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Great Britain and British Commonwealth Benjamin Franklin Free Frank
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3001
Symbol:
Benjamin Franklin. Folded cover addressed to "Dr. Franklin, Craven Street in the Strand, London", Edinburgh "IA 30" backstamp and manuscript "6" pence due rating, London "3/FE" Bishop mark arrival backstamp, rating crossed out and sent free of charge with red London "Free" in circle handstamp, manuscript receipt docketing "Dr. Robertson 1770" on flap (almost certainly in Franklin's own hand); reinforced with some aging and wear, F.-V.F.,ex-Dr. Robertson. Estimate; $4,000 - 6,000.
A RARE 1770 FREE USE TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FROM EDINBURGH TO LONDON.
This cover was sent from the President Dr. William Robertson of Edinburgh College to Franklin during his term as Deputy Postmaster General, which allowed him to send and receive mail free of charge.
William Robertson (1721-1793) was a Scottish historian, minister in the Church of Scotland, and Principal of the University of Edinburgh. The thirty years he presided over the college were some of its greatest. He made significant contributions to the writing of Scottish history and the history of Spain and Spanish America. He was Chaplain of Stirling Castle and one of the King's Chaplains in Scotland. Est. $4,000-6,000 (Image)
Est. $4,000-6,000
Opening US$ 2,400.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:01:28 EST
Sold For 0
Philadelphia Foreign Mail: 1709-1775 Colonial Peri
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3002
Symbol:
Cat No: Collection
1708 (Sep. 22) Philadelphia Pa. to Jamaica. Folded cover neatly addressed "To Jonathn. Dickinson, To be left with Ezeikeil Gommersale, Mercht., In Jamaica" with sender's directive "p Capt Bayly" who was Captain of the Hannah, receipt docketing "Philadia 22 9ber 1708, Isaac Norris Lettr. p ye Hannah…Bayly Commandr. who arrived Xber 9 & carried to hand the 25 Decembr", letter was written by Isaac Norris in Philadelphia on September 22, arrived at the Gomersall Plantation in Jamaica on December 9, and received by Jonathan Dickinson on December 25; small erosion spot in address, Very Fine and rare early mail from the American Colonies to Jamaica,ex-Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.
The addressee, Jonathan Dickinson (1663-1722), was a Quaker merchant from Port Royal, Jamaica, who along with his family and crew on board the "Reformation" were shipwrecked off the Florida coast in 1696. The party was held captive by Jobe ("Hoe-bay") Indians for several days, and then was allowed to travel by small boat and on foot the 230 miles up the coast to Saint Augustine. The party was subjected to harassment and physical abuse at almost every step of the journey to Saint Augustine. During the arduous trip, five members of the Dickinson party died from exposure and starvation. Spanish authorities in Saint Augustine received the surviving members of the party and sent them by canoe to Charleston S.C., where they were able to find passage to their original destination, Philadelphia. Dickinson's family eventually settled there, and he prospered as a merchant and real estate owner, twice serving as Mayor in 1712-1713 and 1717-1719. Jonathan Dickinson's journal, written in 1697, is the earliest description of Native American culture in eastern Florida.
The sender, Isaac Norris (1671-1735) was a wealthy Quaker merchant, mayor of Philadelphia in 1724 and member of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly for many years. The Norris family emigrated from England to Jamaica around 1678, and in 1690 Isaac went to Philadelphia to arrange for his family to move to that city, but on his return he found that they had all died in the great earthquake of 1692 at Port Royal. He returned to Philadelphia and settled into business as a merchant and politician, becoming one of the wealthiest proprietors in Pennsylvania. While he was in England in 1706, he came to the aid of William Penn in his difficulties and rescued him from imprisonment. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)
Est. $1,000-1,500
Opening US$ 1,000.00
Sold...US$ 1,000.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:01:57 EST
Sold For 1000
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3007
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1737 (Jun. 30) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. via Boston. Docketed folded cover with manuscript "B Sh:" postmark and matching "7dwt -16gr" rating, the "16" appears to be crossed out; file folds, Very Fine and early Boston ship letter. Estimate; $500 - 750.
During this period, letters sent from Boston to destinations outside of New England were rated not in local currency, but in pennyweight (dwt) and grains (gn) of coined silver (1 Sh sterling = 3 dW1; 1 dW1 = 24 gn). The rate of 7dwt, 16gr in silver was equal to the published rate in sterling for a single ship letter sent from Boston to Philadelphia, including a 16gr ship fee. Est. $500-750 (Image)
Est. $500-750
Opening US$ 475.00
Sold...US$ 475.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:04:15 EST
Sold For 475
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3008
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1739 (Apr. 15) England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded cover from England to John Reynell in Philadelphia with sender's instructions "To be put on board the Elizabeth ~ Stevenson Lying in the Downes", Bristol "15/AV" bishop backstamp and matching "PD" in circle handstamp with red manuscript "P 4" prepaid rating, receipt docketing "From Capt. James Allan, Recd. 2nd Novembr. 1739 p the Elize. Capt. Stevenson"; age stains, Fine and rare prepaid ship letter. Estimate; $750 - 1,000.
The Drummer and Bristol packets had ceased service in 1711-12. No colonial postage was due as Elizabeth sailed directly to Philadelphia. Est. $750-1,000 (Image)
Est. $750-1,000
Opening US$ 400.00
Sold...US$ 400.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:04:45 EST
Sold For 400
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3009
Symbol:
1745 (Nov. 8) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Docketed folded cover addressed to John Kinsey Esqr., Chief Justice of the Province of Pennsylvania, endorsed via "via Bristol" at bottom left, sent unpaid by private ship from Bristol Nov. 10th to Boston arriving Jan. 23rd, entered mails with manuscript "Bo Sh" postmark and "7.16" (7dwt 16gr) rating, reverse with "London 11mo 8th 1745" docketing and Jan. 26th arrival; light cover toning, tiny erosion spot, Fine. Estimate; $300 - 400. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 200.00
Sold...US$ 200.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:05:02 EST
Sold For 200
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3013
Symbol:
1756 (Sep. 11) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded cover to John Reynell with London "11/SE" Bishop mark backstamp and red manuscript "P 1N" prepaid 1sh packet rating, endorsed "The Packet" at lower left, carried by Packet General Wall from Falmouth Sep. 11th to New York arriving Nov. 8th, brownish-black "NEW/YORK" two-line handstamp and red manuscript "3dwt" rating for inland postage to Philadelphia where rated "1/3" 1sh 3d in local currency (3dwt = 9d stg., 9d x 1.66 = 15d = 1/3), receipt docketing "From Elias Bland, reced 11th mon: 10th 1756 p the Packet"; some reinforced fold splitting, Very Fine and early Falmouth-New York packet cover,ex-Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Estimate; $500 - 750.
