¢ per letter. During this period there were no Australian arrival charges. The red Letter Carrier datestamp was applied at the G.P.O. Melbourne to indicate that the letter had been passed on to the carriers in an attempt to deliver unclaimed mail. Est. $500-750 (Image)

Est. $500-750