Lot
2650 
Cunard Line Steamship "Australasian" Renamed "Calabria". Two covers; Australasian, New York January 26th, 1861, Entire dated "New Orleans 9 Janvr 1861". "New York 6, Jan 16" exchange, Calais office and 16 decimes rate handstamps.Maiden Voyage Eastbound Under New Name, New York January 26th - Queenstown February 4th 1870, Envelope posted at Bolinas, Monterey Co. California January 10th 1870 addressed to Locarno, Canton Ticino on Lake Maggiore, Switzerland. Paid the 10 cent rate using 1862, 5¢ brown, pair (Scott 76, s.e. at right). The letter passed through the Basle exchange office on February 6th with arrival at Locarno on the 8th (datestamps on reverse). Atlantic Transit of 9 days; small cover tears and stamp flaws, F.-V.F.
Estimate $300 - 400.
The Australasian of 2,902 gross tons built at Glasgow in 1857 for the European & Australian Line was purchased by Cunard in 1859. Made her first Cunard sailing in as a mail ship in February 1860. Name changed to Calabria and made her first voyage to New York on January 8th 1870.
Realized: $180