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1803 Diplomatic Intrigue, Letter Inspected for Hidden Message, France to Philadelphia Folded Letter Included in the George Kramer Exhibit
Black Nov 5 Boston, Ms circular datestamp with red manuscript "40" on 1803 folded letter to Philadelphia.
France and England were at war from 1793-1815. It was unclear to the French as to where official American sympathies would finally rest; as they suspected that our Post was opening certain important mails, they sometimes would write a secret message in lemon juice, which was invisible to the eye. When these letters were received, a small chunk would be removed and soaked to bring out a trace of a message; if none appeared, so be it. But if there was a message, the entire letter would be soaked.
This 1803 letter, addressed to Philadelphia, is an example of this practice.
1836 Cross Border Ferriage, Dundas, Canada to Albany, NY, 18 3/4 Postage Due Included in the George Kramer Exhibit
1836 folded letter from Dundas, Canada to Albany, NY via Queenston. Red Dundas circular datestamp and blue Nov 2 Lewiston, NY circular datestamp. Red manuscript "6 1/2" rated for 4 1/2 pence Canadian postage to the border + 2 pence "Ferriage." Manuscript "18 3/4" US Postage due for 150-400 miles.
Mail between American and Canadian post offices, which were separated by the Niagara or St. Lawrence Rivers had to be ferried across because there were no existing bridges at this time. From January, 1829, until their termination in March 1837, the Canadian Deputy PMG levied a 2 pence "Ferriage" fee to be added to the appropriate Canadian postage due.
1846 Halifax "PAID" Tombstone, Folded Letter to New York, Kennedy Correspondence Included in the Malcom Montgomery Exhibit
Red "Halifax, PAID" tombstone handstamp on 2 November 1846 folded letter to New York.
Once the steam packet service between Halifax and Boston was established, correspondents could use the Cunard vessels for their letters. As this was not an item in the Cunard contract, the charge was the same as for the ocean mail : one shilling Sterling, which had to be prepaid. On arrival in the United States letters were charged as ship letters, seven cents.
This letter prepaid one shilling Sterling carried by the Cunard line "Britannia" out of Halifax on the November 5 1846. Britannia made Boston on November 7 and the letter was charged 7 cents: 2 cents ship letter fee and 5 cents for United States Inland postage. The "PAID" portion of the Halifax handstamp was deleted at Boston.
1847 Boston to Nova Scotia, via Halifax Unusual Use Written at Sea
Passengers travelling to Europe from the United States by the British packets had the luxury of being able to write letters during the first part of their journey from Boston and then place them in the post when the vessel called at Halifax, Nova Scotia. Such letters from Nova Scotia to the United States had to be prepaid to the border, United States postage could be prepaid or left unpaid.
S.S. 'Cambria' out of Boston to Sowell, Massachusetts, via Halifax, Nova Scotia, 3rd September 1847.
'At Sea, Sept. 2. 1847
My Dearest Wife - We were detained by the fog in Boston Harbor, not five miles from you till 2 oclock this morning. This delay, as you may suppose was not a little trying, & the more so as you may suppose as we might have gotten outside of the Islands if the Boat had sailed promptly at 12 oclock. The delay of a single half an hour occasioned the further delay of twelve hours.'
A letter written on board 'Cambria' out of Boston on the 1st of September; the letter was posted at Halifax and travelled overland via St. Johns to be exchanged between St. Andrews, N.B. and Robbinston, Maine. Postage to the border, one shilling and a penny halfpenny Currency had to be prepaid. United States postage could be paid or unpaid - in this case charged at ten
cents (at which time the 'PAID' portion of the Halifax handstamp was deleted.}
1848 Folded Letter, Sydney Cape Breton Island to Halifax, Nova Scotia On Her Majesty's Service
31 May 1848 folded letter from Sydney, Cape Breton Island to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The letter was posted unpaid and sent overland to Halifax, charged elevenpence halfpenny Currency (tenpence Sterling) the rate for an half ounce letter carried 200-300 miles. The actual distance from Sydney to Halifax was calculated at 286 miles.
Letters from the northern extremities of Cape Breton Island to the remainder of Nova Scotia were often sent by sea utilizing the regular feeder services connecting Newfoundland, St. Pierre Miquelon and Halifax - such letters could travel at the port-to-port rate of fourpence Sterling, the overland route was more expensive and thus preferable for postal revenue.
