HAWAII, 1853, 5c Blue, Thick White Wove (5). Large even margins all around, tied by large segmented grid cancel, red "Honolulu * Hawaiian Islands * Oct. 8" (1853) circular datestamp on blue cover to Mrs. Olive L. Osgood in Indianapolis Ind., light strike of "San Francisco Cal. 1 Nov." circular datestamp with "SHIP" and "12" handstamps

EXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING AND EARLY EXAMPLE OF THE 1853 5-CENT KAMEHAMEHA III ISSUE USED TO PAY HAWAIIAN POSTAGE ON A COVER TO THE UNITED STATES.

This cover was carried on Her British Majesty's Frigate Amphitrite, which departed Honolulu on Oct. 9, 1853, and arrived in San Francisco on Oct. 28. From there it was sent to Panama on the California, which departed on Nov. 1 and arrived on Nov. 17. It was carried from Aspinwall to New York on the USMSC Illinois, which departed on Nov. 19 and arrived on Nov. 28.

Fred Gregory records a total of 40 covers bearing this issue, this being the third earliest use. The two earlier covers are dated July 3 and August 16.

Gregory Census No. 5-3. Ex Golden. With 1968 P.F. certificate.

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