Lot
5021 
1851 (Sep. 30) Wheeling Va. to Sondelfingen, Württemberg, blue folded letter with red "Wheeling, Va., Sep 30" cds and matching "Free" handstamp overstruck with correct "Paid" and additional strike below, ms. "34" rating, red "New-York, Oct 4" exchange backstamp and magenta "12" cent credit rating, carried by Cunard Line Canada from Boston Oct. 15th to Liverpool arriving Oct. 26th, red "America/über Bremen" two-line handstamp, various credits and restatements, Very Fine. Estimate $300 - 400.
From 30 June 1851, a single international rate of 20¢ from anywhere in the US replaced the 24¢, 29¢, and 34¢ rates. The founding of the German-Austrian Postal Union (GAPU) in July 1850 led to more uniform German rates. Nonetheless, this lot and the following reflect continued uncertainty about correct rates.
Realized: $260