The distance from New York to Philadelphia was known to be less than 100 miles, but the rate was nevertheless set at 3 pennyweights of silver (3dwt),or 9d sterling This rate was determined by subtracting the Boston-New York rate (1s) from the Boston-Philadelphia rate (1s9d). Coinage was scarce, so payment of postage due was often made in local Pennsylvania currency. One pennyweight = three pence sterling. Sterling x 1.66 = local Pennsylvania currency. There was neither a requirement nor the facility to prepay Colonial inland postage in Great Britain.
Seven-Years War Results in Introduction of Falmouth-New York Packet Service
In November 1755 Great Britain introduced packet service to speed communication with military units in the American colonies, who were engaged in what Americans call the French and Indian Wars. Est. $500-750 (Image)
Est. $500-750
Opening US$ 375.00
Sold...US$ 375.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:08:03 EST
Sold For 375
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3014
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1757 (Jan. 9) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded cover with London "9/IA" Bishop mark backstamp and red "P 1N" prepaid 1sh packet rating, carried by Packet General Wall from Falmouth Jan. 21st but returned to port and resailed Feb. 10th to New York arriving Mar. 22nd, New York red "NY 3dwt" rating for inland postage to Philadelphia where rated "1/3" 1sh 3d in local currency (3dwt = 9d stg., 9d x 1.66 = 15d = 1/3), receipt docketing "From Mary Groth rece'd 24th of 3 mon. 1757 via New York", reverse with additional "RG" in circle; minor tone spot and wear, Very Fine and scarce manuscript New York postmark,ex-Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Estimate; $500 - 750. Est. $500-750 (Image)
Est. $500-750
Opening US$ 375.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:08:26 EST
Sold For 0
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3015
Symbol:
1759 (Jan. 16) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded cover to John Reynell with London "16/IA" Bishop mark backstamp and red "1N6" rating updated to "P 1N" prepaid 1sh packet rating, endorsed "p the Packett, QDC" at lower left, carried by Packet General Wall from Falmouth Jan. 21st to New York arriving Mar. 5th, New York "3dwt" rating for inland postage to Philadelphia, receipt docketing "From John Edwin, Rece'd 3 mon 17. 1759, p Packett", instructions on back "If gone to be sent back to James Woodbridge, London"; Very Fine. Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)
Est. $200-300
Opening US$ 150.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:08:43 EST
Sold For 0
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3016
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1764 (Feb. 29) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. via New York. Folded cover docketed "London, Febry, 29th 1764", London "10/MR" Bishop mark backstamp and red manuscript "P 2N" prepaid 2sh double-weight packet rating, carried by packet Harriet from Falmouth Mar. 17th to New York arriving May 2nd, magenta "New/York" two-line postmark on flap and manuscript "6" dwt rating for inland postage of two-times the 3dwt rate to Philadelphia where rated "2/8" 2sh 8d in local currency (6dwt = 18d stg., 18d x 1.66 = 30d + 2d carrier fee = 2/8), docketed "Rece'd p Packet, May 4th. 1764. pd postge. 2/8 & 5d", Very Fine use sent on the Leap Year of 1764. Estimate; $300 - 400.
Westbound trips took at least two months plus an overland trip to Philadelphia of at least two days. Scheduled, one-day stage service between New York and Philadelphia was unavailable until 1785. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 290.00
Sold...US$ 290.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:09:20 EST
Sold For 290
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3018
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1767 (Apr. 11) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. via New York. Folded cover to John Reynell with London "11/AP" Bishop mark backstamp and manuscript "3N" triple-rate 3sh packet due rating, carried by packet Lord Hyde from Falmouth Apr. 16th to New York arriving May 28th, 49 day voyage, back flap with brownish "New/York" two-line postmark and matching "28 MA" Franklin mark, manuscript "18" dwt due rating for three-times the 4 dwt packet rating plus 2 dwt inland, docketed "Recd 5 mo., 29th 1767", Very Fine and choice packet due use. Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.
A GPO London notice of 24 October 1755 required prepayment of the packet letter rate, but this rule was not strictly enforced until it was reiterated in a GPO notice of 22 May 1784.
The postage from New York to Philadelphia was reduced to 2 dwt (6d) effective October 10, 1765. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)
Est. $1,500-2,000
Opening US$ 1,150.00
Sold...US$ 1,150.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:10:23 EST
Sold For 1150
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3019
Symbol:
1767 (Aug. 8) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Docketed folded cover with London "8/AV" Bishop mark backstamp and manuscript "1N" due rating for 1s schilling packet rate, carried Falmouth packet Earl of Halifax from Falmouth Aug. 29th to New York arriving Oct. 7th, reverse with "New/York" two-line postmark with "7 OC" Franklin mark and red manuscript "6" due rating for 4dwt packet plus 2dwt inland, docketed as received Oct. 10th, Very Fine. Estimate; $150 - 200. Est. $150-200 (Image)
Est. $150-200
Opening US$ 120.00
Sold...US$ 120.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:10:54 EST
Sold For 120
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3023
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1772 (Sep. 3) Barbados to Philadelphia Pa. via New York. Docketed folded cover to James Pemberton, sender's directive "p Cap. Montgomery Via New York", carried by private ship Montgomery from Barbados Sep. 7th to New York arriving Oct. 5th, entered mails with "NEW/YORK" two-line handstamp and "7/OC" Franklin mark on flap, red manuscript "Sh 2.16" ship-letter rating for 2dwt inland postage plus 16gr ship fee, Philadelphia red manuscript "1/4" due in local currency (2dwt16gr=8p x 1.67 inflation factor=14p plus 2p carrier fee, or 1sh4p), receipt docketing "Barbados Sept. 3d 1772 from Cap. Jno. Harr"; minor repaired spots around edges where paper has eroded, Fine and scarce colonial cover from Barbados to Philadelphia. Estimate; $750 - 1,000. Est. $750-1,000 (Image)
Est. $750-1,000
Opening US$ 500.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:12:47 EST
Sold For 0
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3024
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1772 (Dec. 5) Norwich, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded cover with "NORWICH" straightline with manuscript "Pd. 1/4" 1s4d rating, London red "POST/PAID" circled handstamp with red manuscript "p. 1/4" restatement, carried as endorsed by Falmouth packet Duke of Cumberland from Falmouth Dec. 25th to New York arriving Feb. 7th, New York red "2" dwt inland due rating, Philadelphia red manuscript. "1/-" 1sh local currency due rating (6d (2x 3dwt) inland plus 1d delivery x 1.67 = 12d); light cover toning, F.-V.F. Estimate; $300 - 400. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 230.00
Sold...US$ 230.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:13:06 EST
Sold For 230
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3025
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1773 (Jan. 6) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Docketed folded cover from Thomas Penn, Proprietor of Pennsylvania with London "6/IA" Bishop mark backstamp and manuscript "1N" shilling transatlantic packet due, carried by packet Harriot from Falmouth Jan. 30th to New York arriving Mar. 14th, reverse with partial "New/York" two-line backstamp and matching "15 AP" Franklin mark, red manuscript "6" dwt due for 4dwt packet plus 2dwt inland, Philadelphia red manuscript "2/8" 2sh8d due in local currency (6dwt x 3 = 2s6d plus 2d carrier), docketed from as received Mar. 16th, F.-V.F. and scarce unpaid packet use. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.
