Sale 290

The Ed and Jean Siskin Collection
of Colonial and Early United States Mails


King George III Act of 1765
 
 
Lot Photo Description
Lot 74

1765 (Dec. 6) Norfolk Va. to Philadelphia Pa., datelined folded letter bearing manuscript "Norfo" postmark and matching "5.8" rating, manuscript "2/5"; Fine; the published 5 dwt 8 gr. rate from Norfolk to Philadelphia, rated 2 shillings 5 pence in local currency.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000

THE EARLIEST RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE NEW KING GEORGE III ACT RATES USED IN THE AMERICAS.
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Lot 75

1766 (Feb. 24) Cadiz, Spain to Newport R.I. via Marblehead, datelined folded letter carried by private ship to Marblehead, entered the post with manuscript "MHd Sh" postmark and matching "2.16" rating to Newport; light overall staining, Fine, the single 2 dwt (6 pence) rate for 60-100 miles from Marblehead to Newport plus 16 grain ship fee.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000

AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE USAGE FROM SPAIN TO THE COLONIAL U.S.

The letter is complaining that too many shipments from America have "glutted the market" for wheat.

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Lot 76

1766 (May 9) London, England to Philadelphia Pa. via New York, folded cover addressed entirely in Franklin's hand to Mrs. Hopkinson at Philadelphia, endorsed "Via New York pr Packet" and "B Free Franklin" free frank as Deputy Postmaster General, London "10 / MA" Bishop mark, bright red circled "Free" handstamp and reverse with "NEW / YORK" two-line handstamp applied on arrival, some small faults silked, Very Fine appearing.
Estimate 20,000 - 30,000

ONLY A FEW OF THESE DISTINCTIVE FREE FRANKS ARE KNOWN, TWO OF WHICH ARE FRONTS. THE EXAMPLE OFFERED HERE MAY WELL BE THE FINEST AVAILABLE.

Provenance: Grunin

The original letter datelined "London, May 9, 1766" that had accompanied this cover in the Grunin sale was a brief note of congratulations to Mrs. Hopkinson on the marriage of her daughter to Dr. John Morgan and a grateful acknowledgment of Dr. Morgan's book Discourse on the Institution of Medical Schools in America. A photocopy of the original letter accompanies.
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Lot 77

1766 (Oct. 16) Boston Ms. to New Haven via Hartford, datelined folded letter apparently hand carried to Hartford, entered the post with "HART / FORD" two-line handstamp on flap, manuscript "1.8" rating, light toning, Very Fine, the single 1 dwt 8 grains (4 pence) rate for distances up to 60 miles.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000

THE FINEST OF THE THREE REPORTED EXAMPLES OF HARTFORD'S TWO-LINE HANDSTAMP.

An ALS of Andrew Oliver (1706-1774), Lt. Governor of Mass. in 1770. Written a year after he was hanged in effigy for his pro-British stance with the unpopular Stamp Act and for accepting the office of distributor of stamps. Jared Ingersoll was a Connecticut stamp agent who was shown the error of his ways by the good people of Connecticut and resigned the year this letter was received.

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Lot 78

1767 (c.) Charles Town S.C. to Madeira via Lisbon, two datelined folded letters from the Newton & Gordon correspondence, first dated (Jan. 8) carried privately to Lisbon, forwarded by Maym & Company to Madeira, docketed "Reded 2 May 1767"; second dated (Dec. 12) carried privately by merchant ship Ann to Lisbon, forwarded by P & M Company to Madeira, flap with Apr. 23 Lisbon forwarder's endorsement, docketed "Redd 29 Apl 1768"; Very Fine.
Estimate 500 - 750
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Lot 79

1767 (Apr. 24) Winchester Va. to Williamsburgh Va. via Hobbs Hole, datelined folded letter entered themails at Hobb's Hole with manuscript "Hobshole" postmark and matching "2 dwt 0 gr" rating, small tear through postmark, Fine; the 2 dwt (6 pence) rate for 60-100 miles.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF A HOBB'S HOLE POSTMARK.

The Hobb's Hole post office was in existence for only seven years during the colonial time period.

In 1682 a local man, Jacob Hobbs established a waterhouse and trading post in the vicinity of present day Tappahannock, Essex County, to support Rappahannock River traffic. This town was known as Hobbs His Hole, or Hobb's Hole, comprising 50 acres divided into half acre squares.