1848 British Postal Treaty, New Orleans Printed Circular to Kingdom of Sardinia Exceedingly Scarce Example of the 4c Printed Matter Rate to the Kingdom of Sardinia
New Orleans, La. to Lesa, Kingdom of Sardinia, Nov 29 1853 printed circular with red "New Orleans Nov 29" circular datestamp and matching "Paid 4" rating handstamp. New York large red "2" credit handstamp. to Great Britain carried by Ocean Line Hermann from New York Dec. 4 to Southampton arriving Dec. 19, Calais (12.20) entry circular datestamp, Lesa (12.30) arrival backstamp. Very Fine, an exceedingly scarce example carried by American contract steamship.
Under U.S.-British Treaty of 1848, newspapers could be sent to Kingdom of Sardinia via England at 4 cents each. Unsealed printed circulars were treated under the newspaper rate. Until April 1853, letters prepaid 4 cents show a 2 cents credit to Great Britain. (Image)
Estimate Range: 1,500 to 2,000US$
Opening US$ 750.00
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Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2140
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1855 "Fredk Loison's Printed Circular" Handstamp on Printer Circular from New Orleans to France Included in the Richard Winter Exhibit
Blue "Fredk Loison's Printed Circular" handstamp with red New Orleans "PAID 2" handstamp on Feb 7 1855 unsealed printed circular from New Orleans, La. to Saulxures, France. Sent under the newspaper rate of 2c by British open mail, carried by Collins Line Atlantic from New York Feb. 21 to Liverpool arriving Mar. 4, red manuscript "15" centimes postage due rating, Very Fine.
Rated 2 cents paid for circular rate by British open mail and 15 centimes postage due in Saulxures.
Favor’s Express, Steamer Admiral, Red Circular Datestamp with Matching "Colonial Express" Circular Datestamp on 1856 Cover from New Brunswick to Massachusetts Very Fine and Scarce Marking in Red with "Steamer Admiral"
"Favor's Express, Steamer Admiral, Nov. 1856" red circular datestamp on backflap, with red "Colonial Express Mail, St. John N.B., Nov. 3" circular datestamp on cover to Watertown Massachusetts. The Name-of-Boat cachet and Route Agent handstamps were applied on board the Admiral at St. John.
At this time Favor was using the "COLONIAL EXPRESS MAIL / ST. JOHN, N.B." STAMP". The route agents stamp struck in red indicates that the cross border rate of 10 cents had been prepaid on the letter addressed to Waterstown, Massachusetts. Hahn records that the Steamer Admiral marking is usually struck in black. New Brunswick stamp is missing. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate References:Boston to Saint John Steamboat Mail by David D'Allesandris(Image)
Estimate Range: 600 to 800US$
Opening US$ 300.00
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Lot No: 2142
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1859 Boston to Prince Edward Island, via Halifax Scarce Packet Mail to Prince Edward Island
Boston, Massachusetts to Georgetown, Prince Edward Island, via Halifax, 1 June 1859.
This folded letter prepaid five cents in Boston and carried by British packet, the Cunard Line 'Canada', to Halifax. At Halifax the sea postage of fourpence Sterling was raised to which twopence Sterling inter-Provincial postage was added for a total of sixpence Sterling, ninepence Prince Edward Island Currency. On the reverse are Halifax and Prince Edward Island transit marks for the 2nd and 7th of June.
1805 Bill of Lading with Notarized Affidavit, Pointe-à-Pitre Guadeloupe, on Brig Jane Printed bill of lading dated August 9, 1805, at Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, signed by ship's master William Marenner of the ship Jane. The reverse with an affidavit executed the same day before the Judicial Tribunal of Saint-Pierre, Guadeloupe, with intact red wax seal of office reading SCEAU JUDICIAIRE DE LA GUADELOUPE.