Prior to a 22 May 1784 London GPO Notice, prepayment of packet postage from London to New York was optional. Local currencies fluctuated at different rates, so the Act of 1765 required payment of postage in the colonies be made in relation to rates defined in sterling. Inflation in Pennsylvania in 1773 was high — local currency had lost 16.5 percent of its value.
Thomas Penn (1702-1775) was a son of William Penn, founder of the Province of Pennsylvania. Thomas Penn was born in Bristol, England after his father returned there in 1701 because of financial difficulties. Thomas Penn inherited the position of Proprietor of the Colony of Pennsylvania for the British Crown in 1718 along with his brothers John and Richard on the death of their father William Penn, until 1746 when John died. Thomas continued as the Proprietor with Richard's son, John, and his own son John Penn until 1775. He tried to bring his family out of the debt that had plagued his father. He asserted his independence from the Quakers, and tried to assert his control of the colony almost as a feudal lord. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)
Est. $1,000-1,500
Opening US$ 750.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:13:31 EST
Sold For 0
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3027
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1774 (Apr. 13) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded cover with London "13/AV" Bishop mark backstamp and manuscript "3N" schilling due rating for triple rate, sent unpaid by packet Harriot from Falmouth Apr. 15th to New York arriving May 14th, New York manuscript "18" dwt due rating ((4dwt packet + 2dwt inland) x 3 = 54d stg), Philadelphia rated "7/8" 7sh8d due in local currency: (54d stg. x 1.67) = 7/6 plus 2d delivery = "7/8"; small edge tear at top, Very Fine triple-rate Falmouth packet use. Estimate; $300 - 400. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 220.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:14:25 EST
Sold For 0
Philadelphia Foreign Mail: 1775-1784 Revolutionary
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3032
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1775 (Dec. 20) Bristol, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded cover to James & Drinker with sender's routing "P New York Pacquet QDC", brownish "BRISTOL" straightline backstamp and manuscript "4" pence due for 4d inland rate, London "23/DE" bishop mark backstamp and re-rated "Inall 1N4" for 1sh packet rate plus the 4d internal postage, carried by packet Swallowtail from Falmouth Jan. 9th 1776 to New York arriving Mar. 9th, carried privately to Philadelphia where manuscript "2/6" due rating in local currency (16d stg. x 180% inflation + 2d carrier fee = 30d = 2/6), and additional unusual "16d at 180 PCt" notation at bottom which must be an inflation calculation, receipt docketing "Bristol 12th & 20th Decb. 1775 from Lancelot Couper & Co."; slight wear and toning along folds, Very Fine and fascinating use. Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.
A RARE ARMED PACKET USE THROUGH THE AMERICAN PRIVATEER BLOCKADE OF NEW YORK. ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES CARRIED ON THIS SAILING BY PACKET "SWALLOW".
War broke out in April 1775 with the battles of Lexington and Concord. American attacks on British ships soon followed, and led to withdrawal of scheduled packet service to New York. The last Post Office packet left Falmouth on 6 October, after which the Admiralty assumed scheduling and protection of the packets.
Swallow was carrying a larger volume of mail than any previous transatlantic voyage and offloaded her mails to the HMS Asia, a 64-gun frigate in New York Harbor. Deputy PMG Foxcroft was given permission to board Asia with clerks to sort the mails, so on 19 March, Francis Dashwood (PO Secretary) and Elias Nixon were sent by the New York Committee of Safety to bring mails ashore. Agents traveled to New York to pay for and collect their town's letters from Nixon and Henricus Boel (First Clerk). The 1765 British postal rates were retained. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)
Est. $1,500-2,000
Opening US$ 2,700.00
Sold...US$ 2,700.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:19:17 EST
Sold For 2700
Philadelphia Foreign Mail: 1784-1807 Post-War Peri
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3035
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1785 (Dec. 3) Liverpool, England to Philadelphia Pa. Datelined folded letter with London "7/DE" bishop mark backstamp and red "POST/PAID" in circle handstamp with prepaid "1/6" 1sh6d rating for 6d inland plus 1sh packet, "204 LIVER/POOL" postmark for 204 miles Liverpool-London, carried by Packet Shelburn from Falmouth Dec. 16th to New York Feb. 4th, New York manuscript "2" dwt inland postage due, Very Fine. Estimate; $300 - 400.
After the American Revolution, British authorities asked Benjamin Franklin to reinstate the New York packets under the old terms, including that no U.S. ship fees were to be charged on incoming packet letters. Anxious to restart commercial relations, the American government agreed. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 230.00
Sold...US$ 230.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:20:48 EST
Sold For 230
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3036
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1786 (Feb. 2) London England to Philadelphia Pa. via New York. Datelined folded letter endorsed "Via New York / Feby Pacquet", London "2/FE" bishop mark backstamp and matching "POST/PAID" in circle handstamp with red manuscript "1oz" and "p 4/-" prepaid rating for four-times the 1sh packet rate, carried by Packet Speedy from Falmouth Feb. 14th to New York arriving Apr. 18th, New York manuscript "8" dwt rating for inland postage (4x 2dwt for 60-100 miles), Philadelphia manuscript "3/6" 3s6d due rating in local currency (8dwt = 24d sterling, so: 24d x 1.67 = 40d local + 2d delivery = 3s6d), docketed "Recd 21 August 86"; some edge wear, F.-V.F. Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.
