| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Lot 143 |
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1857 (Jul. 6) Saint John, New Brunswick to Glasgow, Scotland, via Boston and New York, cover front bearing 5¢ red brown (12) two horizontal pairs, lovely clear shade, full to large margins except one pair slightly in at top, used with 1¢ blue type IV (9) and 3¢ dull red (11), each just slightly in, tied by "Colonial Express Mail St. John, N.B. Jul. 6" route agent postmark and matching "Paid" handstamps, red Boston "19" credit handstamp, endorsed "via 'New York'", red "America Paid Liverpool JY 17 57" postmark; 3¢ with small defect at bottom, cover fold through bottom pair which is hinged in place, a Very Fine and unique usage. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 139, fig. 13-2.
Estimate 50,000 - 75,000
ONE OF THE MOST SPACTACULAR AND MOST IMPORTANT 1856 5¢ USAGES EXTANT
THE ONLY RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGE FROM BRITISH NORTH AMERICA AND ONE OF TWO RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES TO GREAT BRITAIN (BOTH OF WHICH ARE TO SCOTLAND).
Provenance: Dale-Lichtenstein, Dupont
The cover was posted at St. John, New Brunswick, and went directly to the American steamer Admiral, which was bound for Boston. The mail was processed by a steamboat letter carrier who applied the "Colonial Express Mail" postmark. Upon arrival in Boston, the letter was processed through the exchange office with handstamped 19¢ credit to Great Britain, representing 3¢ British inland postage plus 16¢ for providing sea transport. It was transferred to New York City for the Cunard Line steamer Persia, which departed New York City on July 8 and arrived in Liverpool on July 17.
Reference:
Illustrated in Stanley Ashbrook, "Special Service" Issue 24, 1953, p. 170-171, photograph no. 81.
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Lot 144 |
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1856 (Nov. 9) Vera Cruz, Mexico to Burdeos (Bordeaux), France via New Orleans, blue folded cover with "Vera Cruz 9 November 1856" oval postmark and endorsed "via U.S.", blue "Forwarded by By E.J. Forstad New-Orleans" forwarder cachet, entered mails with 5¢ red brown (12) nice color, full to large margins, tied by "New Orleans La. Nov 15" c.d.s., red "New-York Br. Pkt. Nov 26" exchange office c.d.s., Liverpool "8 DE 1856" transit, "Etats-Unis Paq. Brit. A. Calais 9 Dec. 56" entry c.d.s. with "13" (décimes) due handstamp, transits on flap and "Bordeaux 11 Dec. 56" arrival c.d.s.; reduced slightly at bottom, Very Fine, the 5¢ British Open mail rate via British packet, plus 13 décimes due for postage from England to France.
Estimate 7,500 - 10,000
ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES ON LETTERS ORIGINATING FROM ABROAD, AND ONE OF TWO USAGES BEARING A FORWARDER CACHET.
Provenance: Grunin
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Lot 145 |
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1857 (Jan. 24) Tabasco, Mexico to Burdeos (Bordeaux), France via New Orleans, blue folded letter with blue "Romano Hermanos Tabasco" merchants cachet, bearing 5¢ red brown (12) three large margins, barely touched at bottom, tied by "New Orleans La. Feb. 21 1857" c.d.s., red "New-York Br. Pkt. Mar 4" exchange office c.d.s., red British "17 MR 1857" transit, "Calais 17 Mars 57" entry c.d.s. with framed "G B / 1F 60C" debit and "8" (décimes) due handstamps, reverse with Bordeaux Mar. 18 arrival c.d.s.; 5¢ with couple small faults including light toning, Very Fine, the 5¢ British open mail rate via British packet, plus 8 décimes due for postage from England to France. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 64, fig. 6-12.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
ONE OF THREE RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES ORIGINATING OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
Provenance: Hubbard
Carried on the Cunard Line steamer Asia, the eleventh sailing of British packet service during the Three-Months Period, leaving New York on March 4 and arriving into Liverpool on March 16.
