Lot
315 
1848 (Sep. 18) Paterson N.J. to Burton-in-Kendal, England, folded letter with red "Paterson N.J. Sep 18" cds and matching "Paid" straightline with manuscript "29" rating (24¢ American packet plus 5¢ inland postage), carried by Ocean Line Washington from New York Sep. 20th to Southampton arriving Oct. 5th, red London (10.6) backstamp and manuscript "1/-" due rating for transatlantic packet discriminatory fee, red manuscript "Missent to" and blue "Kendal, OC 6 1843" cds adjacent, "Burton.W" (10.7) arrival backstamp, Very Fine. Estimate $400 - 600.
The commencement of the American Packet service on June 1, 1847 led to Britain imposing a "Discriminatory Rate" on mails landed at Southampton with all US prepayment ignored and the One Shilling Packet Rate charged to the addressee. Eventually, continued use of this discriminatory rate on American packet letters caused Americans to retaliate with a double sea postage on letters carried by British contract vessels.
Realized: $200