A RARE PREPAID QUADRUPLE RATE PACKET LETTER. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)
Est. $2,000-3,000
Opening US$ 2,700.00
Sold...US$ 2,700.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:21:22 EST
Sold For 2700
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3037
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1786 (Dec. 6) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Datelined folded letter with London "7/DE" bishop mark backstamp and matching "POST/PAID" in circle handstamp with red manuscript "P 1/-" rating, carried by Packet Lord Hyde from Falmouth Dec. 17th to New York arriving Feb. 5th, New York manuscript "2" dwt due rating for 60-100 miles, Philadelphia manuscript "1/" due rating in local currency (2dwt = 6d stg. x 1.67 = 10d local + 2d delivery = 12d = 1sh); file fold reinforced, F.-V.F. Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)
Est. $200-300
Opening US$ 160.00
Sold...US$ 160.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:21:48 EST
Sold For 160
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3041
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1790 (Jan. 19) Liverpool, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter endorsed "Pr favour Nereus, Capt Thompson" at bottom left, carried as endorsed by Ship Nereus from Liverpool Jan. 20th to New York arriving Mar. 20th, entered mails with "New-York * march*20" straightline and manuscript "Sh 2" rating for 2d stg. ship fee, Philadelphia "1/-" due in local currency ([2d stg. ship plus 4d stg. inland] x 1.67 inflation = 10d; 10d plus 2d delivery = 1/-); some separation at top, Very Fine. Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)
Est. $200-300
Opening US$ 170.00
Sold...US$ 170.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:23:07 EST
Sold For 170
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3046
Symbol:
1794 (c., Mar. 1) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded cover with manuscript "Rec'd & forwarded, yr. hbleServt., F. Pigice" on flap and endorsed "Geo Barclay", sent unpaid by Ship George Barclay from London Mar. 1st 1794 to Philadelphia arriving May 1st (62 days), entered mails with bold strike of Philadelphia "4" cents due 8mm handstamp for port of arrival ship letter, Very Fine and scarce. Estimate; $500 - 750.
Philadelphia was the only city to use a handstamp 4 device. Four sizes of typeface were used to indicate this rate; a census records that all four comprise only 26 examples. The Philadelphia 8mm "4" rating handstamp is recorded from 1793-1794 with only fifteen recorded examples. Est. $500-750 (Image)
Est. $500-750
Opening US$ 525.00
Sold...US$ 525.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:25:14 EST
Sold For 525
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3051
Symbol:
1800 (Feb. 6) Nassau, Bahamas to Philadelphia Pa. via New York. Datelined folded letter written and signed by Jacob Weiser to merchant Manuel Tyer with interesting content "…the Schooner Weymouth which is now called the Eliz. She was captured on her passage from Cape Francois to Baltimore by a French Privateer and afterwards re-captured by the U.S. Frigates General Green and Boston, put into this port in distress…thoroughly overhauled and now in compleat order.", cover endorsed "Via New York" at lower left, carried by private ship, entered mails with "New-York, Mar 14" clamshell postmark and red manuscript "Sh 14½" due rating for 12½¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine and interesting privateering content. Estimate; $400 - 600. Est. $400-600 (Image)
Est. $400-600
Opening US$ 300.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:26:56 EST
Sold For 0
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3053
Symbol:
1803 (Jul. 21) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Datelined folded letter with clear strike of "Post-Paid Ship-Letter, London, JUL 21, 1803" double-circle postmark and red manuscript "11" pence prepaid rating for one half of the 1/10 packet rate, carried as endorsed by Ship Pigou from London Jul. 22nd to Philadelphia arriving Sep. 7th, Philadelphia red "6" in circle due handstamp; soiled, Fine. Estimate; $400 - 600.
THE ONLY RECORDED USE OF THIS LONDON POSTMARK ON A LETTER TO PHILADELPHIA.
Prepayment of ship letters was not permissible until 1799. Act 39 Geo III c 76 allowed private ships to carry mail for the post office at "not less than half the packet rate". This was amended by GPO notice in 1803 to be exactly half the packet rate, and required letters to be held in sealed bags. Prepaid ship letters are very rare, as letters were normally sent unpaid. Est. $400-600 (Image)
Est. $400-600
Opening US$ 290.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:27:57 EST
Sold For 0
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3054
Symbol:
1804 (Mar. 8) Cape Town, South Africa to Portsmouth N.H. Docketed folded cover carried by Ship Perseverance from Cape Town Mar. 8th to Philadelphia Pa. arriving May 3rd, entered mails with bold magenta "PHI, MY, 4" cds and matching "SHIP" arc handstamp with magenta "22" rating for 20¢ inland 300-500 miles plus 2¢ ship fee; top center flaw, Very Fine,The Earliest Recorded Use of this "SHIP" arc handstamp.. Estimate; $150 - 200. Est. $150-200 (Image)
Est. $150-200
Opening US$ 180.00
Sold...US$ 180.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:28:29 EST
Sold For 180
Philadelphia Foreign Mail: 1811-1815 War of 1812 P
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3058
Symbol:
1811 (Apr. 8) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter endorsed "p Essex Frigate", carried as endorsed by Frigate Essex from Cowes May 6th to Annapolis arriving Jul. 1st, entered mails with sharp strike of "ANNAPOLIS, Md. July 1." straightline and matching "SHIP" handstamp with manuscript "14½" due rating for 12½¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, docketed as received July 4th. Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.
THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS "ANNAPOLIS, MD." STRAIGHTLINE POSTMARK.
This sailing was a prelude to the War of 1812. Anglo-American relations had been worsening since the 1790s, due to harassment of American merchant vessels engaged in "neutral trade" with France during Britain's war with France.
In 1811 President Madison recalled the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, Thomas Pinckney, and replaced him with J. Smith as Charges des Affairs — a position of lower rank. The 46-gun U.S. Frigate Essex was sent to England to transport Pinckney home to Annapolis. She put into Cowes on the Isle of Wight, just offshore from the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor, to where Pinckney is reported to have traveled from London and met for a long conference with Smith.
This letter was carried on the last voyage of the Frigate Essex to Europe before the War. She took 23 prizes during the war before being trapped in the harbor of Valparaiso and captured by the British. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)
Est. $2,000-3,000
Opening US$ 2,600.00
Sold...US$ 2,600.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:30:50 EST
Sold For 2600
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3060
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1814 (Jun. 25) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. via Boston. Folded cover docketed on back "Bainbridge & Brown London" and endorsed "P. Cartel" at bottom, clear strike of red "Paid Ship Letter, London, Ju 25, 1814" crown cds and red manuscript "2/2" for two-times the 1s1d rate, carried through the New England blockade by cartel ship to Boston (began April 25, 1814), Boston red "SHIP" straightline and manuscript "42" cents due for double 20¢ plus 2¢ ship fee; minor soiling, Very Fine and rate,ex-Walske. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.