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Lot 146 |
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1856 (Jun. 23) Columbus O. to Toronto, Canada, envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) horizontal pair, deep rich color, large to huge margins with portion of adjoining stamp, ample at left, tied by "Columbus O. Jun. 23" c.d.s., exchanged at Buffalo with red "Ud States, Paid 6d." arc handstamp, reverse with "Toronto C.W. Jun. 25" arrival c.d.s.; small scissor cut between stamps, Very Fine, the 10¢ rate for up to 3000 miles. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 89, fig. 7-3.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
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Lot 147 |
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1856 (Nov. 13) Boston Ms. to Kingston, Canada, folded cover bearing 5¢ red brown (12) two singles, each with three full margins including top sheet margins, one touched at bottom and other just in, tied by Boston "Paid" grid cancellation, red "Boston Ms. 10 cts." postmark, exchanged at Boston with red "United States" oval handstamp, reverse with "Kingston U.C. NO 15 56" arrival c.d.s., 1856 docketing; left stamp with barely perceptible vertical pre-use crease just cracking surface, Very Fine, the 10¢ rate for up to 3,000 miles. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 90, fig. 7-5.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
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Lot 148 |
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1858 (Aug. 13) Palatine Ill. to Forestville, Canada, buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) rich color, huge margins including sheet margin at left, 1857 1¢ blue type IIIa (22) pair and 3¢ dull red (26), applied in block format and cancelled together by "Palantine Ill. Aug 13" c.d.s., exchanged at Detroit Mich. with red arced "U. States" and matching "Paid 10" handstamps, reverse with Simcoe transit and Forestville 26 Aug. 1858 arrival; 1¢ pair small faults, 3¢ repaired, cover corners restored at top, Very Fine appearance, double the 10¢ rate for up to 3,000 miles. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 88, fig. 7-2.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
AN EXCEPTIONAL THREE-COLOR, MIXED ISSUE FRANKING TO CANADA.
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Lot 149 |
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1858 (Sep. 10) Palatine Ill. to Forestville, Canada, buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12), horizontal pair, large margins except in at top of right stamp, tied by bold "Palantine Ill. Sep 10" c.d.s., exchanged at Detroit Mich. with red arced "U. States" and matching "Paid 10" handstamps, reverse with Canadian transits and "Forestville U.C. SP 16 58" arrival datestamp; Very Fine, the 10¢ rate for up to 3,000 miles. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 89, fig. 7-3.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
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Lot 150 |
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1856 (Nov. 9) Bethlehem Pa. to Fredericton, New Brunswick, long envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) pair with full to enormous margins, tied by blue "Bethlehem Pa. Aug 29" c.d.s, which both contrasts and highlights the resplendent color of the stamps, printed "Howard's Express" corner card, exchanged at Houlton Me. with red "U. States" arced handstamp, reverse with "Woodstock SP 3 1857" transit and "Fredericton SP 5 1857" arrival datestamps; minor edge wear and file creases, Extremely Fine, the 10¢ rate for up to 3,000 miles. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 91, fig. 7-6.
Estimate 7,500 - 10,000
Provenance: Waterhouse
Howard's Express was one of the leading package expresses of the era, operating between Philadelphia, New York, and British North America.
The relative rarity and aesthetic appeal of this cover can best be appreciated by the penciled notes of Sir Nicholas Waterhouse on the reverse of the cover, "Nov. 1946. Put in HR's sale where Dr. Backer bought it for £135, but a few days later he exchanged it (plus £65) with me for an 1847 5¢ + 10¢ cover. NW. 8/11/46".
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Lot 151 |
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1856 (May 5) Philadelphia Pa. to Halifax, Nova Scotia, datelined folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12) large to huge margins, tied by "Philadelphia Pa May 5" c.d.s., endorsed "'Arabia' via Boston", actually carried overland, manuscript "10" and "Paid", blue St. Andrews N.B. transit backstamp with matching "6" handstamp, reverse with "H MY 15 1856 NS" receiver; vertical filing folds clear of stamp, Extremely Fine and choice. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 92, fig. 7-7.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
ONE OF TWO RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES VIA THE LAND ROUTE TO NOVA SCOTIA.
Expertization: 1976 & 1988 P.F. Certificates.
Provenance: Grunin
Although endorsed to be carried via the Cunard Line steamer Arabia, which left Boston on May 7, 1856, the letter was apparently transmitted by the land route. It was mailed from Philadelphia on May 5, 1857 with enough time to make the sailing, but evidently missed the Arabia. It was marked "Paid" and "10" (cents) in manuscript (the land route rate). The cover bears a blue St. Andrews backstamp (confirming the land route) and matching "6" (pence) due handstamp. The 6 pence due reflects the charge for an unpaid letter carried by the land route. Partial payments were not recognized.
The other recorded example via the land route is an 1856 (Apr. 21) usage from Philadelphia to Halifax bearing a 5¢ single, Ex Krug, Gore, Gallagher.
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Lot 152 |
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1856 (Apr. 7) Philadelphia Pa. to Halifax, Nova Scotia, datelined folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12) deep rich color, large even margins, tied by "Philadelphia Pa. Apr 7" c.d.s., endorsed "p 'Canada' via Boston", reverse with "Boston Br. Pkt Apr 9" transit, carried on Cunard Line steamer Canada from Boston on 9 April 1856, partial "Halifax AP 1856" receiving backstamp and matching partial "5" due handstamp, docketed received April 11, aged vertical file fold barely crosses stamp at right, Very Fine, the 5¢ open mail rate plus 5 pence due for Nova Scotia inland postage.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
AN EARLY USAGE FROM THE HARE CORRESPONDENCE.
