1869, 10¢ yellow, horizontal pair, rich colors, tied by "San Francisco, Cal., Nov 18" cds and quartered cork duplexes on incoming cover to Hartford, Ct., with magenta "China and Japan Steam Service" oval handstamp at left, reverse with pencil docketing "'C" Written at sea. 3260 miles. Sept. 18, Rec'd Nov. 25, 1870. two days after this he rec'd my 1st dispatch…", Very Fine; with 2011 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 116  Estimate $2,000 - 3,000. A RARE DOUBLE RATE COVER FROM JAPAN BEARING THE CHINA AND JAPAN STEAM SERVICE OVAL HANDSTAMP. This cover was carried aboard the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. "China", which left Hong Kong October 12th, Yokohama on October 23rd, and arriving in San Francisco on November 17, 1870. $0 (Image)

1869, 10¢ yellow, horizontal pair and single, exceptional centering, tied by "San Francisco, Cal., Jul 29" cds and quartered cork duplexes on 1870 triple rate cover to Bordeaux, France, red "New York, Aug 6" and French steamer octagon exchange postmarks, "24" decimes due handstamp for 30 grams cover weight; small cover tear at top center, Very Fine and choice; with 2012 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 116  Estimate $3,000 - 4,000. AN ATTRACTIVE AND RARE TRIPLE NON-TREATY RATE USAGE TO FRANCE PAYING POSTAGE TO THE FRENCH BORDER. $0 (Image)