Lot
3152 
1851 (c., Feb. 8) Philadelphia Pa. to Valparaiso, Chile, buff cover addressed to Navy Purser on U.S. Sloop St. Mary's, endorsed "Care of the U.S. Consul at Panama to be forwarded to the U.S. Consul at Valparaiso", blue "Philada. Pa. Feb 8" cds and red "Paid" double-octagon handstamp with red crayon "30" prepaid rating for 30¢ rate to Panama; some cover restoration, Very Fine appearance. Estimate $500 - 750.
The U.S.S. St. Mary's was in the Pacific Squadron, having sailed from Norfolk on April 11, 1848. She cruised from the California Coast to Chile, then went to the Central Pacific and South Pacific. This "Philada. Pa." cds is known used from 5 Aug 46 - 8 Feb 1852, and the "Paid" is recorded by Clarke from April to September 1851.