Provenance: Judd
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Lot 153 |
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1858 (Apr. 2) Philadelphia Pa. to Halifax, Nova Scotia, datelined folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12) large to huge margins with slightly irregular lower left corner, tied by grid cancellation, matching "Philadelphia Pa. Apr. 3" c.d.s., endorsed "via Boston per Steamship 'Niagara' to sail April 7th/58", reverse with "Boston Br. Pkt Apr 7" transit, carried on Cunard Line steamer Niagara from Boston on 7 April 1858, partial "Halifax Apr 8 1858" receiving backstamp and matching "5" due handstamp, file creases away from stamp, Very Fine, the 5¢ open mail rate plus 5 pence due for Nova Scotia inland postage. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 93, fig. 7-8.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
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Lot 154 |
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1858 (Jul. 28) Boston Mass. to Halifax, Nova Scotia, folded cover bearing 5¢ red brown (12) three large margins, slightly in at right, tied by "Boston Br. Pkt. Jul 28" c.d.s., carried on Cunard Line steamer Canada from Boston on 28 July 1858, "Halifax JY 29 1858" receiving backstamp and matching "5" due handstamp, light file folds, Very Fine, the 5¢ open mail rate plus 5 pence due for Nova Scotia inland postage. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 93, fig. 7-9.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
Expertization: Signed Stanley Ashbrook.
Provenance: Krug
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Lot 155 |
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1859 (Feb. 22) Boston Mass. to Halifax, Nova Scotia, folded cover with dateline docketing and endorsed "'America'", bearing 5¢ red brown (12) clear impression, three huge margins including portion of adjacent stamp at bottom, just touching at top, tied by Boston "Paid" grid, matching "Boston Br. Pkt. Feb 23" c.d.s. on reverse, carried on Cunard Line steamer America from Boston on 23 Feb. 1859, "Halifax FE 25 1859" receiving backstamp and matching "5" due handstamp, "Blake Bros. & Co. / Boston, U.S." merchant cachet on flap, docketed received Feb. 25; repaired cover tears, Very Fine appearance, the 5¢ open mail rate plus 5 pence due for Nova Scotia inland postage.
Estimate 1,500 - 2,000
Expertization: Signed Stanley Ashbrook.
Provenance: Caspary, Kapiloff
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Lot 156 |
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1856 and 1859, two folded covers to Halifax, Nova Scotia, from the Hare correspondence, 1856 (Sep 22) usage bearing 5¢ red brown (12) huge margins, tied by Philadelpia c.d.s., carried by the steamer Arabia from Boston on Sep. 26, small stamp and cover faults (Ex Gibson); 1859 (May 31) bearing 5¢ red brown (12) three large margins, slightly in at right, tied by "Boston Br. Pkt. Jun 1" c.d.s. and carried by the steamer Canada from Boston on Jul. 28 (Signed Stanley B. Ashbrook); both with Halifax "5" due handstamps; Fine, each paying the 5¢ open mail rate plus 5 pence due for Nova Scotia inland postage.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
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Lot 157 |
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1858 (Jun. 2) Boston Ms. to Charlottetown, P.E.I., envelope with albino embossed druggist's corner card bearing 5¢ red brown (12) large margins on three sides, touched slightly at right, tied by Boston "Paid" grid, matching "Boston Br. Pkt. Jun 2" backstamp, endorsed "Steamer", reverse with "Halifax JU 4 1858" and "Prince Edward Island JU 8 1858" datestamps, manuscript "4" and "9" ratings, stamp with tiny corner crease at top left, Fine. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 94, fig. 7-10.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
THE ONLY RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGE TO PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.
Provenance: Robertson
The letter was carried via Cunard Line steamer Niagara from Boston on 2 June 1858, and arrived at Halifax two days later. It is rated 4 pence (in silver), which is equivalent to 6 pence currency, plus 3 pence inland postage, making a total of 9 pence collect.
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Lot 158 |
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1856 (Dec. 19) Georgetown S.C. to St. Georges, Bermuda, 3¢ red on buff envelope (U10) bearing 1¢ blue type IV (9) two singles, margins to slightly in, and 5¢ red brown (12) large margins to slightly in, tied by "Georgetown S.C. 19 Dec" circular datestamps, New York style boxed "Not Paid" handstamp, manuscript "4" pence due notation, small cover faults including slight edge restoration upper left and no flap, trifle aging, Fine, prepayment of the 10¢ direct American packet rate for distances under 2,500 miles per ½ ounce. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 143, fig. 14-3.
Estimate 15,000 - 20,000
MAIL TO BERMUDA IN THIS TIME PERIOD IS QUITE RARE. THE EXAMPLE OFFERED HERE IS THE ONLY RECORDED 5¢ 1856 USAGE TO BERMUDA.
