Lot
4013 
Australian States: Victoria, 1854 (Jun. 27) Melbourne, Victoria to Philadelphia Pa., blue cover bearing Victoria, Half-length, 3d blue (SG 25) block of four, margins to touched, and G.B. 1s green embossed (5), both tied by "1 V" ovals, matching "Melbourne, Victoria, JU 27, 1854" rimless oval, carried by ship Eagle via Cape Horn to England, reverse with "Liverpool Ship" (9.29) framed and oval transits with matching "8" pence due rating, manuscript "32 Cents" debit to U.S., carried by Cunard Line Europa from Liverpool Sep. 30th to Boston arriving Oct. 12th, "Philadelphia Br. Pkt. Oct 13" exchange cds and matching "37" due rating; edge repairs, Very Fine appearance. Estimate $4,000 - 6,000.
A REMARKABLE VICTORIA USE ATTEMPTING TO PREPAY THE 1S TRANSATLANTIC POSTAGE.
The sender attempted to pay transatlantic postage with a British shilling embossed stamp that had been carried out to Australia. Note that the shilling stamp was tied by the Melbourne barred oval cancel. Prepayment of transatlantic charge was not allowed and 37¢ was charged to the addressee. One of only two recorded Philadelphia "37" handstamps. .
Realized: $4,500