Question On Australian Cover To USA

I recently purchased the cover in the picture and I am not sure I entirely understand the postage due charge in bottom left corner.

I think the letter had indeed not been franked enough, 2.5d was for destinations in Australia at the time.

How does it work from there? There is a stamp for 13 1/3 cent, this should be payed by the receiving party?
After that the barred stamp is put on the original T stamp?

Peter

I think the postage deficiency T handstamp was applied in Melbourne and the sender paid this postage due;hence the barred oval handstamp.
If the postage due was not paid in Australia there would of been some US postage due markings & handstamps on the front of the cover.
Nothing stamped on the back ?

Peter,

is the rear flap glued down?

The reason I ask is that if the flap is left open, it could be allowed as second class mail and subject to a rate of 1d per 2oz plus ½d war tax.

It may have initially been assessed as a letter but then cancelled with the two ten-line barred oval cancel (this a Melbourne canceller).

John

Thanks to both for your replies!

There is nothing on the back, the rear flap is open, was never glued down as I can see.

My explanation is correct then. Overpaid for the mail option chosen.

A bit of googling shows that a Joseph Y Rubin was a Port Agent with the American Communications Association in Baltimore.

I would believe that the envelope contained some printed matter and was sent under the printed matter rate, 1d per 2oz plus #189;d war tax.

Lovely item.

Dear John,

Again many thanks for your reply!

Its nice to learn so much on this forum.