Lot
3401 
1851 (Apr. 19) Honolulu, Hawaii to New York N.Y., blue folded letter datelined "Sandwich Islands, Honolulu Apl 19th/51" to G.W. Pomeroy with clear strike of "Honolulu, Hawaiian Is. / April 19, 1851." two-line postmark and magenta "Paid 40" prepaid rating, carried by American Schooner General Fanning from Honolulu Apr. 19th to San Francisco arriving May 22nd, red "San Francisco, Cal. May 31" cds and matching "Paid" and "40" rating handstamps, then by PMSS Tennessee from San Francisco May 31st to Panama arriving Jun. 19th, overland to Chagres and then by US Mail S.S. Empire City Jun. 26th to New York arriving Jul. 6th; some edge wear, Very Fine, Gregory Census No. 24. Estimate $7,500 - 10,000.
A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE BLACK HONOLULU STRAIGHTLINE ON A PREPAID LETTER.
San Francisco put "40" or "80" rate markings on letters where United States postage was prepaid in Hawaii, omitting the ship fee. San Francisco continued this practice until May 1st 1852.
Realized: $6,000