Lot
2220 
Tasmania, 1869 registered cover to San Francisco. Franked with Chalon 4d blue imperf. + perforated Chalon 6d gray (two singles) + 4d blue (strip of 3) + 1d dull vermilion (pair) tied by bold strike of numeral "55" barred oval with manuscript postmark of "Lymington 21-2-69", the cover was sent onto Launceston but later returned to the village Post Office due to Insufficient postage with two line Launceston "Insufficiently/Stamped" handstamp applied, the sender then added a second pair of 1d carmine (at right center) which is cancelled by the numeral "55" oval, over the Insufficient handstamp to pay the deficient postage, backstamped on the reverse are Launceston diamond datestamps of 22nd & 23rd Feb. 1869 (the latter apparently overstriking a "Free" datestamp) as a result of the return of the letter for extra postage, numerous other markings including straight line "Registered", London transit & San Francisco arrival, cover with reinforced edges, part of flap missing & other minor faults), Very Fine, an amazing franking which is correctly rated (2sh8d) being 1sh2d postage + 1sh6d registration fee via Great Britain with stamps of 5 different values or printings, an unique exhibition centerpiece and a major Chalon Head Issue rarity, ex-Blake, Groom. Scott No. 13+23+23a+25+27 Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
Realized: $12,500