The bill of lading records shipment by John Pierre Servaton, merchant of Pointe-à-Pitre, of twenty-two hogsheads of clayed sugars marked "J.J. No. 1 to 22," consigned to John Jubel of New York at a freight rate of ten dollars per hogshead. The accompanying affidavit, executed before a colonial judge with Thomas Coffinger serving as sworn English-language interpreter, declares under oath that the cargo is the property of John Jubel, Citizen of the United States of America residing in New York, and that no subject or citizen of any belligerent power has any interest in the shipment. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 200 to 300US$
Opening US$ 100.00
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Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2119
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1828 Folded Letter Nassau, Bahamas to Philadelphia via St, Thomas, Fancy Ship Outline Marking Very Scarce Origin and Ship Marking
Nassau, Bahamas to Philadelphia, PA 1828 via St Thomas & New Haven, CT fancy pictorial SHIP & rated 95 ¾ cts due for 5 X 18 ¾ cts inland + 2cts ship letter feeReferences:ASCC Vol II, page 84(Image)
Estimate Range: 700 to 800US$
Opening US$ 360.00
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Lot No: 2120
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1843 Galápagos Islands Folded Letter with Red New Bedford, Mass Handstamp Among the Earliest Recorded Letters Originating from the Galápagos Islands
Folded letter datelined May 3, 1843, written aboard the whaling ship Eliza L. B. Jenney “off the Galápagos Islands,” endorsed “Per Ship Hector/May 3rd, 1843” and addressed to Bedford, Mass with manuscript "8". The cover with some foxing and a hole at top.
The letter describes the author's good health, his longing for home, and missing items such as raisins and “sider” (cider). He offers candid thoughts on shipboard life, expressing dislike for the captain, commenting on the second mate and crew, and noting the scarcity of whales. He details their voyage around Cape Horn and the hot weather experienced, sending regards to his relatives and expressing hope to return home after three or four more months.
A fascinating letter, and one of the earliest recorded examples originating from the Galápagos Islands. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 1,000 to 1,200US$
Opening US$ 500.00
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Lot No: 2121
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STEAMSHIP 10 and Black "PAID SAN JUAN PORTO RICO" Crowned-circle Handstamp on 1853 Stampless Cover to New York Some staining and some faults. (Image)
Estimate Range: 400 to 600US$
Opening US$ 200.00
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Lot No: 2122
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1855 Printed Circular, Large Black "2" Due Marking, Cuba to Boston via New York Clean and Very Fine
May 21, 1855. Carried by U.S. Mail S.S. Co. from Havana to New York, and likely carried outside of the mails to Boston.
Rated 2c postage due for the U.S. printed matter rate for an unpaid circular sent to any part of the U.S. established by the Postal Act of August 30, 1852. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate References:Postal Act of August 30, 1852(Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Lot No: 2123
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1876 Printed Circular from Cuba, St. Jago de Cuba with "DUE 2" Marking to Boston Cuba to Boston, Scarce DUE 2 Charged
Printed circular datelined St. Jago de Cuba, July 30, 1876, addressed to Boston, Massachusetts and charged DUE 2c, as no payment was made. An unusual due charge on incoming circular ship mail. Very Fine. (Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Packets/Inland Waterway
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2143
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Red "STEAM" Straightline on Stampless Cover with Manuscript "20" to Little Valley, N.Y. Unknown Marking, Unlisted in ASCC
Folded letter to Little Valley, New York, carried by steamboat and marked manuscript "20" due for double-rate postage over 300 miles.
It likely entered the mails in Stonington, Connecticut, where the "STEAM" marking was applied. The steamboat captain was paid 2 cents, and the cover was placed in a mail bag and carried overland across the state to southwestern New York before being delivered to Little Valley, a land-locked town. The envelope shows signs of a thick or heavy enclosure. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Lot No: 2144
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Albany, New York, Red "STEAM BOAT" Straightline on Stampless Folded Letter to New York via Hudson River, Rated 12 1/2c Stampless folded letter with red "STEAM BOAT" straightline handstamp (Type II NYC Steam Boat) and manuscript "12½" rate at upper right. Albany to New York City via Hudson River, addressed to William E. Green, Esq., 88 Chamber Street, New York. Written by Estes Howe, nominated Judge of Albany County. (Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Lot No: 2145
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Erie Canal, 1825 Stampless Canal Boat Letter to Niagara Falls, Two Strikes of Blue "FREE" in Ornate Box, Manuscript "18 3/4" Rate Listing Copy for "FREE" Handstamp
Stampless folded letter datelined "Canal Boat near Lyons" July 23, 1825. This two page letter is addressed to Augustus Porter, Esq., Postmaster at Niagara Falls, New York, and was written by his son while traveling on the Erie Canal. Blue circular UTICA N.Y. JUL/25 postmark, applied after Young Porter apparently stepped off to mail this at Utica and managed to persuade the postmaster there to mark free after initial rating of 18 3/4c rate.
