San Francisco, June 20, straightline postmark with magenta date and matching manuscript "40" cent rating on buff 1849 cover to Philadelphia Pa., couple trivial light stains, Very Fine. Estimate  $750 - 1,000. A REMARKABLE COVER USED ON THE FIRST DAY OF USAGE OF THE FIRST SAN FRANCISCO HANDSTAMP. The San Francisco straight line postmark was used only on mail dispatched on the third, fourth, and fifth contract sailings from San Francisco to Panama in 1849. It was used on some mail dispatched on the first departure of the S.S. "Panama" on June 20 (including this folded letter), all mail dispatched on the second departure of the S.S. "Oregon" on July 2, and some mail dispatched on the second departure of the S.S. "California" on August 1. The straight line postmark was preceded by manuscript postmarks and succeeded by cds postmarks. $0 (Image)