1848 (May 25) London, England To Philadelphia, Pa., blue folded letter with red London Paid (5.25) maltese cross datestamps and prepaid red manuscript "2/" shilling rating for double packet rating, Liverpool (5.26) transit, carried by Cunard Line Acadia from Liverpool May 27 to New York arriving Jun. 10, New York large red "12" postage due for 2¢ ship fee plus double 10¢ inland postage, clean and Very Fine. Estimate  $200 - 300. Liverpool transit lozenge with serif letters is far rarer than the sans serif version used later. Although known in use since 1840, very few examples have been recorded to the U.S. and those occur mostly in early 1848. Letter was carried on eighth of only nine voyage by Cunard steamers to New York before retaliatory rate period. New York ship markings appear on Cunard covers for only six months in 1848 and six weeks in early 1849 before treaty rates became effective. $0 (Image)