AN OUTSTANDING CARTEL SHIP COVER SENT THROUGH THE NEWLY INSTITUTED BRITISH NEW ENGLAND BLOCKADE.
Letter was sent for half the 2 shilling 2p packet rate, as the British post office "Paid Ship Letter" service would forward mail at the 1s1d ship rate by cartel ships to the United States.
Reference: "British Long Distance Mail Packets 1793-1815", by Tabeart, C., 2019, Illustrated and Discussed on p. 435. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)
Est. $1,000-1,500
Opening US$ 1,800.00
Sold...US$ 1,800.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:31:26 EST
Sold For 1800
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3061
Symbol:
1814 (Oct. 10) London, England to Germantown Pa. Datelined folded letter addressed to Germantown "near Philadelphia", carried through the Delaware Bay blockade to Philadelphia, flap with manuscript "Enclosed to and forwarded by… P.F. Guntworth 4 Dec. 1814", red "PHI 4 DE" cds with manuscript "8" cent rate for less than 40 miles to Germantown, Very Fine, a choice blockade-run cover handled by a Philadelphia forwarder,ex-Walske. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.
THE ONLY RECORDED COVER BLOCKADE-RUN IN OR OUT OF DELAWARE BAY DURING THE WAR OF 1812-15.
"The enemy's squadron have been in the Bay for two or three days, consisting of the "Spenser" 74 and the "Pactolus" frigate, with a tender." Extract of a letter from Lewes, Delaware, 2 Dec 1814: Poulson's American Daily Advertiser, 12 Dec. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)
Est. $1,000-1,500
Opening US$ 1,250.00
Sold...US$ 1,250.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:31:43 EST
Sold For 1250
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3062
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1814 (Dec. 27) London, England to Providence R.I. Datelined folded letter with excellent strike of scarce "Post Paid Withdrawn Ship Letter, London, 30 De 1814" handstamp, carried by Ship Pacific from London via Cork to Philadelphia arriving May 17th, letter was delayed several weeks at Cork due to gales, arrived five and a half months later with Philadelphia red "Phi,17 May" cds and matching "SHIP" arc handstamp and manuscript "27½" due rating for 17¢ inland, 2¢ ship and 8½¢ surcharge, Extremely Fine and choice,ex-Risvold. Estimate; $4,000 - 6,000.
AN EXCEPTIONAL STRIKE OF THE LONDON WITHDRAWN SHIP LETTER HANDSTAMP. ONE OF ONLY 7 RECORDED WITHDRAWN SHIP LETTERS LANDED AT PHILADELPHIA.
Commercial letter written the day after the arrival of the Treaty of Ghent in London and the day before it was ratified by the Prince Regent Dec. 28, 1814: "We congratulate you most sincerely on the near approach of Peace between our two countries - so long and anxiously desired - the Preliminary Treaty from the Commissioners at Ghent having arrived yesterday - has been ratified by the Prince Regent - & will be forwarded without delay, to the United States for the Signature of the President - which we cannot doubt will be obtained - until that takes place, hostilities are not to cease….We hope to get this on board the M.W. which carries out the Treaty." Tho. Dickason & Co. to Messrs. Brown & Ives, Providence R.I.
Rates Respond to the Economics of War: Commerce with the United States was important to British business, so with packet service unavailable, GPO London reduced the ship-letter rate by 30% to 8½ pence. Conversely, because the U.S. Treasury was essentially bankrupt, American inland rates and the ship-letter fee were increased by 50%.
Effective Oct. 10, 1814, senders could use any private ship of their choosing if they prepaid one-third of the 2s2d packet-letter rate (26d x .33 = 8.58d, rounded to 8.5d). Such letters were thus "withdrawn" from the mails. The postmark was struck, as per instructions, over the folded letter-joint to prevent further enclosures. The Post Paid Withdrawn-Ship-Letter option was terminated on July 11, 1815. Est. $4,000-6,000 (Image)
Est. $4,000-6,000
Opening US$ 7,000.00
Sold...US$ 7,000.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:32:54 EST
Sold For 7000
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3063
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1815 (Jan. 20) Manchester, England to Philadelphia Pa. Datelined folded letter, partly clear strike of red "Liverpool Post Paid Withdrawn Ship Letter 28 JA" with crown double-circle datestamp on back and red manuscript "p 9" pence prepaid rating as one-third of the 2s2d packet rate, carried by Cartel Ship Royal Edward from Liverpool carried through the blockade to Philadelphia arriving Jun. 12th, entered mails with bold strike of Philadelphia brownish "9" in circle prepaid handstamp for the 9¢ in-port ship fee due (6¢ plus 50% war surcharge), Very Fine cartel ship letter assessed the 9¢ war ship rate,ex-Arnell, Walske. Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.
ONE OF ONLY THREE CARTEL-SHIP COVERS RECORDED IN OR OUT OF DELAWARE BAY DURING THIS WAR. AN EXCEPTIONAL STRIKE OF ONLY 8 RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA "9" CENT WAR-SURCHARGE SHIP RATING HANDSTAMP. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)
Est. $2,000-3,000
Opening US$ 1,500.00
Sold...US$ 1,500.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:33:24 EST
Sold For 1500
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3064
Symbol:
1815 (May 22) Liverpool, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter endorsed per "Superior" at lower left, reverse with partial indistinct strike of red "Liverpool Post Paid Withdrawn Ship Letter 28 JA" with crown double-circle datestamp on back and red manuscript "p 1N6" prepaid rating, carried by Cartel Ship Superior from Liverpool May 19th to Philadelphia arriving Jul. 20th, entered the mails with Philadelphia red circled "9" war surcharge port of entry ship rate handstamp; some soiling and letter bleed, Fine cartel ship letter assessed the 9¢ war ship rate,ex-Arnell, Kroulin. Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.
ONE OF ONLY THREE CARTEL-SHIP COVERS RECORDED IN OR OUT OF DELAWARE BAY DURING THIS WAR. ONE OF ONLY 8 RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA "9" CENT WAR-SURCHARGE SHIP RATING HANDSTAMP. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)
Est. $1,500-2,000
Opening US$ 1,800.00
Sold...US$ 2,100.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:33:59 EST
Sold For 2100
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3065
Symbol:
1815 (Oct. 3) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter docketed from "Bainbridges & Brown" who were merchants in London, carried by Ship Catherine & Edward from The Downs Oct. 27th to Philadelphia arriving Dec. 18th, entered the mails with Philadelphia red circled "9" war surcharge port of entry ship rate handstamp, docketed received Dec. 18th; minor fold splitting, file fold toning, F.-V.F., with 2009 P.F. certificate. Estimate; $500 - 750.