Content includes "Dear Father, I arrived yesterday at Rochester in order to see Mr. Kennedy… I find Mr. Kennedy as expected, poor and I presume never can pay for the farm… he thinks he can sell it before the time limited and he believes for a higher price than the amount now due… He has a snug barn and there are about 50 or 60 acres improved, his house is of no value."
"Mr. Beckwith had not arrived when I left Rochester but I requested Mr. Bolossom to say to him that Mr. Kennedy could not give a position and to answer as to what he should do…"
"I am getting on very pleasantly, My love to all, Yours affectionately, A. H. Porter."
Hudson, N.Y. "STEAM BOAT" in Red on 1832 Folded Letter to New York Listing Copy Example, Unique Marking
Folded letter from Hudson, New York to New York City, postmarked with black 28mm circular HUDSON/NOV/6/N.Y. handstamp and red straightline STEAM BOAT, rated "121/2 in manuscript. The letter concerning Sprague & Curtis's hoop iron.
This STEAM BOAT marking differs notably from similar markings used in New York City beginning in June 1832 until 1834. This marking also differs from the Hudson mark with unique characteristics, including a wide base on the "T", shape of the "s" and the size. This is a unique example.
1835 Ypsilanti, Michigan Territory, Folded Letter to New York Stampless folded letter to New York with an APR 15 1835 Ypsilanti, Michigan Territorial postmark (Mic.T). Manuscript "25" for single letter rate to New York (400 miles).
1837 Red "STEAMBOAT" Straightline, on Stampless Cover, Middletown, Conn. to New York City, Rated 12 1/2 C Folded letter datelined September 7, 1837, from Middletown, Connecticut to New York City, rated "12 1/2" in manuscript for carriage between 80 and 150 miles. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Lot No: 2149
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Red "STEAMBOAT" Straightline, on 1838 Stampless Cover, Troy to NYC, Rated 12 1/2c Folded letter datelined April 14, 1838, from Troy, New York to New York City. Marked “12½” in manuscript for the 80–150 mile rate. Carried on a non-contract steamboat on the Hudson River.
Used on distinctive green paper. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Lot No: 2150
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Hudson River Steamboat, Red U.S. Express Mail July 1, 1845 Circular Datestamp on Folded Letter to New York City First Day of 5c Rate - July 1, 1845
Folded letter datelined “Eagle Hotel Albany June 29, 1845,” addressed to Miss Ann Sprogle, care of Franklin Lee Esq., N W corner of 3rd & Pine St., Philadelphia. Clear red circular “U.S. EXPRESS MAIL / ALBANY N.Y. / JUL 1” (Hahn Type I) marking of the Hudson River Steamboat southbound route.
It is possible that this letter was held for a day to get the 5c rate. The letter was carried on July 1, 1845, the first day of the reduced 5c postage rate under the 1845 Act. Manuscript “5” rate marking at upper right. The street address indicates city delivery in New York by Carrier. (Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Lot No: 2151
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Hudson River Steamboat Route 810, Red U.S. Express Mail Circular Datestamp on 1845 Cover to New York, 5c Rate Very Fine, and Scarce Route Agent Marking
Light blue folded cover from Albany, New York to New York City, with red circular “U.S. EXPRESS MAIL N.Y. ‘ALBANY’ SEP 7” route agent datestamp and matching red manuscript “5” rate marking for the new 5c rate for under 300 miles, effective July 1.
Buffalo, New York Blue Oval Datestamp with Matching "Steam Boat" in Scroll Marking on Stampless Cover Front to Troy Buffalo, N.Y. July 5 datestamp. Front glued to index card. (Image)
Estimate Range: 50 to 100US$
Opening US$ 25.00
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Lot No: 2153
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Via Red River on 1852 Folded Cover to Texas, New Orleans Integral Rate Marking Earliest Known Use
Red Feb 3 New Orleans integral rate marking 5 cents, collect "Via Red River" on folded cover to Texas.
