1849 (May 19) Brompton, England to New York N.Y., mourning cover with red "Brompton, MY 19 1849" origin cds and red crayon "8" pence ship rating, red London Paid (5.19) cds and corrected to "1/" shilling prepaid with red manuscript "21" cent credit to U.S., carried as endorsed by Ocean Line Hermann from Southampton May 20th to New York arriving Jun. 6th, bold strikes of New York red "Paid / Ship" two-line handstamp, Very Fine. Estimate  $300 - 400. New York exchange office marked red PAID/SHIP handstamp. During first four months of U.S.-G.B. treaty there were no uniform instructions to the exchange offices on how to mark letters. The purpose of this marking is not really understood. It is found used very infrequently until February 1859. $0 (Image)