ONE OF ONLY 8 RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA "9" CENT WAR-SURCHARGE SHIP RATING HANDSTAMP. Est. $500-750 (Image)
Est. $500-750
Opening US$ 525.00
Sold...US$ 525.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:34:25 EST
Sold For 525
Philadelphia Foreign Mail: 1819-1839 Post-War Peri
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3066
Symbol:
(Cope Line) 1819 (Jul. 14) Broomfield, England to Concord Pa. via Liverpool. Folded letter datelined "Broomfield 14th of 7 mo. 1819", entered mails with red "CHELMSFORD/29" two-line handstamp to "Thos. Thompson, Chemist and Druggist, Liverpool" and marked "Post Paid", London with dark red London "Paid/21 JY 21/1819" tombstone-style datestamp and matching "SHIP" handstamp with red manuscript "P 1/-" prepaid one-shilling packet charge, Thompson was the forwarder who arranged for the letter's transport to the U.S. unpaid and crossed out his address, bold strike of "LANCASTER" straightline applied by ship purser, carried by Cope Line Ship Lancaster from Liverpool Jul. 21st to Philadelphia Sept. 13th, Philadelphia red "Phi, 13, Sep" cds and matching "SHIP" handstamp with red manuscript "8" rating for 6¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine and exceptional Cope Line name-of-ship handstamp use,ex-Robertson, Hahn. Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED COPE LINE "LANCASTER." NAME-OF-SHIP STRAIGHTLINE PURSER MARKINGS, THIS BEING THE ONLY STRIKE IN BLACK.
Thomas P. Cope's ships operated from 1806, and on a monthly schedule between Philadelphia and Liverpool from 1822 to 1872. Often termed the "Philadelphia Packet" or "Liverpool Packet," none of Cope's voyages were under mail contracts. The 383-ton Lancaster was the first ship in Cope's Philadelphia-Liverpool line with Thomas Potts as master.
Letters from the United Kingdom to overseas destinations via the Falmouth packet required compulsory prepayment of the packet rate in addition to the U.K. inland rate from posting via London to Falmouth. However, iif the sender chose to instruct the post office to send by private ship from a particular port, the only compulsory part of the postage was the inland rate via London to the port of exit as in the case here. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)
Est. $1,500-2,000
Opening US$ 1,800.00
Sold...US$ 1,800.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:34:47 EST
Sold For 1800
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3069
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1820 (Dec. 14) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Datelined folded letter being an invoice for books shipped from Liverpool, endorsed via forwarder and sent unpaid, exceptional bold strike of olive green "Ship. Atlantic * W. Matlock * Sailed Decem. 17" purser name-of-boat handstamp, carried by Ship Atlantic from London Dec. 17th to New York arriving Feb. 19th, red "New-York, Feb 19" cds and "Ship" handstamp with red manuscript "14½" for 12½¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee; expertly restored cover tear through front, otherwise F.-V.F. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.
ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED "SHIP ATLANTIC, W. MATLOCK" PURSER NAME-OF-BOAT HANDSTAMPS STRUCK IN OLIVE GREEN, ALL USED ON THIS SAILING ONLY.
By the 1820s American lines sailing regular schedules sprung up in many eastern U.S. ports. Intense competition for cargo and passengers was evident in newspaper advertisements. Name-of-ship markings provided additional advertising.
Letter to the publisher and bookseller Matthew Carey, a revolutionary, close friend of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, and early advocate of strong naval power as a necessary role of federalism. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)
Est. $1,000-1,500
Opening US$ 700.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:35:54 EST
Sold For 0
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3076
Symbol:
1827 (Jan. 26) Green Bank, England to Philadelphia, Pa. via Annapolis. Folded letter with "Green Bank" circular postmark and manuscript "2/3" 2s3d rating for prepaid packet fee, carried by Falmouth Packet Princess Elizabeth from Falmouth Feb. 14th to Bermuda, then Cunard Sailing Packet Emily to Annapolis arriving Apr. 15, red "Annaps. Md. Apr 16" cds with matching "Ship" handstamp and "14½" due rating, Very Fine, the second of only nine monthly voyages to Annapolis, a very rare British packet service cover,ex-Winter. Estimate; $750 - 1,000.
ONE OF ONLY 10 RECORDED USAGES CARRIED BY THE CUNARD PACKET TO ANNAPOLIS, THE ONLY RECORDED LETTER FROM THIS VOYAGE.
When Falmouth-New York packet service was terminated in late 1826, letters for America were sent on the Falmouth-Bermuda packet. From Bermuda a Cunard sailing ship was contracted to take them to Annapolis. Only nine such voyages were made before the service ended in October 1827.
Letters arriving by Bermuda packet entered the mail in Annapolis, not — as reported in the literature — taken to Washington by special courier. The trip to Philadelphia by mail coach took an entire day. Est. $750-1,000 (Image)
Est. $750-1,000
Opening US$ 700.00
Sold...US$ 700.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:39:02 EST
Sold For 700
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3077
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1827 (Jun. 27) Monmouth, Wales to Philadelphia Pa. via Annapolis. Folded letter with red "Cardiff JY 13 1827" rimless backstamp and red "P 2/1" 2s1d prepaid packet rating, carried by Falmouth Packet Eclipse from Falmouth Aug. 4th to Bermuda, then Cunard Sailing Packet Emily to Annapolis arriving Sep. 18th, black "Annaps. Md. Sep. 18" cds with matching "Ship" handstamp and "14½" due rating, Extremely Fine and choice, the eighth of only nine monthly voyages to Annapolis, a very rare British packet service cover,ex-Winter. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.
ONE OF ONLY 10 RECORDED USAGES CARRIED BY THE CUNARD PACKET TO ANNAPOLIS, THE ONLY RECORDED LETTER FROM THIS VOYAGE.
