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$ 2,000.00
Sold...US$ 2,000.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:45:05 EST
Sold For 2000
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2140
Symbol:
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$ 360.00
Sold...US$ 360.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:46:09 EST
Sold For 360
Foreign Destination
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2120
Symbol:
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
Sold...US$ 500.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:35:32 EST
Sold For 500
Packets/Inland Waterway
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2144
Symbol:
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
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:47:25 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2146
Symbol:
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.
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
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:49:38 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2149
Symbol:
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
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:50:08 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2150
Symbol:
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$ 280.00
Sold...US$ 280.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:50:41 EST
Sold For 280
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2151
Symbol:
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$ 40.00
Sold...US$ 40.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:52:22 EST
Sold For 40
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2153
Symbol:
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.
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$ 80.00
Sold...US$ 80.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:55:07 EST
Sold For 80
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2157
Symbol:
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$ 110.00
Sold...US$ 110.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:55:45 EST
Sold For 110
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2158
Symbol:
"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
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:56:19 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 2026Icons
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$ 200.00
Sold...US$ 200.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:56:53 EST
Sold For 200
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2160
Symbol:
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
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:57:25 EST
Sold For 50
Transatlantic
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2125
Symbol:
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
Sold...US$ 260.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:39:15 EST
Sold For 260
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2128
Symbol:
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$ 850.00
Sold...US$ 850.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:39:57 EST
Sold For 850
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2129
Symbol:
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
Sold...US$ 360.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 16:40:37 EST
Sold For 360
U.S. 17th Century
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2011
Symbol:
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$ 220.00
Sold...US$ 220.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:12:57 EST
Sold For 220
U.S. 18th Century
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2015
Symbol:
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$ 180.00
Sold...US$ 180.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:14:57 EST
Sold For 180
Sale No: 2026Icons
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
Sold...US$ 750.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:15:43 EST
Sold For 750
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2017
Symbol:
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)
Estimate Range: 750 to 1,000US$
Opening US$ 1,100.00
Sold...US$ 1,100.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:17:12 EST
Sold For 1100
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2021
Symbol:
1780 Stampless Folded Letter, Hamburg, Germany to Boston via Amsterdam Privately Carried Through American Privateer Blockade
Folded printed notice of a business partnership, datelined “Hamburg the 2d June 1780,” and privately forwarded via Amsterdam with manuscript notation on flap: “Amsterdam July 10, 1780 per cover of Y.m.h.s. John de Newfield & Son.” Addressed to Mr. William Vernon in Boston with no postal markings or rates, privately carried through the American privateer blockade during the Revolutionary War. (Image)
Estimate Range: 400 to 600US$
Opening US$ 260.00
Sold...US$ 260.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:19:19 EST
Sold For 260
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2022
Symbol:
1783 Stampless Folded Letter, Fredericksburg to Richmond, Manuscript "1.8" Rate Rerated to "2" dwt Folded letter dated February 25, 1783, from Fredericksburg to Richmond with manuscript rate of "1.8" (1 dwt 8 gr), subsequently rerated to "2" dwt.
Fredericksburg to Richmond is approximately 60-100 miles. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 240.00
Sold...US$ 240.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:19:53 EST
Sold For 240
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2023
Symbol:
1784 Stampless Folded Letter, Philadelphia to Boston, Franklin Mark, Manuscript "4" dwt Rate Folded letter sheet dated July 26, 1784, from Philadelphia to Boston with manuscript "4" dwt rate. Addressed to Sam White. Philadelphia to Boston is 309 miles, rated 300-400 mile rate band. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 200.00
Sold...US$ 200.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:20:57 EST
Sold For 200
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2024
Symbol:
1784 Stampless Folded Letter, New York to Philadelphia, Clear Straightline "N.Y* Apr: 8.", Manuscript "2" dwt Rate Clear straightline handstamp "N.Y* Apr: 8." (15x4mm) on 1784 folded letter sheet to Philadelphia. Manuscript "2" rate marking.
New York to Philadelphia: 96 miles (60-100 mile rate band). Under the Franklin Mark period rate schedule, the single-letter rate for 60-100 miles was 1 dwt 8 gr. The manuscript "2" rate notation indicates 2 dwt, suggesting possible overpayment or a double-weight calculation. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:21:26 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2025
Symbol:
1784 Stampless Folded Letter Sheet, Portsmouth to Philadelphia, Red Two-Line "PORTSMOUTH" Handstamp, Manuscript "4.16" dwt Rate Clear strike of red two-line "PORTSMOUTH/AUGUST.10" handstamp on 1784 folded letter sheet to Philadelphia. Manuscript rate "4.16" dwt with local currency notation "2/2" due. Horizontal file fold at bottom with slight toning below. Portsmouth to Philadelphia is 361 miles, rated 400-500 miles.