Contract Mail Steamboats carried Postal Department Route Agents, who took on-board mail, sorted, delivered to, and collected from, postal authorities along the way. This letter traveled from Alexandria, La. , overland to Jasper, Texas, to Zavala.
The Steamboat "Red River" ran from New Orleans to Shreveport, 1852 1857.
This is the earliest recorded cover, one full year before the ASCC listing.
Utica Railroad Red Straightline, Manuscript “10” Rate, August 2 1838 Folded Letter to Rome, New York Second Earliest Known of This Railroad Straightline, Possibly the 10th Earliest Railroad Handstamp Usage
Red straightline “RAILROAD” handstamp with matching red “Utica, N.Y., Aug. 2” double-oval datestamp and manuscript “10” rate marking on folded letter datelined Fonda, July 31, 1838 addressed to Peter A. Fonda, Esq., Rome, New York. Peter Fonda of the Fonda Family. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 500 to 600US$
Opening US$ 260.00
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Lot No: 2155
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1838 Baltimore Railroad Folded Letter, 25c "Ch"arged Very Early Usage of the "Baltimore Railroad" Marking
From the George Kramer Exhibit
Red "Baltimore Rail Road" handstamp with manuscript "ch 25" on Baltimore to Massachusetts folded letter, datelined November 15, 1838. Rated for over 400 miles rate.
The small notation "ch"is uncommon; it signified that addressee had an account with the Post Office, and that this letter did not have to be paid upon receipt.
On July 7, 1838, Congress passed an act providing "that each and every railroad within the limits of the United States which now is or hereafter be completed, shall be a post route, and the PMG shall cause the mail to be transported thereon". "RAILROAD" type markings were struck on mail which did not originate in a post office.
According to Remele, the railroad contracted to carry mail from Baltimore to Philadelphia, and from all intermediate Post Offices on the line, did not cross into Philadelphia until November 1838 when the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad Bridge was completed. This letter is datelined November 15, 1838.
Housatonic Rail Road, Towle 88-B-1, Red Double Circle Integral Handstamp on 1847 Stampless Folded Letter to Winchester, Connecticut Housatonic Rail Road (Towle 88-B-1 Rarity VI) 1847 red fancy circled "5" at right, worn with adhesive on backflap, pencil markings on reverse. (Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Lot No: 2157
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Housatonic Rail Road, Towle 88-B-3, Red Double Circle Integral Handstamp on 1848 Folded Letter Housatonic Rail Road (Towle 88-B-3 Rarity VII "Rare") 1848 red fancy circled "5" at left, with file folds and some wear. (Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Lot No: 2158
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"PHILAD RAIL ROAD" Red Straightline on 1850 Stampless Cover, New York City to Salem, Massachusetts(Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Lot No: 2159
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
Housatonic Rail Road, Towle 88-B-7, Green Circular Datestamp Cancelling U2 1854 3c Red Entire to Seymour, Connecticut Housatonic Rail Road" dated April 20, addressed to John G. Foster, Esq., Seymour, Connecticut. Towle 88-B-7, Rarity VII. Some edge damage and wear.
Provenance: Frank Raysor Collection of Rail Road Covers (Image)
Estimate Range: 25 to 50US$
Opening US$ 20.00
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Lot No: 2160
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Housatonic Rail Road, Towle 88-B-7, Red Double Circle Integral Handstamp on Folded Letter Housatonic Rail Road (Towle 88-B-7 Rarity V) Oct 9 red circled "5" at right, with file fold and toning. (Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 50.00
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Transatlantic
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2124
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NEWPT RI, First Federal Newport Handstamp, 1812 Folded Letter Letter carried on "Brig. Rebecca" captured by Privateer Commodore Barney during the War of 1812
Black "NEWPT RI SEP 5" circular datestamp on folded letter to Bath, MA with manuscript "Sh 19." Manuscript "Brig Rebecca Capt. Abbot Via Boston"
Letter datelined "London June 30th 1812" from Samuel Harding while on business in GB with his wife Lucy at their home in Bath Mass (now Maine). He says that he "arrived in Chatham...on the 15th May." He had written "6 or 7 letters since which however have been stopped by the Repeal of the Orders in Council as the vessels by whom I wrote returned to take cargo for the U.States."
