UNPAID UNCHARGED "Free" COVER FROM CANADA TO "Queen Victoria...

Hammer

£480

UNPAID UNCHARGED "Free" COVER FROM CANADA TO "Queen Victoria" HERSELF!; 21 July 1866 env. (some edge stains and wear) from "GLENNEVIS/C.W" (v. fine manuscript-dated cds on the front endorsed "O.H.M.S. Free" and "Via Canadian Steamer" and most unusually addressed "To Queen Victoria, London"! The backstamps 21 July "COTEAU STATION", 22 July "MONTREAL" and 4/6 Aug. "LONDON" (3) show that the letter missed the Canadian Packet and so (as per PO rules) was sent via New York and the Cunard S.S.Persia'; hence there should have been a 4d Canadian claim but there is a black manuscript "8" claim marking (which would only have applied for the Canadian Packet route; 1d internal + 3d half fine + 4d steamer rates); no British Postage Due charge was raised in the end! Unique(?) Transatlantic cover from Canada sent free to the Queen. [Illustrated in FTM, p.103.]Cross Reference: ROYALTY, ROYALTY, FREE MAIL, CANADA