1787 Trans-Atlantic partial folded cover addressed to the Commander in Chief of New Brunswick, showing Bishop mark with legible year date "87", faint circular Post Paid both applied in United Kingdom; bearing a superb strike of the very rare St. John, (N. B.) / AU 16 double circle postmark - different than the documented Jephcott Greene & Young No. 19 marking with a blank centre. An unlisted variety which shows the month and year date within the double circle. Cover has faults and restored in places, nevertheless the key feature of the cover - the remarkable St. John postal datestamp is well clear of these imperfections. An extremely early postmarked cover - ideal for Maritime & BNA related exhibit.

Provenance: J. Grant Glassco, Robson Lowe, London, November 1969; Lot 162
J.R. Saint, June 2000; Lot 180
(Image)

Estimate 1500 $