Confederacy, Bahamas Ship Letter. Two line handstamp on buff cover likely sent from the southern states via Charleston, S.C. addressed "Jno. B. Nixon Esq., Royal Victoria Hotel, Nassau, New Providence, Bermuda Island", with blue crayon "4" rate and reverse with clear "Bahamas, My 12, 1862" origin cds, Very Fine and choice, ex-Dr. Urwick.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

THE EARLIEST USAGE OF THE "BAHAMAS SHIP LETTER" ON A OUTBOUND BLOCKADE COVER TO NASSAU, BERMUDA - AN EXTREMELY RARE BLOCKADE COVER DESTINATION.

According to S. Walske & S. Trepel "Special Mail Routes of the American Civil War", the "Bahamas Ship Letter" two-line handstamp (type NA1) is known used from February to October of 1863 with fewer than five examples known. The early February 1863 usage is known to have transited Charleston, S.C. as this cover mostly likely did. This usage of the Bahamas ship letter handstamp predates the February 1863 by over eight months. Est. $3,000-4,000 (Image)

Est. $3,000-4,000

Confederacy, Incoming Blockade - Paris, France to Charleston, S.C. via Bermuda and Wilmington, N.C. Cover with two original letters from Paris, France in May of 1864, addressed to Cornelius Burckmyer at Charleston, nos. 37-38, one with the usual cross-written content, carried privately from France transiting Bermuda and Wilmington N.C. bearing no postal markings, Very Fine.
Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300

Confederacy, Outbound Blockade Cover to Middletown, Ct. via Nassau and New York. Sent possibly from Wilmington, N.C. as per pencil notation at upper left, sent to the Bahamas and entered the British mails with red "Nassau, Paid, No 22, 62" cds and red crayon "4" rating, "New York Ship Letter, 5, Nov 29, 1862" entry cds; some stain spots, Fine, ex-Knapp & Gallagher.
Estimate; $400 - 600. Est. $400-600 (Image)

Est. $400-600