COLONIAL PERIOD - RED "PHILA/DELPHIA" + BLACK "26/MA" ON TRANSATLANTIC COVER EX SPAIN TO U.S.; [April/] 1773 E (one side-flap removed) to soldier/Congressman "Jeremiah Wadsworth [1743-1804], Middletown, Connecticut, New England" charged "Sh 58" in red with a mainly very fine rare orange-red "PHILA/DELPHIA" and black Philadelphia "26/MA" Franklin Mark on the lower flap. There are no contents or filing notes but there is a French "N. DANGOUMOIS" watermark as well as the faint offset of part of the letter's contents on the reverse. Careful scanning - print included - has revealed that it is the end of a letter (typed transcript & translation included; ref. a shipment of flour being sent under a "English Flag" by the ship "Belle" - with the signature of "Gamon". The only suitable 1773/4 voyage from Spain to Philadelphia was that of the 'Nancy' which docked on 26 May 1773. (With detailed research notes.) [Ex Frank Thompson, 2012.] Cross Reference: SPAIN, TRANSATLANTIC MAIL (Image)

NVI COLLECTION IN SEVEN VOLUMES: Extensive, mint & used study c.1975-2020 inc. stamps, coils, booklets, covers inc. FDCs, Postal Stationery, officials, etc. displaying a plethora of non-denominated issues. (Very many 100s of stamps & covers). (Image)