Provenance: Krug
Although correctly prepaying the published postal rate to Bermuda, it appears to have been handled as a private outbound ship letter in the absence of available service by American packet.
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Lot 159 |
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1858 (c.) (Jan. 12) New York N.Y. to Havana, Cuba, front bearing 1856 5¢ red brown (12) horizontal pair, touched or slightly in at places, and 1857 5¢ red brown (28) horizontal pair tied by matching red "New York Paid Jan 12" circular datestamps, red "Daniel Curtis & Co. / New-York" merchant handstamp, manuscript "12", Cuban blue "NA and "3" handstamps; rebacked with small faults including ink erosion in address, Fine, double the 10¢ direct mail rate by American Packet for distances under 2,500 miles. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 145, fig. 14-5.
Estimate 7,500 - 10,000
THE ONLY RECORDED MIXED 5¢ PERFORATE AND IMPERFORATE USAGE, AS WELL AS THE ONLY RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGE TO CUBA.
The sender mostly likely posted the letter with one pair, and when posted, was informed that the letter was double weight. The second pair was then applied at the post office. The letter was carried by the New York and Charleston Steam Ship Company steamer Nashville leaving New York on January 16. The steamer arrived at Charleston on January 18. From Charleston it was carried by the steamer Isabel, operated by M.C. Mordecai, leaving on January 19 and arriving in Havana on January 22. The blue "N.A." and "3" handstamps applied upon arrival indicated North American mail with 3 reales due from addressee.
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Lot 160 |
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1856 (Oct. 31) New Orleans La. to Vera Cruz, Mexico, folded cover with dateline docketing bearing 5¢ red brown (12) vertical pair, deep color, large to huge margins except just in at bottom right, tied by "New Orleans La. Nov. 1" c.d.s., endorsed "p Calhoun", Very Fine and fresh, the 10¢ direct American packet rate per half-ounce up to 3,000 miles. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 153, fig. 14-10.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES TO MEXICO.
Expertization: Signed Holcombe with his 1992 Certificate.
Provenance: Kapiloff
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Lot 161 |
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1858 (Feb. 6) New Orleans La. to Vera Cruz, Mexico, folded cover with dateline docketing bearing 5¢ red brown (12) vertical pair, large margins to irregular at right, tied by "New Orleans La. Feb. 7" c.d.s., endorsed "pr. Col Lester", ink erosion in address, light toning, otherwise Very Fine, the 10¢ direct American packet rate per half-ounce up to 3,000 miles. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 153, fig. 14-11.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES TO MEXICO.
Provenance: Rohloff
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Lot 162 |
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1857 (Jul. 23) Washington D.C. to Cape Verde Islands, cover addressed to "U.S. Ship St. Louis…Care of American Consul" at Porto Grande, Isla St. Vincent, bearing 5¢ red brown (12) rich color, ample to large margins, used with 12¢ black (17) two vertical pairs and single, all with bottom sheet margins but touched on one or more sides, tied by matching strikes of "Washington D.C. Jul 23" c.d.s., red New York Am. Pkt. Jul. 25 c.d.s. backstamp and red British "Paid 6 AU 1857" transit, magenta 44 credit; small stamp faults including tiny margin tear on 5¢ cover faulty at top, slightly restored, backflap and part of side flap removed, Fine and exceptional franking, the 65¢ British mail prepaid rate via England per ½ ounce. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 144, fig. 14-4.
Estimate 20,000 - 30,000
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES TO THE CAPE VERDE ISLANDS.
The New York City exchange office endorsed the cover with a manuscript credit to Great Britain of 44¢ for carriage on the American packet. The United States share of the 65¢ rate included 16¢ for sea postage plus 5¢ for inland postage. The cover was carried by the Havre Line steamer Fulton, which departed New York on July 25 and arrived at Southampton on August 6. The cover was then carried by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company on the trip leaving August 10, 1857.
The U.S.S. St. Louis was dispatched from New York in November 1855 to help suppress the slave trade along the western coast of Africa. It remained on station until 1858. The Island of St. Vincent served as a coaling station and point of supply for both the British and American vessels.
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Lot 163 |
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1856 (Aug. 19) Trenton N.J. to Hong Kong, China, cover bearing 5¢ red brown (12) strip of four, vivid color, large margins except right stamp in, and 1¢ blue type IV (9) margins to just in, tied by red "Trenton N.J. Aug 19 1856" c.d.s., endorsed "Via Southampton England", red "New-York Am. Pkt. Aug 22" exchange office c.d.s., red British "4 SP 1856" transit and "Hong Kong 1 DE 1856" double arc receiving backstamps, original 8 page enclosure; creasing in middle of strip, Very Fine, the 21¢ British open mail rate via American Packet. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 126, fig. 11-1.