The "Orders in Council" were three executive orders issued from
1807 to 1809 prohibiting trade with France. In an attempt at reconciliation with the US, GB repealed them on June 23, 1812, but it was too late. War had already been declared.
It appears that this letter was on the Brig Rebecca when it was intercepted by the privateer Commodore Barney of the "swift clipper-built schooner Rossie" on August 10 while the Rebecca was on its way to Boston.
Barney reportedly spent 45 days at sea and intercepted 14 ships, including the Rebecca. He destroyed 9 of the ships, but not the Rebecca. The Rebecca was seized for a breach of the non-importation law.
Ships captured by privateers were typically brought to a port by a prize crew from the privateer ship. However, Barney might have kept the mail and taken it to the Newport post office, perhaps pocketing the ship fee himself.
Barney was reported to have arrived in Newport on August 30. He got new supplies and left Newport on September 7. The circular datestamp is dated September 5, which puts it in the time period when Barney was at Newport.
The ship must have been US registered because it is typically described as "the Brig Rebecca, of Saco.", presumably the reason why he did not burn or sink the Rebecca.References:PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK OF THE WAR OF 1812 BY BENSON J. LOSSING, CHAPTER XLI(Image)
Estimate Range: 500 to 1,000US$
Opening US$ 260.00
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Lot No: 2125
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War of 1812, Letter from "H.B.M. Ship Lightning at Sea" to Baltimore, Entered via Philadelphia Pre-Blockade Bootlegged Cover to Philadelphia
Folded letter written from a brother to his sister, aboard the His Britannic Majesty's Ship Lighting at Sea, with lamentations about the war interrupting their correspondence. Letter datelined "H.B.M. Ship Lightning at Sea 15th Sept. 1812" with no origination postmark, bootlegged into Philadelphia where it was struck with red "Phi 25 OC" (letter carrier) circular datestamp. The arrival at Philadelphia suggest the letter was sent near Madeira or Lisbon. The cover with some edge toning, but still a Very Fine pre-blockade cover.
Cartel Ship, "Fair American", 1814 Stampless Folded Letter from Liverpool to New York Very Scarce Cartel Ship Usage
Illustrated in Walske's North American Blockade Run Mail, 1775-1865 Exhibit
Stampless folded letter datelined at Liverpool on April 4, 1814, carried aboard the cartel ship Fair American, which sailed April 8 while transporting dispatches for the U.S. Secretary of State. The contents note that the “cartel now about to sail.” The letter arrived at New York on May 13, passing through the wartime blockade, and bears a manuscript “6” cents for in-port ship fee.
Period accounts of Fair American’s January 1814 sailing from New York record the presence of eleven unauthorized stowaways, later removed by a revenue cutter, with reports that letters and documents were destroyed during the incident (Niles’ Weekly Register, January 29, 1814, p. 364).
American and Foreign Agency, Fancy Agent Cachet, on 1830 Printed Circular to England Superb and Scarce, Unlisted in ASCC
New York, NY printed circular to Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucester, England 10 Nov 1830. Superb & scarce "Office of the American & Foreign Agency" fancy forwarding agent cachet used as an advertising handstamp. Recorded by Rowe 1830-1840. "Bristol Ship Letter" transit & rated 1N5. (Image)
Estimate Range: 500 to 600US$
Opening US$ 260.00
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Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2128
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Harnden's Express, Red Oval Handstamp on September 1839 Folded Letter from Boston to London Possibly Earliest Known Usage of Harnden's Oval Handstamp
Red oval "Forwarded by Harnden's Package Express and Foreign Letter Office, 5 Court St., Boston" on September 21, 1839 folded letter to London. Received March 17, 1841, possibly lost or mislaid, rated 1/-. The Philatelic Foundation notes this item as possibly the earliest sent. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 1,000 to 1,200US$
Opening US$ 500.00
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Lot No: 2129
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Harnden & Co., on 1843 Illustrated Harnden Letterhead, to Rothschild & Sons in London Manuscript "per Acadia" and "H and Co." (Image)
Estimate Range: 700 to 800US$
Opening US$ 360.00
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Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2130
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1853 Stampless Cover from Alexandria, Egypt to Springfield, Ohio New York Am Packet MAR 29 Black circular datestamp on front with manuscript "18", "50" and "71". Alexandria 1853 and orange GB circular datestamps on reverse. Addressed to Samuel Barnett, who was a prominent Ohio miller. (Image)
