Lot
260 
Great Britain, 1848 Liverpool, England to New York, N.Y. Folded cover franked with three 1841 1d red + 1847 1sh (top left corner missing & top right partially separated) tied by numeral "466" in oval grid with large red "7" handstamp adjacent, backstamped "Liverpool" postmark, endorsed manuscript "Caledonia …. " routing instructions in upper left corner, Very Fine. Scott No. 3+5 Estimate $200 - 300.
This franking pays the 1/ per half ounce contract packet rate to the U.S. plus 3d late fee. The late fee for Liverpool was on an experimental basis and charged 1d for 15 minutes after the time of clearing the letter box and 3d after 15 minutes up to 10 minutes prior to the time of dispatch from sometime in 1847 to 1 March 1849 when this rate was put into effect in several towns. The U.S. rate of 7c due represents 2c ship and Sc half ounce zone rate for under 300 miles. Per Cunard Line steamer Caledonia, departing Liverpool 12/03, arriving Boston 27 March. Very fine example of an early experimental late fee.
Realized: $425