Estimate 30,000 - 40,000
A RARE STRIP OF FOUR AND A STRIKING HONG KONG USAGE.
Provenance: Rohloff, Kapiloff
This cover was prepaid at the 21¢ rate for open mail carriage by American packet to Southampton. The balance of the postage from Great Britain to Hong Kong, 6 pence, was to be collected upon delivery. The letter was exchanged at New York City and carried by the Havre Line packet Arago, which departed New York on August 23 and arrived at Southampton on September 4. The cover should have been marked with collect postage but was not.
The letter traveled next on the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamer Indus, which departed Southampton on September 4 and arrived at Alexandria, Egypt on September 19. After an overland trip, the letter reached Suez and was carried from there on the P&O steamer Oriental, which departed September 25 and arrived at Galle, Ceylon, on October 13. Most likely the cover was delayed in Ceylon, instead of catching the P & O steamer Signapore which arrived in Hong Kong on November 2, it was carried on the P&O steamer Norna, which departed Galle on November 9 and arrived in Hong Kong on December 1, 1856. The cover bears a Hong Kong arrival backstamp of that date.
The U.S.S. Levant joined the East India Squadron on May 12, 1856, and served an important role in protecting American interests in the area, including the capture of four hostile forts along the Pearl River below Canton in November 1856 before departing Hong Kong on December 7, 1857.
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Lot 164 |
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1856 (Sep. 5) Trenton N.J. to Hong Kong, China, cover bearing 5¢ red brown (12) strip of four, deep bright color, large margins at left but narrowing towards the right, 2nd and 3rd stamps just touched and 4th cut in at upper right, 1¢ blue type IV (9) huge margins with portion of stamp below, tied by red "Trenton N.J. Sep 5 1856" c.d.s., endorsed "Via English Mail Steamer", red "New-York Br. Pkt. Sep 9" exchange office c.d.s., red British "22 SP 1856" transit and "Hong Kong 1 DE 1856" double-arc receiving backstamps; strip with small scissor cut in margin between left stamps and tiny cover tear just affecting third stamp, some soiling neatly reduced at left, small piece of backflap missing, Very Fine, prepaid the 21¢ British open mail rate via American Packet, actually handled via British Packet and rated 2 shillings postage due. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 126, fig. 11-2.
Estimate 30,000 - 40,000
ANOTHER STUNNING STRIP OF FOUR USAGE TO HONG KONG TRANSMITTED BY DIFFERENT MEANS OF CONVEYANCE PROVIDING A CONTRAST TO THE PREVIOUS COVER.
Provenance: Grunin
A second cover from the Lt. English correspondence prepaid 21¢ sufficient for carriage on the Saturday American packet sailing of the following day from New York. The cover evidently missed the American packet sailing and was marked at New York with the British packet datestamp of September 9. Transmitted as an overpaid 5¢ British open mail cover by British packet, it was carried on the Cunard Line steamer Niagara, which departed from Boston on September 10 and arrived at Southampton on September 21.
The cover was rated 2 shillings due as an overweight collect letter, weighing between one and one-quarter and two ounces to Hong Kong. At the time, the rate progression on mail from Great Britain to Hong Kong was 6 pence up to ½ ounce, 1 shilling for ½-1¼ ounces, and 2 shillings for 1¼-2 ounces.
The letter traveled next on the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamer Pera, which departed Southampton on October 10 and arrived at Alexandria on October 18. After an overland trip, the letter reached Suez and was carried from there on the P&O steamer Hindustan, which departed October 21 and arrived at Galle, Ceylon, on November 8. From Ceylon, the letter was taken by the P&O steamer Norna, which departed Galle on November 9 and arrived in Hong Kong on December 1, 1856. The cover bears a Hong Kong arrival backstamp of that date.
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Lot 165 |
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1858 (Feb. 2) Boston Ms. to Hong Kong, China, blue folded cover bearing 5¢ red brown (12) huge margins all around including right interpane center line and portion of adjacent stamp at left, 1857 3¢ dull red (26) and 10¢ green types III,II,III (32, 33) strip of three, tied by "Boston 2 Feb" circular datestamps, endorsed "Steamer via N York", red "New-York Feb 3" transit backstamp, red "London Paid FE 16 58" transit and "Hong-Kong 24 AP 1858" double arc receiving backstamp; refolded at top (originally folded through 5¢ margin), 10¢ strip couple nibbed perfs, 3¢ small faults, a Very Fine three-color franking, prepaid the 38¢ Prussian Closed mail rate, but actually sent at the 33¢ British mail rate. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 127, fig. 11-3.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
AN EXCEPTIONAL THREE-COLOR MIXED ISSUE FRANKING TO HONG KONG.
Expertization: Signed Stanley B. Ashbrook, 1980 Friedl Certificate.
