Lot
449 
Panama & San Francisco, May 7th (Mail Agent Marking). Manuscript marking and "40" rate applied by temporary agent R. J. Laurensen on folded cover from San Francisco to New York City street address, sender's sailing designation "Steamer Panama 1st May" (1850), some wear & staining, Very Fine, This is the earliest Panama & San Francisco Steam Ship marking known and only one of two recorded. pictured, described and discussed in detail in "Gold Rush Mail Agents to California and Their Postal Markings, 1849-1852" by Theron Wierenga, 1987. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
A HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT COVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE CALIFORNIA MAILS. THIS IS ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE MANUSCRIPT "PANAMA & SAN FRANCISCO" ROUTE AGENT'S MARKING.
This cover was carried by PMSS Panama on May 1, 1850, connecting with USMSS Georgia at Charges. This was the only trip handled by route agent R. J. Laurensen, who applied the manuscript postmark in the absence of a date stamping device.
Realized: $1,700