Lot 1005
(Via Panama) 1849 (Jun. 20) San Francisco Cal. to Middletown Conn., cover with clear strike of "San Francisco, Cal." straightline and with magenta "June 20" date, manuscript "40" rating at top right, carried by PMSS Panama from San Francisco to Panama arriving Oct. 20th, then US Mail S.S. Co.; minor edge restoration, ex-Chambers, Myerson, Feldman.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
A RARE FIRST DAY OF USAGE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO STRAIGHT LINE HANDSTAMP, ONE OF ONLY EIGHT FROM THE FIRST CONTRACT SAILING OF THE PMSS PANAMA.
The San Francisco straight line postmark was used only on mail dispatched on the third, fourth, and fifth contract sailings from San Francisco to Panama in 1849. It was used on some mail dispatched on the first departure of the S.S. "Panama" on June 20 (including this folded letter), all mail dispatched on the second departure of the S.S. "Oregon" on July 2, and some mail dispatched on the second departure of the S.S. "California" on August 1. The straight line postmark was preceded by manuscript postmarks and succeeded by cds postmarks.
Realized: $675