Provenance: Waterhouse, Krug, Haas
The cover is from the Augustine Heard correspondence correctly prepaying the 38¢ rate for carriage by Prussian closed mail. The cover was exchanged in New York City for carriage by the 33¢ British mail rate to China with magenta "28" cents credit to Great Britain. The cover was carried from New York by the Cunard Line steamer Europa, which departed on February 3 and arrived at Liverpool on February 15. The cover then caught the sailing of the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamer Colombo, which departed Southampton on February 20 and arrived at Alexandria on March 5. After an overland trip, the letter reached Suez and was carried from there on the steamer Nubia, which departed March 20 and arrived at Galle, Ceylon, on April 3. It was then placed on the P&O Line steamer Pottinger, which departed Galle on April 16 and arrived at Hong Kong on April 24, 1858.
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Lot 166 |
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1858 (Aug. 6) Washington D.C. to Hong Kong, China, buff envelope with date docketing bearing 5¢ red brown (12) excellent color, full to large margins including part of adjacent stamp at right, tied by "Washington D.C." c.d.s., addressed to a sailor on board the U.S.S. Frigate Powhatan, reverse with black "Boston Br. Pkt. Aug 11", red "London AU 30 58", and "Hong Kong 25 SP" transits, manuscript "1/8" crossed out and rerated "1/2", docketed "Rec'd at Woosung Nove 2nd 1858"; silked on inside, Very Fine, prepaid the 5¢ British open mail rate by British Packet, plus 1 shilling 2 pence postage due from England to Hong Kong.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
Expertization: 1997 P.F. Certificate.
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Lot 167 |
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1858 (Feb. 2) Boston Ms. to Shanghai, China, blue folded cover bearing 5¢ red brown (12) three margins, slightly in at bottom, tied by "Boston 3 Feb" c.d.s., red "New-York Br. Pkt. Feb 3" exchange office c.d.s., boxed "Returned for Postage" handstamps, additional postage paid in cash for the 33¢ rate, reverse with "New-York Br. Pkt. Mar 9" transit and magenta "28" credit, "Hong Kong 22 MY 1858" backstamp receiver; aging slightly reduced, 5¢ lifted and replaced, Very Fine, attempted prepayment of 5¢ British open mail rate which was unavailable to Shanghai, resent at the 33¢ British mail rate. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 130, fig. 11-4.
Estimate 15,000 - 20,000
THE ONLY RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGE TO SHANGHAI CHINA, AS WELL AS THE ONLY RECORDED USE OF THE AUXILIARY MARKING "RETURNED FOR POSTAGE" WITH THIS STAMP.
Expertization: 1981 P.F. Certificate.
This cover is from the Heard correspondence to Shanghai posted from the same sender and on the same day as lot 165. The cover was prepaid for the 5¢ British open mail rate, which was not valid for mail to Shanghai. A New York exchange office clerk originally marked the cover with the February 3 datestamp and then realized his error. The cover was then struck with the exchange office’s red "Returned For Postage" handstamp and the letter was returned to Boston.
At Boston, an additional amount of postage, 28¢ to make the total rate of 33¢ was eventually paid in cash and the letter was returned to New York City for transmission. At New York the letter was bagged for Cunard Line mail and a new exchange office datestamp of March 9 was struck on the reverse. After crossing out the day in the New York datestamp, and the "Returned For Postage" handstamps, a clerk marked the letter with the correct 28¢ credit notation.
The letter departed Boston on the Cunard Line steamer America on March 10 and arrived at Liverpool on March 22, 1858. From Liverpool the letter went to London where it was postmarked with a London Paid March 23 datestamp after a clerk originally rated it as due and correctly crossed out the due notation. The cover then caught the sailing of the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamer Colombo, which departed Southampton on April 4 and arrived at Alexandria on April 17. After an overland trip, the letter reached Suez and was carried from there on the steamer Bentinck, which departed April 20 and arrived at Galle, Ceylon, on May 7. It was then placed on the P&O Line steamer Norna, which departed Galle on May 7 and arrived at Hong Kong on May 21, 1858.
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Lot 168 |
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1857 (Dec. 1) Troy N.Y. to Saugor, Hindustan (India), blue folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12) clear shade, ample to huge margins with portion of adjacent stamp, and 1857 10¢ green type II (32) strip of four, tied by "Troy N.Y. Paid Dec 1 1857" circular datestamps, endorsed "overland via Southampton and Bombay", black "Boston Br. Pkt. 2 Dec" backstamp and red "40" credit handstamp (tying 5¢), red "London Paid DE 15 57" and red "Bombay JA 24 1858" (backstamp) transits, Very Fine, the 45¢ British mail rate via Southampton. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 167, fig. 12-2.
