Lot
1002 
(Via Panama) 1848 (Oct. 2) New York N.Y. to Rio Janeiro, Brazil, gray cover with pencil "U.S. Mail Steamer 'California' " endorsement at lower left, perfect bold strike of red "New-York, Oct 2" cds and matching red "Paid" arc handstamp with magenta "24" prepaid rating, carried by PMSS California from New York Oct. 2nd to Rio Janeiro, Brazilian manuscript "120" (reis) due rating for inland postage; some edge wear, Very Fine. Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
THE ONLY RECORDED COVER CARRIED ON THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY CALIFORNIA TO THE PACIFIC COAST, INAUGURATING CONTRACT MAIL SERVICE VIA PANAMA TO CALIFORNIA.
The "24" rate was published as being available to South American ports to be visited on her voyage around the Horn to California.
Realized: $5,000