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Lot 80

1767 (Dec. 26) New Brunwick N.J. to Newport R.I. via New York, datelined folded letter bearing manuscript "Brun:" postmark and matching "1.8" rating to New York, received with "New York" two-line handstamp and "28 DE" Bishop mark, reddish manuscript "NY" postmark and matching "2" rating for postage to Newport totaled to "3.8", Very Fine and choice, the 1 dwt 8 gr. (4 pence) rate from New Brunswick to New York, and 2 dwt (6 pence) to Newport.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000

Illustrated, "The Posted Letter in Colonial and Revolutionary America 1628-1790", Alex L. Ter Braake, p. II-62.

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Lot 81

1768 (c.) (Feb. 13) Portsmouth, N.H. to New Haven Ct., manuscript "P" postmark and matching "8 dwt" rating on folded cover endorsed "On His Majestys Service", via Boston with "13 FE" Bishop mark and matching bold strike of "BOSTON" handstamp, missent to New York due to incorrect address, forwarded to New Haven with "NEW / YORK" two-line handstamp and matching "25 FE", Very Fine, Official use not qualifying for free postage, sent at double the 4 dwt rate from Portsmouth to New York, not charged for redirection to New Haven.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
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Lot 82

1768 (Apr. 22) Philadelphia Pa. to Providence R.I., datelined folded letter bearing red "PHILA / DELPHIA" two-line handstamp and matching circled "Post / Paid" handstamps, magenta "4" rate, Very Fine, the single 4 dwt (1 shilling) rate for 300-400 miles.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

A RARE DOMESTIC USE OF THE PHILADELPHIA POST PAID HANDSTAMP.

All but a few of the "post paid" in circle postmarks originated in England.

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Lot 83

1768 (May 2) Boston, Ms. to New Haven Ct. via Hartford, datelined folded letter apparently hand carried to Hartford where forwarded via the post, manuscript "Hartford" and matching "pd 2.16" rating, carrier endorsement "postmaster is desired to give this to Mr Ingersoll when the post arrives", Very Fine, prepaid double the 1 dwt 8 grains (4 pence) rate for distances up to 60 miles.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000

AN EARLY EXAMPLE OF A CARRIER ENDORSEMENT.
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Lot 84

1768 (Aug. 1) Liverpool, England to Philadelphia Pa. via New York, datelined folded letter endorsed "p. Hilsborough via N York", handled via ship Hilsborough to New York, where received by forwarding agent "By Address of Sir Your Very hum Sevts Greg Cumminham & Co." endorsement, and posted to Philadelphia with "NEW / YORK" handstamp and matching "24 OC" Franklin mark, "Sh 2.16" rating, Very Fine, the single 2 dwt (6 pence) rate for 60-100 miles plus 16 grain ship fee.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 85

1769 (Mar. 26) New Haven Ct. to New York N.Y., datelined folded letter bearing manuscript "NH" postmark and matching "2" rating, reverse with New York "29 MR" receiving Franklin mark; wear at top, Fine, the single 2 dwt (6 pence) rate for 60-100 miles.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
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Lot 86

1769 (Aug. 27) London, England to St. Augustine Fl. via Charles Town, datelined folded letter addressed to Governor Grant of St. Augustine, bearing "6 / SE" Bishop mark and manuscript "1N" rating, carried via British Packet from Falmouth to Charles Town arriving October 17, bold strike of "CHARLES / TOWN" handstamp and manuscript "10.17.1" date, handled by post rider to St. Augustine, Very Fine and choice, rated 1 shilling packet fee from England to Charles Town.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

A VERY RARE COVER TO BRITISH FLORIDA.

Provenance: Lounsbery

In 1768, at the insistence of Governor Grant of Florida, a mail small expert repair vice was es tab lished between Charleston S.C. and St. Augustine, though the volume of mail was likely only a few pieces at a time.
The service was by postrider and ran via Savannah and Sunbury to St. Augustine in British East Florida, taking two weeks in each direction. Estimates of frequency of service range from once a month to twice a year. The service lasted about four or five years.

