Australian States: New South Wales, 1855 (Jun. 20) Sydney, New South Wales to New York N.Y. Blue folded letter with "Sydney, JU 20, 1855" rimless backstamp, manuscript "6" pence due, carried as endorsed by P&O Phoenix from Melbourne Jun. 23rd for Singapore, she was wrecked on reef, mails transferred P&O Cecrops to Singapore, then P&O via Marseilles to England, red London (10.5) transit backstamp, manuscript "56" cent debit to U.S., carried transatlantic by Collins Line Atlantic from Liverpool Oct. 6th to New York arriving Oct. 18th, black "New-York, Am. Pkt., Oct 18" exchange cds, debit crossed out and manuscript "98" cent due rating, Very Fine.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

The paddle-steamer "Phoenix" sailed from Melbourne on 23 June 1855 for Singapore to connect with P &O steamer from China. She was wrecked on a reef in the Torres Straits and mail was transferred to the "Cecrops". Two covers are recorded by Hogarth and Gwinn.

Manuscript "98" is the amount due from addressee - 6d ship rate plus 1/10 via Marseilles equals 28d (56¢). Rated double 21¢ transatlantic and internal (42¢). Note that New York postal clerk used back of envelope to add 56 and 42 to determine 98¢ due. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400

Australian States: New South Wales, 1854 (Nov. 17) Sydney, New South Wales to New York N.Y. Blue folded cover bearing New South Wales, 6d greenish gray, four margins, tied by barred oval, matching "Sydney, N.S.W., NO*17, 1854" rimless backstamp, large red "5" pence credit to G.B., carried as endorsed by P&O Norna to Galle direct arriving Dec. 24th, then P&O Bombay to Suez arriving Jan. 16th, camel caravan to Alexandria, then P&O Valetta Jan. 19th to Southampton, red London (2.11) transit and manuscript "12" pence debit deleted by "40" barred oval handstamp, carried by Havre Line St. Louis from Southampton Feb. 15th to New York arriving Mar. 1st, black "N.York Am. Pkt. '21' Mar 1" due exchange cds for 5¢ inland postage plus 16¢ transatlantic fee; some edge wear, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $200 - 300.

This was the first sailing at the 6d Empire rate to England direct to Galle, not via Singapore. Letter was paid to England, collect transatlantic. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300