Description:

1859 (Oct 11) cover to California "Via Melbourne" with 'TASMANIA' 6d (2 margins) tied by BN '62' of Hobart (GPO cds in red at right), American 'SHIP' & '5' h/s and San Francisco' cds of MAY/16/1860 with 'MISSENT' h/s alongside, repaired flap tear that intrudes on the face at the top. A scarce destination in this period. [At first glance, the 'MISSENT' marking is hard to explain, as San Francisco would have been the port of entry to the USA. However, 6 months in transit suggests that the cover arrived in California after having been missent to goodness knows where!]