1845 (Jul. 31) New York, N.Y. to Francomont, Belgium, folded letter with red "New-York '5 Paid' Jul 31" cds, carried by Cunard Line Britannia from Boston Aug. 1st to Liverpool arriving Aug. 15th, London (8.16) transit cds with manuscript "1/8" debit to Belgium, Verviers (8.19) backstamp, various manuscript ratings, Very Fine. Estimate  $200 - 300. New York created new circular datestamp for overseas mails carried from Boston by the Cunard steamers. This is the earliest date recorded for the handstamp which was used only 17 months. London debited Belgium 1s8d under Anglo-Belgium Treaty of 1844 (1/ packet rate plus 8d British transit to Belgium). Belgian accounting hand stamp incorrectly filled in causing postage due calculation of 34 vice 24 decimes. $0 (Image)