Auction # 58 - Winter 2014 Auction

[Restored Rate] 1848 (Dec. 29) Nottingham, England to New York N.Y. Blue datelined folded letter with blue "Nottingham DE29 1848" datestamp and large magenta "1/-" rating on Bell correspondence cover, carried by Cunard Line America from Liverpool Dec. 30 to Boston arriving Jan. 12, Boston red "7" rating for 5¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine and scarce example of first westbound restored rate sailing.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

Letter carried on first of four Cunard mail voyages to the U.S. during six week period when pre-retaliatory rates were resumed before U.S.-U.K. postal convention became effective. Two voyages went to Boston and two to New York. Covers during this period are referred to as "restored rate" covers.