1849 (Oct. 30) San Francisco, Cal. to London, England, folded letter with "San Francisco Cal. Nov 1" cds with matching "Paid" and framed "40" rating handstamp, carried by Cunard Line Canada from New York Dec. 12 to Liverpool arriving Dec. 24, Liverpool (12.24) backstamp and "9½d" due rating h.s., London "1/" shilling due rating; light edgewear and soiling, Fine. Estimate  $300 - 400. Letter carried by Pacific Mail Steamship Co. steamer California to Panama City and by Empire City Line steamer "Crescent City" from Chagres to New York. Liverpool struck "9½d" handstamp, a scarce rate marking used a very short time in 1849. U.S.-G.B. postal convention allowed mail from California (not a state yet) to be paid to the East Coast and unpaid from there to Great Britain. London marked one shilling postage due in error. $0 (Image)