Estimate Range: 200 to 300US$
Opening US$ 100.00
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Lot No: 2131
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1854 Stampless Cover from Alexandria, Egypt to Springfield, Ohio Bold strike of New York AM Packet APR 6 Black circular datestamp on front. MAR 14 1854 circular datestamp and orange GB marking on reverse. Addressed to Samuel Barnett, who was a prominent Ohio miller. (Image)
Estimate Range: 200 to 300US$
Opening US$ 100.00
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Lot No: 2132
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1854 Stampless Cover from Alexandria, Egypt to Springfield, Ohio New York AM Packet 6 circular datestamp on front with Alexandria 24 1854 circular datestamp on reverse. Addressed to Samuel Barnett, who was a prominent Ohio miller. (Image)
Estimate Range: 200 to 300US$
Opening US$ 100.00
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Lot No: 2133
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1855 Stampless Cover from Alexandria, Egypt to Springfield, Ohio New York AM Packet APR 6 Black circular datestamp on front with Alexandria Blue circular datestamp MR24 1855 on reverse. Addressed to Samuel Barnett, who was a prominent Ohio miller. (Image)
Estimate Range: 200 to 300US$
Opening US$ 100.00
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U.S. 17th Century
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2011
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1691 Topsfield, Massachusetts, Stampless Folded Letter, Written by John Gould, Accuser at the Salem Witch Trials Written Three Months Before the Salem Witch Trials Began
Stampless letter datelined December 29, 1691, written and signed by John Gould of Topsfield, Massachusetts. This letter is written just three months before the Salem witch trials began in February 1692.
The writer is John Gould of Topsfield, aged 56 in 1692, brother of Priscilla Gould, the first wife of John Wildes of Topsfield. After Priscilla's death in 1663, John Wildes remarried Sarah Averill within seven months, a remarriage the Gould family resented and which produced a multi-decade feud. By 1692, John Gould and his sister Mary Gould Reddington had been spreading allegations of witchcraft against Sarah Wildes for more than twenty years. When the Salem accusations erupted in the spring of 1692, John Gould was a sworn deponent against Sarah Wildes, recounting incidents his deceased sister had attributed to her and describing supernatural occurrences with a hay cart that he believed were the work of witchcraft. The Goulds were related by marriage to the Putnam family of Salem Village, the principal accusers in the trials. Sarah Wildes was tried, convicted, and executed by hanging at Gallows Hill on July 19, 1692. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate References:Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive, University of Virginia: SWP No. 136.11, Deposition of John Gould and Zacheus Perkins v. Sarah Wilds(Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
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Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2012
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1695 Boston, Massachusetts Price List from Boston A Beautiful 17th Century Military Document
Manuscript price list datelined "Boston April 1695," listing twenty-eight officers and men with individual amounts in pounds, shillings, and pence. Among the list are Captain John Hill and Lieutenant Joseph Hill. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
1760 Stampless Folded Letter, Boston to Scarborough, Maine, "pr Capt Milliken" Addressed to Father of Rufus King, Signer of the Constitution
Stampless folded letter datelined Boston, November 8, 1760, addressed to "Mr. Richd. King, Mercht. In Scarborough" with manuscript carriage endorsement at lower left indicating delivery by Capt. Milliken. Retained file copy of Richard King's reply of December 23, 1760, written on a separate sheet.
The outbound letter is from Boston merchant Thomas Greene, acknowledging receipt of money carried by Edward Milliken Jr., noting that two of the Joannes gold coins were six grains light, and crediting King £66.17.8¾ Massachusetts lawful money. Greene presses for a larger remittance and encloses a writ of execution against a Mr. Hunnewell. King's reply returns the execution unserved, explaining that the writ was directed only to the Sheriff of York County and bore a date prior to the recent division creating Cumberland County, which became effective November 1, 1760, one week before Greene's letter. King declines to amend the writ, noting that to do so would be "too great a freedom with a matter of Record."