The letter it self is a rather gossip-filled correspondence to the governor of South Carolina concerning a "friend of his", Lord Albemarle, whose mistress had just eloped (after he had laid out £8000on her). Evidently he was so distressed he was speaking publicly of his hurt.

Illustrated, "American Postal Markings", Royden H. Lounsbery, p. 3.

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Lot 87

1769 (Sep. 15) Amsterdam Netherlands to Portsmouth N.H., missent to Portsmouth England, datelined folded letter missent to Portsmouth England, resent with "PORTS / MOUTH" two-line handstamp to Portsmouth N.H., various Bishop marks including "13 / JA" and manuscript "1N" rating, carried via the Lord Hyde packet arriving in New York on April 18, 1770 with "18 AP" Franklin mark, red manuscript "8" rating, Fine, the 4 dwt (1 shilling) packet fee and the single 4 dwt rate from New York to Portsmouth.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000

A portion of a lawyer's letter expressing outrage over the mishandling of a will: "the Detail of the Villany practiced by the attorney Augustus Johnston employed by our late friends is really very shocking & cannot but excite our astonishment that they should put so Important an affair in the powers of a bad man."

Also, some observations of the backwardness of the colonists regarding legal matters: "these ignorant people with their ignorant & suspicious advisors think themselves ruined or that there is some design against them when one attempts to get them to sign what they do not understand & which at [the] same time its impossible to reduce to their comprehension."

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Lot 88

1769 (Sep. 29) Providence R.I. to Westminster, England, docketing on folded cover carried by ship to Dover, two-line "DOVER / SHIP LRE" handstamp and manuscript rating, London "19 / DE" Bishops mark on reverse, Very Fine.
Estimate 500 - 750
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Lot 89

1770 (Feb. 1) Philadelphia Pa. to Newport, R.I., datelined folded letter bearing red "PHILA / DELPHIA" two-line handstamp and magenta "1 / FE" Franklin mark, magenta "4" rating, docketed received in Newport on February 21, 1770; Very Fine and choice, the single 4 dwt (1 shilling) rate for 300-400 miles.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
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Lot 90

1770 (Jun. 3) Charles Town S.C. to London England, datelined folded letter bearing "CHARLES / TOWN" handstamp on reverse, endorsed "p the Swallow packt", manuscript "1N" rating, partial London July 23 Bishop mark, Fine, the packet ship Swallow left Charles Town on Jun. 5 and arrived at Falmouth on Jul. 21, Fine, rated 1 shilling for transatlantic packet postage.
Estimate 750 - 1,000

Provenance: Mayer
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Lot 91

1770 (Jun. 30) Port Gotell, North Africa to Marblehead, Ms., datelined folded letter carried by private ship to a port within 60 miles of Marblehead (probably Salem), manuscript "Sh 2 -" rating; stain, Fine, the 1 dwt 8 gr (4 pence) rate for under 60 miles to Marblehead plus 16 grain ship fee.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000

THE ONLY REPORTED COVER FROM AFRICA DURING THE COLONIAL ERA.
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Lot 92

1770 (Jul. 2) St. Dorothy's Jamaica to Edenton N.C. via New Bern, datelined folded letter carried via private ship to New Bern N.C., forwarded by post overland to Edenton with perfect strike of brownish-black oval "NEW- / BERN" handstamp boldly struck on reverse, manuscript "1N6" rating, postal instruction in the same hand and ink on reverse "Mr. Neil is requested to forward this letter by the first safe opportunity", light toning and fold separations tape reinforced, Very Fine strike of this unique postmark, rated the 1 shilling packet fee from Jamaica plus 2 dwt (6 pence) postage for 60-100 miles from New Bern to Edenton.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000

THE ONLY REPORTED EXAMPLE OF THIS HANDSTAMP AND THE EARLIEST EXAMPLE OF A DOMESTICALLY PRODUCED HANDSTAMP DEVICE.

Expertization: 2001 P.F. certificate.

The letter from Thomas Iredell in Jamaica to James Iredell, Comptroller of Customs at Edenton, mentions the difficulty of sending letters and recommends routing mail through South Carolina. Also discusses the shipment of a slave from the island to Edenton.

Illustrated, "The Posted Letter in Colonial and Revolutionary America 1628-1790", Alex L. Ter Braake, p. II-86.

