Pioneer Steamship "British Queen" Maiden Voyage. Two covers; Maiden Outbound Voyage, Liverpool July 11th - New York July 28th 1839, Entire dated "Liverpool 9th July 1839" and bearing a faint "PAID AT LIVERPOOL". Endorsed "per British Queen Steamship" and sent to Portsmouth to be put onto the vessel. Addressed to Philadelphia and charged "12½" cents for the 82 miles New York to Philadelphia. Atlantic transit of 17 daysMaiden Return Voyage, New York August 1st - Portsmouth August 15th 1839, Wrapper posted at Philadelphia 31st July 1839 and endorsed "Per British Queen" and "Treble" addressed to London. Prepaid $1.12½ as a Freight Money Letter at Philadelphia being 3 x 12½ cents (37½ cents) for under 150 miles Philadelphia to New York plus 3 x 25 cents (75 cents) Freight Money by steamship. On arrival the "PORTSMOUTH / SHIP LETTER" was applied and a charge of "2/8" made up of 2 x 8d. ship letter plus 2 x 8d. to London, the British PO deciding it to be a double sheet letter. Atlantic transit of 14 days; slight toning on former entire, Very Fine. Estimate  $1,500 - 2,000. $0 (Image)