1785 Stampless Folded Letter, Hamburg via Baltimore to Philadelphia, Manuscript "5.8" dwt Double Rate Folded letter sheet dated July 5, 1785, originating from Hamburg, routed through Baltimore to Philadelphia. Manuscript rate "5.8" (5 dwt 8 gr). Double-rate letter. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:22:53 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2033
Symbol:
1787 Stampless Folded Letter, Alexandria to Boston, Franklin Mark, Manuscript "4" dwt Rate Folded letter sheet dated January 30, 1787, from Alexandria to Boston. Franklin mark and manuscript "4" dwt rate. Fine to Very Fine. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:25:40 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2035
Symbol:
1787 Stampless Folded Letter, Boston to Providence, Brown Straightline "BOSTON" with Franklin Mark, Manuscript "1.8" dwt Rate Very Fine and Choice
Brown straightline postmark "BOSTON" and "16 AP" Franklin mark (BPM 86 & 89) on 1787 folded letter to Providence, R.I. Manuscript "1.8" rate.
1789 Stampless Folded Letter, Portsmouth to New York, Straightline "PORTSMOUTH/ JUNE 29", Rated Free Rated Free to Member of Congress
Straightline "PORTSMOUTH/ JUNE 29" on 1789 folded letter sheet, addressed to the Honorable George Thatcher Esquire, Member of Congress, New York. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 190.00
Sold...US$ 190.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:28:39 EST
Sold For 190
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2044
Symbol:
1790 Stampless Folded Letter, Baltimore to Philadelphia, Straightline "BALTIMORE . March. 2", Manuscript "2" dwt Rate Straightline "BALTIMORE . March. 2" on 1790 folded letter sheet to Philadelphia. Manuscript rate "2" dwt. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:32:15 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2047
Symbol:
1790 Stampless Folded Letter, New Haven to Hartford, Straightline "N.HAVEN MAR 5", Manuscript "1s" Triple Rate Very Fine
Brown red straightline "N.Haven mar.5" (34x5mm) on 1790 folded letter sheet to Hartford. Manuscript rate "1s". Business letter regarding taxes owed. Tiny mended tear at top center. Very Fine. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 190.00
Sold...US$ 190.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:33:53 EST
Sold For 190
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2054
Symbol:
1791 Stampless Folded Letter, Charleston, South Carolina to Ghent, Belgium, Forwarded at Rotterdam, with Antwerp "H" Entry Handstamp Rare Early Mail to Belgium
Stampless folded bankruptcy notice datelined Charleston, August 10, 1791, addressed to Mr. John Hamelot, Gend (Ghent). The letter was privately carried from Charleston to Holland, forwarded at Rotterdam on December 16, 1791 by Rocquetten Elsevier, a forwarding agent recorded by Kenneth Rowe only in 1791, then routed to Ghent via Antwerp where it received the Antwerp "H" entry handstamp.
The letter is written and signed by Florian Charles Mey and Fran. Dijckbosch, merchants at Charleston, addressed to John Hamelot at Ghent, concerning the affairs of one Peter Buyck. The writers explain that Buyck, pressed by sundry creditors and with certain creditors urging preferences, has assigned the residue of his property to the subscribers in justice to the remaining creditors on the terms of an enclosed copy of assignment, and they request that Hamelot examine the assignment and signify his determination as early as possible. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 850.00
Sold...US$ 850.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:36:42 EST
Sold For 850
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2057
Symbol:
1792 Stampless Folded Letter, Boston to Danvers, Straightline "BOSTON" with "Paid" Handstamp and Franklin Mark, Rated 6c Very Fine and Choice
Bold straightline "BOSTON" with matching straightline "Paid" handstamp (BPM 169 & 148) on 1792 folded letter to Danvers. Manuscript "6 pd" rate and "21 NO" Franklin marking.
