Lot
295 
British Columbia & Vancouver Island, Post Office, Victoria V.I., black Coat of Arms oval handstamp postal frank on cover to Rochdale, England, black "San Francisco, Cal, June 1861" transit cds, manuscript "1½" at top left, reverse with red London (7.18) transit and Rochdale (7.19) arrival cds, manuscript "2/3" 2s3d due rating for double the 1/1½d rate, forwarded upon arrival with two G.B. 1d red singles tied by "648" barred oval and "Rochdale, JY 19 61" cds to Poole, July 22nd arrival backstamp; some edge wear, Very Fine; with 1987 B.P.A. certificate. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
A RARE DOUBLE-WEIGHT TRANSATLANTIC USE FROM VANCOUVER ISLAND TO ENGLAND AND FORWARDED.
Until July 1863, the United States west-coast rate to Great Britain was 29¢ (or 1/2½ pence) per ½ ounce collect. Here the Vancouver Island rate of 2½ pence (not dependent on weight) was paid with the frank in black ink and 2s5d was collected in England.
Realized: $1,450