Annapolis changed the color of ink used for datestamp from red to black sometime in mid-1827. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)
Est. $1,000-1,500
Opening US$ 1,300.00
Sold...US$ 1,300.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:39:27 EST
Sold For 1300
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3078
Symbol:
1833 (Mar. 7) St. Kitts, B.W.I. to Philadelphia Pa. via New Haven. Datelined folded letter carried by private ship, entered mails sharp red "New Haven Ct., Apr 2" fancy cds and matching "Ship" handstamp in shape of ship's hull and red manuscript "39½" rating for double the 18¾¢ inland postage (150-400 miles) plus 2¢ ship fee, Extremely Fine and choice. Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)
Est. $200-300
Opening US$ 180.00
Sold...US$ 180.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:40:02 EST
Sold For 180
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3079
Symbol:
1834 (Jul.) Calcutta, India to Pittsburgh Pa. via Philadelphia. Docketed folded cover with part missionary letter from Rev. T. W. Lowrie to Western Free Missionary Society, carried by private ship Edward from Calcutta Aug. 10th via St. Helena Oct. 12th to Philadelphia arriving Dec. 8th, entered mails with slightly oily red "Phila., 8, Dec" octagonal double-line datestamp and matching Philadelphia Full-Rigged Ship handstamp, noted "Treble" at bottom but rated as a quadruple letter with red manuscript "1oz." weight and "77" due rating for quadruple the 18¾¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee; slight soiling and fold splitting reinforced, rittle folds, small piece missing from wax seal, Fine appearing and, which was used between May 1834 and September 1835, Fine rare combination of Calcutta origin and this iconic ship handstamp. Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.
The Philadelphia Rigged Ship handstamp was used only on incoming mail for addresses beyond the port. It is recorded used from May 1834 to Nov. 9, 1835. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)
Est. $2,000-3,000
Opening US$ 3,750.00
Sold...US$ 3,750.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:40:33 EST
Sold For 3750
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3080
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1834 (May 12) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter with red "FORWARDED BY/CARTWELL BROS./LIVERPOOL" three-line backstamp and matching "ORPHEUS" ship directional straightline, carried by Black Ball Line Orpheus from Liverpool May 16th to New York arriving Jun. 15th, entered mails with red "New-York, Ship, Jun 15" cds and red manuscript "14½" rating for 12½¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship rate; file fold, Very Fine and rare Liverpool packet name-of-ship marking. Estimate; $500 - 750.
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED BLACK BALL LINE "ORPHEUS" STRAIGHTLINE NAME-OF-BOAT DIRECTIONAL HANDSTAMPS USED BY CARTWELL BROS. Est. $500-750 (Image)
Est. $500-750
Opening US$ 1,700.00
Sold...US$ 1,700.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:41:09 EST
Sold For 1700
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3081
Symbol:
1834 (Aug. 19) Liverpool, England to Philadelphia Pa. Datelined folded letter sent unpaid, carried by Brown's Line Brig Morgan from Liverpool Aug. 20th to Philadelphia arriving Oct. 8th, perfect bold strike of Philadelphia red "6" in lined octagon handstamp for 6¢ due for delivery at the port; some edge wear, Extremely Fine and choice. Estimate; $300 - 400.
THE EARLIEST RECORDED STRIKE IN RED OF THE PHILADELPHIA "6" IN LINED OCTAGON SHIP RATING HANDSTAMP.
This Philadelphia "6" in octagon ship rating handstamp was only used on incoming mail for addresses within the city. Period of use was from October 1834 to October 1836. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 525.00
Sold...US$ 525.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:41:36 EST
Sold For 525
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3083
Symbol:
(Brown's Line of Baltimore) 1835 (Sep. 13) Liverpool, England to Kennebunk Me. Datelined folded letter sent unpaid, carried by Brown's Line Pocahontas from Liverpool Oct. 8th to Philadelphia arriving Nov. 9, entered mails with remarkably clear strike of the Fredersdorf Philadelphia Full-Rigged Ship handstamp with red manuscript "27" due rating for 25¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee; central file fold, Very Fine and choice. Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.
THE LATEST KNOWN EXAMPLE OF THE FANCY PHILADELPHIA FULL-RIGGED SHIP HANDSTAMP, CERTAINLY ONE OF THE FINEST RECORDED STRIKES OF THIS DESIRABLE HANDSTAMP. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)
Est. $2,000-3,000
Opening US$ 4,250.00
Sold...US$ 4,250.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:43:56 EST
Sold For 4250
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3084
Symbol:
1834 (Dec. 8) Liverpool, England to Germantown Pa. Docketed folded cover with partial letter sent unpaid by private ship, carried by Cope Line Algonquin from Liverpool Dec. 11th to the Lazaretto (Philadelphia's quarantine station) arriving Jan. 27th, delayed by storms and ice, entered mails with red "Phila., 28, Feb" octagonal double-line datestamp (Feb. error instead of Jan.) and matching remarkable bold strike of Philadelphia Full-Rigged Ship handstamp with manuscript "20" changed to "14" due rating for double 6¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee; some edge wear, Very Fine and rare use delayed by ice. Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.
A CHOICE USE OF THE FANCY PHILADELPHIA FULL-RIGGED SHIP HANDSTAMP
LETTER DELAYED SEVEN WEEKS DUE TO ICE AT CAPE HENLOPEN— MAILS KEPT ABOARD. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)
Est. $2,000-3,000
Opening US$ 3,500.00
Sold...US$ 3,500.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:44:25 EST
Sold For 3500
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3085
Symbol:
1834 (Dec. 12) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. "datelined folded letter endorsed "p Aid de Camp" at bottom left, carried as endorsed by Ship Aid de Camp from Liverpool Dec. 17th to Cape Island N.J. arriving Jan. 15th, Delaware River ice-jammed, so mails sent ashore in New Jersey, manuscript "Cape Island N.J., Janry. 15th" and matching "Ship 14½" due rating for 12½¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee", Very Fine and rare use taken overland through New Jersey to avoid ice. Estimate; $300 - 400.
Instead of waiting for ice to clear on the Delaware River, at least one ship captain decided to send his mails overland from the mouth of the estuary. The following letter from Rathbone Brothers in Liverpool to Philadelphia merchant Nathan Trotter, dated December 12, 1834, the day after Algonquin had sailed. The sender endorsed the letter per Aid de Camp, another sailing vessel, which departed Liverpool on December 17, 1834. At Cape Island, New Jersey, Captain McGill of the Aid de Camp put his mail ashore on January 15, 1835. This was the same day the Algonquin managed to return after the week-long gale of early January. At the Cape Island post office, the letter was postmarked in manuscript and rated 14½ cents due: two cents ship fee plus 12½ cents inland postage to Philadelphia (80-150 miles). The letter was docketed as received in Philadelphia on January 17, 1835, more than a month before Algonquin's mails arrived there. Aid de Camp continued on to Philadelphia, arriving at the Lazaretto on January 27, the same day as the Algonquin.
