(Boston) 1851 (c., Jan. 10) Boston Mass. to Orwigsburg Pa. Folded cover with red "Boston Mass. Jan 10" cds and black "80" rate marker, additional manuscript "Overcharged 10cts" rating, F.-V.F. and rare domestic use of the "80" rate marker.
Estimate; $200 - 300.

The 80¢ rating with "Overcharged 10cts" notation indicates that the actual rate was 70¢ for seven-times the 10¢ rate per ½ oz. for over 300 miles. The addressee was a lawyer suggests that the contents may have been legal papers. The "80" rate marker is not recorded by Blake used in black and this use is exceedingly scarce on a non-west coast cover for the double 40¢ rate. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300

(New York) War of 1812 Ransom For Sloop Taken By Privateer Benjamin Franklin. Folded letter datelined "New York 11th Novr. 1813" and addressed to Benjamin Ayman at New Haven, Ct., no postal markings, letter reads "your favr of the 9th inst. I received and undertake to make a farther explanation. The bill attended to, was one given by John Weatherhead Commissary Genl. of St. Johns Antigua to Captn. Josiah Ingarsol for the Ransom of a sloop taken by Privateer Benjamin Franklin, which I understand Mr. Steward promised to have Collected and I thought through you a Remittance might have been made to Mr. Samuel Adams of this place, agent for said privateer, therefore should you not have any knowledge of the circumstance…"; file folds, Very Fine and interesting.
Estimate; $100 - 150. Est. $100-150 (Image)

Est. $100-150