"British Queen" London September 1st - New York September 20th 1839, folded Aug. 30th letter from Liverpool to Salem, Mass., endorsed "p 'British Queen' ", red "New-York 'Ship' Sep 21" cds and matching "2nd Delivery" straightline h.s. with "20¾" rating for 18¾¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, Extremely Fine and choice. Estimate  $400 - 600. Letter taken directly to ship letter bag in London and not posted, avoiding ship letter rate. This was British Queen's second voyage to New York. Postage due included 2¢ ship fee and 18¾¢ for U.S. inland fee. New York struck red 2nd DELIVERY handstamp to account for delay in handling of letter, which was probably brought to the post office subsequent to the principal mail bag delivery by the ship's captain. This marking is scarce on transatlantic steamship covers. $0 (Image)