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Lot 93

1770 (Aug. 2) Philadelphia Pa. to Bohemia Md., datelined folded letter incorrectly addressed to New Castle county in Pa., bearing red "PHILA / DELPHIA" two-line and matching circled "Post / Paid" handstamps, magenta "2" rating, endorsed "pr post"; staining, Fine, the single 2 dwt rate for 60-100 miles.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000

A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE PHILADELPHIA POST PAID HANDSTAMP USED DOMESTICALLY.

An ALS of John Bayard (1738-1807) Philadelphia merchant, whose great-great-grandfather was the brother-in-law of Peter Stuyvesant, a member of the provincial congress of July 1774 and later a colonel, "in the field" at Brandywine, Germantown and Princeton.

Although this letter was addressed to Bohemia in New Castle County, it was actually sent to Bohemia Manor, in Cecil County, Maryland. This was Bayard's birthplace.

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Lot 94

1770 (Dec. 19) Charlestown Ms. to Falmouth Me., likely forwarded to Portsmouth, datelined folded letter from John Codman with Charlestown manuscript "2" rating, received in Falmouth and implied forwarding (to Portsmouth) with manuscript "Falmo" postmark and matching "2" rating, totaled to "4"; splitting in address reinforced with tape, Fine, rated 2 dwt Charleston to Falmouth, and 2 dwt to Portsmouth.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000

THE EARLIEST REPORTED MAINE POSTMARK.

John Codman the writer, was a Boston merchant and later a member of the Massachusetts senate.

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Lot 95

1771 (c.) Philadelphia Pa. to Providence R.I., folded letter with business accounting bearing red "PHILA / DELPHIA" two-line handstamp across flaps and magenta "25 IA" Franklin mark, red manuscript "4" rating, Very Fine, the 4 dwt (1 shilling) rate for 300-400 miles.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 96

1771 (c.) Williamsburg Va. to Edenton N.C., incoming folded ship cover with small portion of letter, bearing "Wmanuscript BURG handstamp and manuscript "Sh 6" rating to Edenton, additional "2/6" for 2s 6d in local currency, implied forwarding (most likely to South Carolina) with manuscript "4" totaled to "10 -", final local currency rating "4/4" for 4 shillings 4 pence in local currency, Very Fine.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

A SUPERB STRIKE OF THIS RARE POSTMARK.
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Lot 97

1771 (c.) Wilmington N.C. to Edenton N.C., folded postmaster free franked cover endorsed with "free p post Wm Lord Pm.", Very Fine.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000

THE FIRST RECORDED USE OF "POSTMASTER" IN A FREE FRANK AND POSSIBLY THE FIRST SOUTHERN FREE FRANK.
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Lot 98

1771 (Feb. 27) Philadelphia Pa. to Lancaster Pa., datelined folded letter bearing red "PHILA / DELPHIA" handstamp and magenta "28 FE" Bishop mark on flap, red manuscript "2" rating, Lancaster magenta "/10", Very Fine and choice, the 2 dwt (6 pence) rate for under 60-100 miles, charged 10d in local currency for postage.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000

Provenance: Carson

Jasper Yeates was a Philadelphia jurist later appointed by President Washington as a commissioner to confer with western Pennsylvania residents during the Whiskey Rebellion.

Will Mitchell's letter, regarding legal matters, ends on a rather personal note: "Do you think you could recommend a Tolerably handsome Dutch lass with some money to a Young Irish Friend of yours. Finally began to think of Matrimony seriously".
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Lot 99

1771 (Sep.) Perth Amboy N.J. to Philadelphia Pa., datelined folded way letter, probably handed to the New York to Philadelphia post rider when he passed through Perth Amboy, manuscript "Way 2" rating, Philadelphia red manuscript "1/-", small faults mostly on edges including two tears, Fine, the 2 dwt (6 pence) rate for 60-100 miles, rated 1 shilling in local currency (10d postage plus 2d carrier fee).
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 100

1771 (Sep. 21) Philadelphia Pa. to Lancaster Pa., datelined folded letter bearing red "PHILA / DELPHIA" two-line handstamp across flaps, magenta "Way 2:0" and "=/10" ratings; flap separated and torn, Fine, the 2 dwt rate for 60-100 miles, rated 10 pence in local currency (10d postage).
Estimate 750 - 1,000

