Lot
3145 
1850 (Feb. 18) Philadelphia, Pa. to London, England, blue folded letter with blue "Philada Pa. Feb 18" cds and red "Phila. Paid 24cts." rating octagon h.s., New York red "19" credit h.s. to G.B., carried by Cunard Line Europa from New York Feb. 20th to Liverpool arriving Mar. 4th, London (3.4) arrival tombstone, Very Fine, The earliest recorded use of the new Philadelphia "24" octagon rate handstamp showing 24¢ prepayment for the treaty rate., ex-Winter. Estimate $150 - 200.
The Philadelphia 24¢ octagonal rate handstamp was in use at Philadelphia from February 1850 until March 1853.
Prior to 1836, Philadelphia's red octagonal rate postmarks were used only on domestic mail. In late 1849 they were reintroduced for use on foreign mail, often up-rated in manuscript. Although Philadelphia was not an exchange office, these postmarks adhered to the treaty requirement that prepaid amounts be shown in red.