"British Queen" Maiden Voyage under Belgian Government, Southampton May 8th - New York May 27th 1842, folded May 6 letter from London to Fall River, Mass., red "Paid Ship Letter London 6 MY 1842" crown mark and red manuscript "8" pence prepaid ship letter rating, endorsed "p 'British Queen' ", red "New-York 'Ship' May 27" cds and blue "20¾" rating for 18¾¢ postage plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine. Estimate  $1,000 - 1,500. In August 1841, after making nine round voyages to New York for the British & American Steam Navigation Company, the British Queen was sold to the Belgian Government. She sailed to Antwerp in September 1841 and made three round voyages under Belgium flag in 1842.This letter was carried on the inaugural voyage made for the Belgium Government between Antwerp and New York with calls at Southampton each way. Letters carried by this steamer under Belgium ownership are quite rare. $0 (Image)