AN EARLY WAY COVER FROM PHILADELPHIA.
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Lot 101

1771 (Oct. 16) Bilboa Spain to Marblehead Ms., datelined folded letter forwarded across Spain to Cadiz "Forwd from Bilboa 21st Oct 1771…by J Gardoqui & Sons", and forwarded to Salem "Cadiz 30 Oct. forwarded by…Henry Pickern", entered the post at Salem with manuscript "Sh 2 dwt" rating to Marblehead, flap tears at top, Fine, the 1 dwt 8 gr (4 pence) rate for under 60 miles to Marblehead plus 16 grain ship fee.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000

RARE SPAIN USAGE TO THE AMERICAN COLONIES.
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Lot 102

1771 (Dec. 24) Kingston Jamaica to Philadelphia, Pa., datelined folded letter with "1/4" rating crossed out and updated to "6 16" in red manuscript and "3/" at left, Very Fine, rated 6 dwt 16 grains (1 shilling 8 pence), rated 3 shillings in local currency (34d postage plus 2d carrier fee).
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 103

1772 (Jan. 21) Schenectady N.Y. to Westminster, England via New York, folded cover with docketing carried privately to New York, bearing "NEW / YORK" two-line handstamp and matching "5 FE" Bishop mark on reverse, carried via the Falmouth packet and received in London with "9 / MR Bishop mark, original "1N" rating crossed out and updated to "2N", Very Fine, rated 2 shillings for British Transatlantic and inland postage.
Estimate 750 - 1,000
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Lot 104

1772 (Mar. 21) Philadelphia Pa. to Salem Ms., folded letter datelined "Philadelphia" and endorsed "p post", Philadelphia forwarder's endorsement on flap "Phila. March 21st 1772 Forwarded…Andw. Cabot", entered post with red "PHILA / DELPHIA" two-line handstamp across flaps and partial "21 MR" Franklin mark, red manuscript "4,16" rating with "16" crossed out, Salem manuscript "10/", some minor splitting with hinge reinforcement, tiny paper removal on flap, Very Fine, the 4 dwt rate for 300-400 miles, rated 10 shillings in local currency.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
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Lot 105

1772 (Apr. 3) Eglinton, Nova Scotia to Kellelago, Scotland via Boston and New York, folded letter with "Eglinton on the Windsor Road 24 miles from Halifax" dateline, bearing light "BOSTON" straightline in magenta and matching bishop mark, red manuscript "To pay 10d" Stg, "NEW / YORK" two-line postmark, London with "20 / JY" Bishop mark and matching "IND. AND PACT.) / POSTAGE)" two-line handstamp with manuscript "1N10" and "In all 2N4" ratings; small edge faults and tape reinforcement, Fine, a rare Canadian routing through the United States to Scotland.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

ONE OF ONLY A FEW RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS STYLE "IND. AND PACT. POSTAGE" HANDSTAMP AND, MOST LIKELY, THE ONLY CROSS BORDER USAGE.

Provenance: Steinhart

The letter was carried by private ship to Boston, entered the post to New York with the rating "To Pay 10d Stg" for 200-300 miles, carried to London by the Falmouth packet, London "IND. AND PACT. POSTAGE" handstamp and 1 shilling 10 pence rating for the combined British 1 shilling packet rate plus 10 pence American internal postage, forwarded to Scotland and re-rated 2 shillings 4 pence collect.
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Lot 106

1772 (Oct. 6) Philadelphia Pa. to Westminster England via New York, folded cover endorsed "p The Packet Via Falmouth" and bearing red "PHILA / DELPHIA" handstamp with "6 OC" Franklin mark, red manuscript "2" rating, received in New York, "NEW YORK" two-line handstamp and matching "7 OC" Franklin mark, red manuscript "To pay 6", London with "NO" Bishop mark and matching perfectly struck "IND. AND PACT.) / POSTAGE)" two-line handstamp with manuscript "1N6" rating, Very Fine.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

THE FINEST OF THE FEW RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS STYLE "IND. AND PACT. POSTAGE" HANDSTAMP.

