1857 (Mar. 3) Greenwich, England to Boston, Mass., folded cover, bearing Great Britain 1856, 6d purple, pair, small flaws, tied by numeral "20" grid cancels, red London (3.3) and red "Ship Letter, Liverpool, MR 4 1857" backstamps, carried by Cunard Line Alps from Liverpool Mar. 5 to Boston arriving Mar. 20, Boston "SHIP/6" due rating, some toning, Fine, The use of red ink for the SHIP-LETTER LIVERPOOL marking has been recorded on this one voyage only. A scarce non-contract steamship voyage. Scott No. 27  Estimate $200 - 300. London newspapers first announced Alps would carry contract mails on March 4, but later stated that the Cunard merchant steamer had not been chartered for this trip. Only ship letters were carried on this voyage, which was a day late in starting. Treaty rate paid on this cover (probably before the announcement of the change), an overpayment of 4 pence. $0 (Image)