1849 (Dec. 12) Philadelphia, Pa. to Paris, France, cover with blue "Philada Dec 12" cds and red "Phila Paid 5" octagon rating h.s. for the 5¢ British open mail rate by British packet, carried by Cunard Line Europa from Boston Dec. 19 to Liverpool arriving Dec. 30, red London (12.30) backstamp and matching "Colonies/&Art. 13." framed accounting h.s., Calais (1.1) entry cds and matching "15" decimes due h.s., flap refolded at top, F.-V.F., The earliest recorded use of this Philadelphia provisional marking. Estimate  $300 - 400. Letter apparently in a closed mail bag from Philadelphia as there is no Boston exchange office marking. Philadelphia was not an exchange office for the U.S.-G.B. treaty at this time, however. Provisional rate marking used in Philadelphia for approximately six weeks until PHILA/5/Cts. marking introduced. Eight other copies of this marking have been recorded. $0 (Image)