Lot
1329 
1849 (Feb 8) New Ross, Ireland to New York N.Y., datelined folded letter originally endorsed "By Halifax Steamer" (crossed out) then "By Contract Steamer", reverse with red Dublin (2.9) cds and black "RETURNED / FOR / POSTAGE" three-line handstamp, along with blue-green Ross (2.10), red Dublin (2.11) transit and red London (2.12) crown cds, manuscript "1/-" shilling due rating, black London "3" debit handstamp to U.S., carried by Ocean Line Hermann from Southampton Mar. 26th to New York arriving Apr. 13th, New York black "24" due handstamp, Very Fine, ex-Ashbrook, Reussille, Hahn; signed Ashbrook notes at left. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
THE FIRST AMERICAN PACKET SAILING UNDER THE 1848 TREATY AS WELL AS ONE OF THE EARLIEST PACKET LETTERS SENT UNPAID UNDER THE TREATY.
The sender in Ross first intended the letter to go on a Cunard ship via Halifax, but evidently thinking that the new treaty would allow it to go unpaid, but the treaty was not announced in London until Feb. 21st. When the Dublin post office returned the letter to Ross for postage the sender simply changed the endorsement to allow it to go by any other contract packet than a Cunarder. The letter was in London on Feb. 12th, but was not sent on the next Cunard sailing (America to Boston on Feb 24th, as obviated by the New York "24" debit), so was evidently held by the post office until the first March sailing on the Ocean Line. Hence the "3" cents debit to the U.S. rather than 21¢ had the letter gone via Cunard. The handstamp "3" was a London domestic marking and is not often seen on transatlantic mail. Accompanied by Dick Winter's analysis.
Realized: $725