The letter entered the post in Philadelphia with 2 dwt rating, carried to New York and rated the equivalent 6 pence sterling for 60-100 miles, carried to London by the Falmouth packet "Harriet" that departed New York Oct. 23 (c.) and arrived in Falmouth Nov. 27, London "IND. AND PACT. POSTAGE" handstamp and 1 shilling 6 pence rating for the combined British 1 shilling packet rate plus 6 pence American internal postage.
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Lot 107

1772 (Nov. 20) Pasquotnock N.C. to Philadelphia Pa. via Norfolk, datelined folded letter carried privately to a forwarding agent in Norfolk where it entered the mails with manuscript "Nfk" postmark and matching "10.16" rating, Philadelphia red manuscript "4/8", endorsed "to be forwarded by the favor of W. Parker in Norfolk", small edge faults, Fine, double the 5 dwt 8 grain rate from Norfolk to Philadelphia, charged 4 shillings 8 pence in local currency (54d postage plus 2d carrier fee) .
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
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Lot 108

1772 (Dec. 31) Norfolk Va. to Marblehead Ms. via Williamsburg and New York, datelined folded letter bearing manuscript "Nfk" postmark with matching "8" rating and "20/", bearing brownish red "Wmanuscript Burg" handstamp, black "NEW / YORK" handstamp with matching "10 / FE" Bishop mark, Very Fine, the published 8 dwt (2 shilling) rate from Norfolk to Marblehead (1.8 dwt from Norfolk to Williamsburg, plus 6.16 dwt to Marblehead), charged 20 shillings in local currency.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
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Lot 109

1773 (c.) Albany N.Y. to Philadelphia Pa., folded cover with pencil year docketing, bearing manuscript "Albany" postmark and matching "4:16" rating; some slight wear along folds, Very Fine, the published 4 dwt 16 gr (14 pence) rate from Albany to Philadelphia (2.16 dwt Albany to N.Y. plus 2 dwt to Philadelphia).
Estimate 300 - 400
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Lot 110

1773 (Jan. 2) Charlestown S.C. to Philadelphia Pa., datelined folded letter endorsed "p Capt. Moor" and carried by coastal ship to Philadelphia, bearing "CHARLES / TOWN" two-line handstamp on reverse and manuscript "1N8" rating on front, Philadelphia red manuscript "6.16" upon receipt; internal separations, Fine, the 6 dwt 16 gr (1 shilling 8 pence) rate for 700-800 miles.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
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Lot 111

1773 (Mar. 19) New Town Md. to Philadelphia Pa., folded cover with date docketing bearing vivid red "NEW / TOWN" two-line handstamp on flap, manuscript "8" and "3/6" ratings, endorsed "pr Captn. Cooper"; some wear, Very Fine, rated 4 dwt (1 shillings), rated 3 shillings 6 pence in local currency(40d postage plus 2d carrier fee).
Estimate 6,000 - 8,000

THE FINEST AND LATEST OF THE THREE DOCUMENTED EXAMPLES OF THIS POSTMARK.

Provenance: Carson

Illustrated, "The Posted Letter in Colonial and Revolutionary America 1628-1790", Alex L. Ter Braake, p. II-44
Illustrated, The Encyclopedia of British Empire Postage Stamps, Vol. V, 1973, p. 24.

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Lot 112

1773 (Apr. 9) Kingston Md. to Philadelphia Pa. via Baltimore, folded cover with docketing, hand carried to Baltimore where posted, "Baltimore" handstamp and manuscript "2.16" rating, red manuscript "1/4", splitting and cover tear, Fine, the single 2 dwt 16 gr (8 pence) rate for 100-200 miles, rated 1 shilling 4 pence in local currency (14d postage plus 2d carrier fee).
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
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Lot 113

1773 (Jul. 6) Newport R.I. to Philadelphia Pa., datelined folded letter bearing bright red "NEWPORT" straightline handstamp and manuscript "paid 8" rating, docketed "received 13th 7 mo 1773"; some soiling on folds, Very Fine, prepaid double the 4 dwt (1 shilling) rate for 300-400 miles.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000

THERE ARE PERHAPS TWO OR THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS BRITISH-MADE STRAIGHTLINE POSTMARK.

Attractively written letter between Quaker merchants proposing changes to the West Indian sailing routes— going directly to Philadelphia rather than Newport.

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