Estimate 20,000 - 30,000
THE EARLIEST OF THE THREE RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES TO INDIA.
Provenance: Chase, Rust
The three recorded 1856 5¢ covers are all from a single correspondence to Saugor, Hindustan, India, and all correctly prepaid at the 45-cent rate by British mail, via Southampton, which was omitted from the rate table. The route taken was from the United States by steamer to England, then via Southampton, Gibraltar and Malta to Alexandria, Egypt. From there, mail was carried overland utilizing camel caravan for the portion between Cairo and Suez. From Suez, the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamers took the letter to Bombay.
All of these letters to Saugor were handled during the period of the Indian Mutiny of 1856-1859. The entire district in which Saugor was located was in the possession of the rebels, except for the town and fort where the Europeans had retreated to. After an eight-month confinement, they were relieved by Sir Hugh Rose on February 3, 1858. (Robson Lowe Encyclopedia, Asia, page 213, etc.). The first letter of the group of three arrived prior to this date. The rebels in the area were defeated and order was again restored by March 1858.
This letter was exchanged at the Boston office and was directed to the British steamer. Here it received the correct "40" credit handstamp, indicating that the United States was retaining only the 5¢ inland postage, with the balance of 40¢ going to Great Britain. It was carried by the Cunard Line steamer Niagara, which departed from Boston on December 2 and arrived in Liverpool on December 14. The letter traveled next on the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamer Pera, which departed Southampton on December 20 and arrived at Alexandria on January 3, 1858. After an overland trip, the letter reached Suez and was carried from there on the steamer Nubi, which departed January 6 and arrived at Aden on January 12. From Aden the letter was taken by steamer to Bombay and thence to its destination, where it arrived on January 31, 1858.
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Lot 169 |
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1858 (Feb. 2) Troy N.Y. to Saugor, Hindustan (India), blue folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12) deep color, large to clear margins, and two pairs 1857 10¢ green (32, 34, 35), left pair type II and right pair types IV, III, tied by "Troy N.Y. Paid Feb 2 1858" circular datestamps, endorsed "overland via Southampton", red "New-York Br. Pkt. Feb 3" backstamp and magenta "40" credit rating, red "London Paid FE 16 58", red "Bombay Paid" and "Saugor 14 Apr" (backstamp) transits; minor edge soiling and wear, left 10¢ with tiny tear, 5¢ with wear and upper right corner crease, Very Fine, the 45¢ British mail rate via Southampton. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 133, fig. 12-3.
Estimate 20,000 - 30,000
THE SECOND OF THREE RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES TO INDIA.
This letter was exchanged at New York City and directed to the British steamer, receiving the correct "40" credit in magenta manuscript. The letter was carried by the Cunard Line steamer Europa, which departed New York City on February 3 and arrived in Liverpool on February 15. It then traveled on the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamer Colombo, which departed Southampton on February 20 and arrived at Alexandria on March 5. After an overland trip, the letter reached Suez and was carried from there by steamers to Aden and then on to Bombay. It arrived at its destination on April 14.
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Lot 170 |
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1858 (May 4) Troy N.Y. to Saugor, Hindustan (India), blue folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12) bright color, three margins mostly clear, cut in at bottom, and 1857 10¢ green types II, III (32, 33) block of four, positions 33-34/43-44L1, tied by "Troy N.Y. Paid May 4" c.d.s., endorsed "overland via Southampton", black "Boston Br. Pkt. 5 May" backstamp and red "40" credit handstamp, British red "Paid 1858 MY 17" transit, manuscript "1", reverse with red "Bombay JU 24 1858" transit and "Saugor 29 Jun" arrival c.d.s.; block originally folded over top edge, lettersheet refolded and partially reinforced inside with silk paper, the crease through the right pair of block, 5¢ with tiny crease, Very Fine, the 45¢ British mail rate via Southampton. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 134, fig. 12-4.
Estimate 30,000 - 40,000
THE LATEST DATE OF THE THREE RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES TO INDIA.
Expertization: Signed Stanley B. Ashbrook, 1989 P.F. Certificate.
Provenance: Neinken, Beals
The third cover in the correspondence was exhanged at the Boston office and directed to the British steamer, receiving the correct "40" credit handstamp in red. The letter was carried by the Cunard Line steamer Canada, which departed May 5 and arrived in Liverpool on May 17. The letter then caught the sailing of the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamer Colombo, which departed Southampton on May 20 and arrived at Alexandria on June 2. After an overland trip, the letter reached Suez and was carried from there on the steamer Nubia, which departed June 4 and arrived at Aden on June 10. From Aden the letter was taken by steamer to Bombay and thence to the destination, where it arrived on June 29, 1858.
This cover is the only one of the group of three that shows the 1 penny credit from Great Britain to India (the red manuscript "1"). According to Moubray (page 190), the 1 penny credit had been introduced on mails to India in September 1856, but the first two examples from this correspondence do not show it.
