Samoa, U.S.S. "Mohican" Pacific Station, Harbor of Apia, Upolu I, Samoan Group, So. Pacific Ocean, Oct. 16th 1886., signed "Geo. H. Cooke, U.S.A." on quadruple rate legal size cover to his wife at Asbury Park, N.J., red magenta "Navy Pay Office, San Francisco." two-line handstamp, entered the U.S. mails bearing 2¢ red brown (210) tied by "San Francisco, Cal. 1886" cds, reverse with "Asbury Park N.J. Rec'd Nov 9" cds backstamp; some paper loss at lower right and reduced slightly at right affecting 2¢, Fine. Estimate  $1,000 - 1,500. A VERY RARE "OUTSIDE THE MAILS" NAVAL SHIP LETTER USAGE FROM APIA, SAMOA DURING THE MUNICIPALITY POST OFFICE PERIOD. The U.S.S. "Mohican" was a steam sloop of war, launched in December 1883 and sent to Callao, Peru in 1886 and then to Samoan waters to protect American interests from German political interference. This letter is unusual as it was apparently handled by the Navy Department and prepaid by their San Francisco Pay Office before entering the mails, unlike the example offered from the J.R. Hughes collection (Sale 44 Lot 2275, realized $2,875) that was sent by private ship without prepayment. We also offered the companion piece in our last Westpex auction. $0 (Image)