Liverpool to Philadelphia was 200 miles longer than to New York, and required navigating a shoaling estuary. Even with favorable winds, the trip to Philadelphia could take an additional one to two weeks; ice blockages were not uncommon. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 1,150.00
Sold...US$ 1,150.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:45:38 EST
Sold For 1150
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3087
Symbol:
1838 (Sep. 15) Birmingham, England to Philadelphia. Consignee's letter and invoice sent privately to Liverpool by W&I Brown Co., carried by Pioneer Steamship Royal William from Liverpool Sep. 20th to New York arriving Oct. 10th, entered mails with sharp red "New-York, Ship, Oct 10" cds and manuscript "14½" due rating for 12½¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee; file folds, Very Fine, The second of only three recorded voyages of the Pioneer SteamshipRoyal William. Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)
Est. $200-300
Opening US$ 325.00
Sold...US$ 325.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:46:33 EST
Sold For 325
Philadelphia Foreign Mail: 1840-1848 Post-War Peri
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3099
Symbol:
1840 (Aug. 31) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter with red "Paid Ship Letter - London, 1 SP 1840" crown oval postmark, London "Paid" (8.31) tombstone postmark and matching large "1" penny late fee handstamp, carried as endorsed by British & American Steam Navigation Co. "British Queen" from Portsmouth Sep. 1st to New York arriving Sep. 16th, red "New York 'Ship' Sep 17" cds with manuscript "14½" due rating for 12½¢ letter rate plus 2¢ ship fee, Extremely Fine and choice,ex-Winter. Estimate; $500 - 750.
THE ONLY RECORDED NON-CONTRACT STEAMSHIP LETTER WITH EXTRA PENNY FEE PAID. Est. $500-750 (Image)
Est. $500-750
Opening US$ 350.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:52:36 EST
Sold For 0
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3105
Symbol:
1842 (Oct. 3) Alexandria, Settra Kroo, South Africa (Liberia) to New York N.Y. via Philadelphia. Datelined folded letter carried by private ship from Africa to Philadelphia, entered mails with blue "Philadelphia Pa. Dec 9" cds and matching "Ship" handstamp with red manuscript "14½" due rating for 12½¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee; fold splitting, some toning, F.-V.F. and scarce use from this Liberia forerunner. Estimate; $300 - 400. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 375.00
Sold...US$ 375.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:54:18 EST
Sold For 375
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3107
Symbol:
1844 (Sep. 9) London, England to Philadelphia, Pa. forwarded to New York. Folded letter with "Moorgate S" receiving house backstamp with red manuscript "1/" shilling prepaid rating, red London (9.10) datestamp, carried by Cunard Line Caledonia from Liverpool Sep. 19th to Boston arriving Oct. 3rd, Philadelphia red "20¾" due handstamp for 18¾¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, forwarded with red "Philadelphia Pa. Oct 5" cds and matching "Forwarded" framed handstamp, blue manuscript 20¾¢ plus 12½¢ to forward letter to New York for total postage due of 33¼¢, Very Fine and scarce forwarded transatlantic use,One of only 9 recorded Philadelphia 20¾ rate handstamps struck in red. Estimate; $300 - 400.
Letter rated at Philadelphia and not at arrival port of Boston. Italicized version of Philadelphia rate stamp in red quite scarce with only a few copies known. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 230.00
Sold...US$ 230.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:54:54 EST
Sold For 230
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3108
Symbol:
1844 (Nov. 19) Liverpool, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter with bold red octagonal "Paid At Liverpool, 1844 No 19" handstamp with matching "1/" handstamp for 1sh packet rate, carried by Cunard Line Caledonia from Liverpool Nov. 19th to Boston arriving Dec. 7th, Philadelphia blue "20¾" rating handstamp for 18¾¢ inland 150-400 miles plus 2¢ ship fee, Extremely Fine and attractive, One of the finest known examples of this marking, ex-Hugh Feldman. Estimate; $300 - 400.
The Philadelphia "20¾" rating handstamp is struck in blue with 12 examples recorded from Oct. 1844 to Jun. 1845. Est. $300-400 (Image)
Est. $300-400
Opening US$ 325.00
Sold...US$ 325.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:55:45 EST
Sold For 325
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3110
Symbol:
1845 (May 18) Taibach, Wales to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter with sharp "Taibach, MY18, 1845" and red manuscript "1/-" updated to "2/-" prepaid double the 1s packet rate, Liverpool (5.19) transit backstamp, carried as endorsed by Cunard Line Cambria from Liverpool May 20th to Boston arriving Jun. 1st, red "Boston Ms. 'Ship' Jun 1" cds and matching bold "39½" in circle rating handstamp for double the 18¾¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine,The finest recorded strike of the Boston "39½" rate handstamp.. Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)
Est. $200-300
Opening US$ 150.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:56:34 EST
Sold For 0
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3111
Symbol:
Cat No: 4
1845 (Dec. 30) Ipswich, England to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter bearing 2d blue (2) irregular block of six, large margins except in at top, small scissor cut between pos. 3/5, tied by sharp "405" barred oval cancels, matching "Ipswich, DE 30, 1845" origin backstamp, endorsed "Post Office Liverpool - pr Boston Steamer" and "6 - 2d Stamps" beneath block, red London (12.31) transit backstamp, Liverpool (12.31) transit oval, carried by Cunard Line Hibernia from Liverpool Jan. 4th to Boston arriving Jan. 23rd, Philadelphia blue "12" in lined circle handstamp for 10¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee, docketed as received Jan. 24th. Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.
The Philadelphia blue "12" in lined circle handstamp is recorded used from Jul. 1845 to Nov. 1850. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)
Est. $2,000-3,000
Opening US$ 1,700.00
Sold...US$ 1,700.00
Closed..Oct-05-2019, 13:57:00 EST
Sold For 1700
Sale No: 89
Lot No: 3113
Symbol:
Cat No: Stampless
1846 (Mar. 17) Liverpool, England to Philadelphia Pa. Datelined folded letter with "Ship Letter, Liverpool, MR 19, 4 6" rimless crown backstamp and red manuscript "8" pence prepaid rating for ship letter fee, endorsed "p 'Unicorn' Steamer", carried as endorsed by Unicorn from Liverpool Mar. 19th to Boston arriving Apr. 17th, New York large "12" due handstamp for 10¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine and rare. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.
THE ONLY KNOWN "UNICORN" COVER TO PHILADELPHIA, THE LAST OF SEVEN VOYAGES OF THIS PIONEER STEAMSHIP.
Unicorn formerly had run on the Cunard feeder mail service between Pictou, Nova Scotia and Quebec. In November 1845, she was purchased by James Whitney to be placed on the Halifax to St. John's, Newfoundland service. Returning to North America in March 1846, Unicorn carried ship letters one last time to Boston. Very few covers have been recorded from this voyage. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)