The recipient, Richard King (1718 to 1775), was the largest exporter of lumber from the District of Maine and the father of Rufus King, signer of the United States Constitution, and William King, first Governor of Maine. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 500 to 750US$
Opening US$ 260.00
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Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2015
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1765 Stampless Folded letter, Basking Ridge, New Jersey to New York, Privately Carried Privately Carried with Contents Regarding Missing Letter
Stampless folded letter datelined Baskenridge Oct. 17 1765, addressed to Mr. Evert Bancker in New York. Written and signed by Gerard Bancker, an American Surveyor.
In the letter, Gerard Bancker writes to his brother, Evert, concerning a previous letter entrusted to a courier named Burgie, which he fears was never delivered. He recounts that Burgie claimed to have given the letter to "Mr. Millineu's Daughter" one evening, and that when questioned, Burgie reported Evert had said no mention was made of the enclosed request. Gerard asks his brother to clarify what became of the missing letter, noting that a Mr. Sawyer had sent a separate letter by the same conveyance. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
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Lot No: 2016
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
1767–1778, Extensive Samuel White Correspondence Collection, Barbados, Falmouth, Salem and Atlantic Trade Network Stampless Folded Letters Extensive Pre-Revolutionary Merchant Archive of 14 Stampless Folded Letters
An impressive group of merchant correspondence addressed to Samuel White, Merchant, of Marblehead, spanning 1767 through 1778 and documenting New England participation in the Atlantic fish and West Indies trade.
The earliest letter, dated April 23, 1767 from Barbados, documents White’s involvement in the West Indies trade. The June 10, 1770 letter from Bilboa, Spain, references fish sales and cargo activity in the Iberian market, reflecting Marblehead’s role in the southern European cod trade. The archive also includes multiple letters written by Jeremiah Pote of Falmouth, dated 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, and 1778, referencing:
- Fish purchased for freight to Caribbean destinations, including St. Eustatius
- Brig Hero voyages
- Bills of lading and marine insurance
- Settlement of accounts in pounds, shillings, and old tenor currency
- Drafts drawn on White and third-party payment instructions
- Return cargo including handkerchiefs and assorted goods
- Wartime-era provisioning requests in 1778
Samuel White was a Marblehead merchant active during the late colonial period. Marblehead’s economy was centered on dried cod exports to the Caribbean and southern Europe, with return cargoes of sugar, molasses, rum, and manufactured goods. The correspondence reflects White’s role in freight investment, delegated sales authority, insurance placement, and account settlement across regional and trans-Atlantic networks.
Jeremiah Pote, writing from Falmouth, appears as a recurring correspondent engaged in coastal and West Indies commerce. His letters document freight financing arrangements, cargo preparation by the quintal, vessel movements, and credit transactions within the Massachusetts maritime community. (Image)
Estimate Range: 1,500 to 2,500US$
Opening US$ 750.00
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Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2017
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1768 Stampless Folded letter, Boston to Newport, From John Lowell Referencing the Sons of Liberty, Privately Carried An Important Letter Referencing the Sons of Liberty Enforcing the Boston Non-Importation Agreement
Stampless folded letter datelined Boston, April 18, 1768, addressed to Mr. Christopher Champlin, Merchant, in Newport and carried "By Capt Elsbie"
The letter is written and signed by John Lowell of Boston who instructs Champlin that future shipments should be consigned to a third party with bills of lading kept under cover,
"for our Sons of Liberty have Excited the assessors to examine the manifests of every London ship to Rate the Importers for their Value, especially those that refused to sign the Association."
The "Association" referenced is the Boston Non-Importation Agreement of March 1, 1768, in which Boston merchants pledged to refrain from importing specified British goods in protest of the Townshend Acts of 1767. The letter documents that the Sons of Liberty were pressuring Boston tax assessors to examine ship manifests and to rate non-signing importers at the full value of their imports as a means of enforcing compliance with the Agreement. The letter was written approximately two months before the seizure of John Hancock's sloop Liberty by customs officials on June 10, 1768, an event that triggered the Liberty Riot and accelerated the events leading to the Boston Massacre and ultimately the Revolution.
The writer is John Lowell (1743 to 1802) of Boston, a Massachusetts lawyer who served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, helped draft the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, and was appointed by President Washington to the United States District Court for Massachusetts in 1789. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
