1853 (Oct. 16) San Francisco Cal. to London, England, blue folded cover with "San Francisco Cal. 16 Oct" cds with matching "Paid 29" rating h.s., New York red "3" credit h.s. to G.B., carried by Collins Line Arctic from New York Nov. 12 to Liverpool arriving Nov. 23, London (11.24) arrival cds; F.-V.F., the earliest of only three examples of this "PAID 29" straightline. Estimate  $200 - 300. Letter carried by Pacific Mail Steamship Co. steamer Golden Gate from San Francisco to Panama City and U.S. Mail Steamship Co. steamer George Law from Aspinwall to New York. Blue pencil "29" written when letter taken to San Francisco post office, later to be marked with rate handstamp when mail prepared for departure. Although the PAID29 handstamp was used form October 1853-February 1855, it is surprising scarce. $0 (Image)