Lot
560 
Hong Kong, 1853 Canton, China to New York, N.Y. Folded entire with manuscript "Via Marseilles", "2/11" (70 cents debit) to the U.S. as if per British Packet, but crossed through, and reassessed 54 cents debit to the U.S. Hand-stamped "75" cents due, which includes 21 cents (5 cents U.S. inland & 16 cents U.S. Packet) retained by the U.S, rate for ¼ - ½ ounce letter via Marseilles from July 1849 through at least Oct 1854, partial "Hong Kong 10 No 1853" transit cds, with red "O T 27DE27 1853" G.B. transit cds on reverse, Very Fine and choice. Estimate $200 - 300.
Carried per P&O steamers Ganges: departing Hong Kong 11 Nov, arriving Galle, Ceylon, 26 Nov; Hindostan: from Galle 27 Nov, to Suez 12 Dec; Valetta: Alexandria 21 Dec - Marseilles 24 Dec. Per Collins Line Baltic: Liverpool 29 Dec - New York 12 Jan 1854. "New York Am Pkt" (Winter type 1), 13 Jan 1854.
Realized: $500