1793 Stampless Folded Letter, Philadelphia to Wilmington, Rated 6c Paid Folded letter sheet from Philadelphia to Wilmington with manuscript rate "6" and "Paid" notation. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:40:19 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2060
Symbol:
1794 Stampless Folded Letter, Georgetown, South Carolina to Boston, Straightline "Geo.Town Feby 10", Paid 25c Rate Straightline "Geo.Town Feby 10" on folded letter sheet to Boston. Marked paid at 25c. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 380.00
Sold...US$ 380.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:40:56 EST
Sold For 380
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2063
Symbol:
1795 Stampless Ship Letter, Paris to Saybrook via New York, Straightline "NY APR*3", Manuscript "Sh 29" Double Rate New York straightline "NY APR*3" on folded letter from Paris, forwarded through New York to Saybrook, Connecticut. Manuscript rate "Sh 29" in shillings notation. Transatlantic ship letter. Double rate with ship fee. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:42:17 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2069
Symbol:
1796 Stampless Folded Letter, Savannah to Philadelphia to New York, Straightline "Savh 28 June", Manuscript "70" Overated Straightline "Savh 28 June" on folded letter sheet from Savannah, forwarded from Philadelphia to New York. Manuscript rate "70" cents. Double rate with forwarding charge. Overated. (Image)
Estimate Range: 400 to 600US$
Opening US$ 1,500.00
Sold...US$ 1,500.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:44:46 EST
Sold For 1500
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2075
Symbol:
1797 Stampless Folded Letter, Richmond to New York, Straightline "RICHMOND Oct 11, 1797", Rated 22c Straightline "RICHMOND Oct 11, 1797" on folded letter sheet to New York. Manuscript rate "22" cents. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:47:45 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2078
Symbol:
1797 Stampless Folded Letter, Boston to New Gloucester Maine, Straightline "BOSTON", Manuscript "45" Triple Rate, Missent Interesting Missent and Forwarded Cover
Straightline "BOSTON" on folded letter sheet originally addressed to New Gloucester, Maine. Missent to Gloucester, Massachusetts. Manuscript rate "45" cents. Triple-rate letter. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 550.00
Sold...US$ 550.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:49:03 EST
Sold For 550
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2088
Symbol:
1799 Stampless Folded Letter, Worcester to New Braintree, Straightline "WORCESTER April 4", Rated 8c Straightline "Worcester April 4" (27x4mm) on 1799 folded letter sheet to New Braintree. Manuscript rate "8" cents. Contains vote returns for governor and senator. Splitting along folds. Fine to Very Fine. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:52:44 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2091
Symbol:
1799 Stampless Folded Letter, Newbury Vermont to Hanover New Hampshire, Manuscript "Newby 20. Augt.", Rated 8c Manuscript straightline "Newby 20. Augt." on folded letter sheet from Newbury, Vermont to Hanover, New Hampshire. Manuscript rate "8" cents. (Image)
Estimate Range: 300 to 500US$
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:54:02 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2095
Symbol:
1799 Stampless Folded Letter, Charleston to North Carolina, Straightline "CH, MA, 4", Manuscript "40" Double Rate Very Fine and Choice
Full sharp strike of straightline "CH,MA,4" on 1799 folded letter sheet to Williamton, North Carolina. Manuscript rate "40" cents. Double-rate letter.
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2097
Symbol: Cat No: Collection
1800 Black New York City Clamshell on Privately Carried Drop Letter Second Earliest Recorded Drop Letter, Only ~5 NYC Clamshell Drop Letters Recorded
Folded letter datelined Stockbridge, Massachusetts, November 7, 1800, privately carried to New York City and dropped at the post office, where it received the New York “clamshell” handstamp and manuscript “1” rate for drop letter service. Addressed to Mr. Timothy Green, Fair Street, New York. The letter was mailed under the provisions of the Postal Act of February 20, 1792, which authorized a 1c fee for letters delivered within the same post office. The letter’s contents include period commentary: “Politicks run high here and Religion low.”
This is among the earliest documented drop letters recorded. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
Estimate Range: 100 to 200US$
Opening US$ 70.00
Sold...US$ 70.00
Closed..Jun-26-2026, 15:57:02 EST
Sold For 70
U.S. 19th Century
Sale No: 2026Icons
Lot No: 2100
Symbol:
1808 Printed Military Circular to Plymouth with Printed Subscription Circular for a Military Tactics Manual Carried in Military Mail
Stampless folded letter and printed circular, datelined Boston, April 1808, addressed to "Lieut. Colonel Thomas Lincoln of the 3d Regt. of Infantry, 2d Brigade, 5th Division" at Plymouth. In order for mail to go through the Military Mails, the piece had to relate to Military business, which the book on Military Tactics qualified.
The enclosure is a printed solicitation circular signed in manuscript by J. Amelot De Lacroix, a French émigré officer residing at No. 7 Summer Street, Boston, addressed to American militia officers seeking subscribers for a forthcoming manual on modern military tactics. The author cites "the critical situation, and actual circumstances of the United States...threatened with inevitable war," and offers to prepare "for the immediate use of the American forces a complete system of modern tacticks in their most minute detail, accompanied with necessary plates to enable the officers of all grades completely to acquire the destructive but necessary art of war." The recipient is asked to circulate the proposal among his military friends and to forward subscriber names and advance payments to the author at the Boston address.
The recipient was Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Lincoln of Plymouth, Massachusetts, commanding the 3d Regiment of Infantry, 2d Brigade of the 5th Division of the Massachusetts militia. The circular was issued during the diplomatic crisis over British and French interference with American shipping that followed the Embargo Act of December 1807, four years before the formal declaration of the War of 1812. Certificate:Click Here to View Certificate(Image)
