10c Yellow (116). Horizontal pair and single, rich color, cancelled by quartered cork, "New Canaan Conn. Sep. 20" (1869) circular datestamp on cover to Yokohama, Japan, addressed to J. F. Bingham, Second Assistant Engineer of the U.S. Flagship Piscataqua, sender's directive "Overland to San Francisco", left stamp small tear, couple small edge tears at left

VERY FINE. A RARE FRANKING PAYING THE TRIPLE 10-CENT RATE TO JAPAN. THIS IS THE ONLY TRIPLE-RATE 10-CENT 1869 FRANKING TO JAPAN RECORDED BY MICHAEL LAURENCE. A GREAT RARITY.

Michael Laurence's 10c 1869 book records a total of 13 10c 1869 Pictorial Issue from the U.S. to Japan (all to Yokohama). This is the only one with three stamps paying the triple 10c rate. It was carried by the PMSS China, departing San Francisco Oct. 4, 1869, and arriving Yokohama Oct. 30.

The background of the U.S. Flagship Piscataqua (later the U.S.S. Delaware) and the addressee, John F. Bingham, is summarized in an article by Richard B. Graham in the Chronicle 75 (August 1972), from which we quote (with minor edits and deletions): "The U.S.S. Piscataqua was launched on June 11, 1866, and first placed in commission on October 21, 1867. She was a screw steamer, 2400 tons, ship rigged, with 20 nine-inch smoothbore guns -- similar in appearance and armament to Civil War naval ships such as Admiral Farragut's Hartford. On December 16, 1867, the Piscataqua left New York for the Far East, arriving at Singapore on April 18, 1868. On May 15, 1869, her name was changed to U.S.S. Delaware, as one of several U. S. Navy ship name changes taking place on that date at the Navy Department in Washington... the Delaware left Singapore for home on August 23, 1870, reached New York on November 19, 1870, and was placed out of commission on December 5, 1870. This was the only voyage ever made by the Delaware, which was broken up in 1877. John F. Bingham was a 2nd Asst. Engineer, assigned to the Piscataqua on September 30, 1867, and detached from her, after she returned home, on November 26, 1870."

From the Magnolia collection. Ex Eubanks. With 1999 P.F. certificate.

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