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Lot 171 |
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1858 (Mar. 29) Edgartown Ms. to Batavia, Java (Dutch East Indies), buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) nice color, margins to touching and in at left, 1857 10¢ green type I (31) severed pair, perfs trimmed, and 1857 10¢ green type III (33) pair, deep colors, tied by circular grid cancellations and "Edgartown Ms. Mar 29" circular datestamps, partial "Boston Br. Pkt. 30 Mar" exchange office c.d.s. and red "40" credit handstamp, red "London Paid AP 12 58" transit, manuscript "80" rating, lower left corner and top edge repair, part of flap replaced, horizontal scratch through first two 10¢ Fine, prepaid the 45¢ British mail rate but actually handled as endorsed via the 33¢ British mail rate via Southampton. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 151, fig. 14-9.
Estimate 40,000 - 50,000
Expertization: 1977 P.F. certificate.
Provenance: Krug, Rohloff
The cover was prepaid at the 45¢ per ½ ounce rate by British mail via Marseilles, even though the cover was endorsed to go via Southampton. The rate, via Southampton, to Java had been lowered in February 1856 from 45¢ to 33¢ but an additional Netherlands charge was due for carriage beyond Singapore.
It is possible that the sender of this cover was not aware of the rate reduction or possibly prepaid the higher rate so that if the route via Marseilles was determined to be faster, it could be sent that way. It was mailed March 29, 1858, from Edgartown, Massachusetts, on Martha’s Vineyard, addressed to the captain of "Ship Minstrel" at Batavia. At the New York City exchange office the cover was directed to the British steamer and received the correct "40" credit in magenta manuscript, indicating that the United States was retaining only the 5 cents inland postage; the balance of 40¢ going to Great Britain.
The cover was carried by the Cunard Line steamer Arabia, which departed March 31 and arrived in Liverpool on April 11. It was marked as a paid letter at the London office the next day. The letter then caught the sailing of the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamer Indus, which departed Southampton on April 20 and arrived at Alexandria on May 5. After an overland trip, the letter reached Suez and was carried from there on the steamer Hindostan to Galle, Ceylon, where it arrived on May 22. It was then carried to Singapore per steamer Cadiz, arriving May 30. At Singapore it was rated at 80¢ collect for carriage to Batavia.
Illustrated in United States Letter Rates to Foreign Destinations 1847 to GPU-UPU, Charles J. Starnes, 1989, p. 30.
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Lot 172 |
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1856 (Oct. 7) New Orleans La. to Antwerp, Belgium, partially printed circular bearing 5¢ red brown (12) three ample to large margins including portion of adjacent stamp at top, touching at bottom, tied by "New Orleans La. Oct 7" c.d.s., endorsed "per first Steamer", red "New-York Br. Pkt. Oct 15" exchange office c.d.s., reverse with British "BY 28 OC 1856" transit c.d.s. in red, British manuscript "1/-" debit, received in Belgium with red "Anvers 29 Oct 1856" backstamp, Belgium boxed accounting handstamp with manuscript rate division in décimes, blue manuscript "14" (décimes) due from addressee, cover edge and flap faults, Fine, the 5¢ British open mail rate per ½ ounce via British packet. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 142, fig. 14-1.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
THE ONLY RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGE TO BELGIUM.
The letter was carried by the Cunard Line steamer Africa, which departed October 15 from New York and arrived at Liverpool on October 27. It was handled as a collect letter from England to Belgium, where it arrived on October 29. The rate from England to Belgium was 6 pence per ¼ ounce plus 8 pence sea postage for a total of 14 pence due from addressee. Britain's share was 1 shilling with the remaining 2 pence Belgium's share.
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Lot 173 |
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1858 (Apr. 20) Orient N.Y. to Copenhagen, Denmark, envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) lovely color, four large to huge margins, tied by bold "Orient N.Y. 1858 Apr 20" c.d.s., and 10¢ green type II (14) horizontal strip of three (positions 58-60R) with three large margins, just touching at right, cancelled by circle of wedges, endorsed "via Prusn closed mail", red "New-York Am. Pkt. Apr 24" exchange office c.d.s. backstamp, Boston red "12" credit handstamp, red boxed "Aachen 3 5 Franco" transit handstamp also tying strip, reverse with Hamburg and Belgian May 9 backstamps, cover faults with some restoration, left 10¢ with tiny pre-use tear and crease in top margin only, a Very Fine and aesthetically appealing franking, the 35¢ Prussian Closed Mail rate per ½ ounce. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 147, fig. 14-6.
Estimate 30,000 - 40,000
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGES TO DENMARK, AND THE ONLY ONE CORRECTLY FRANKED.
Provenance: Caspary
The letter was handled through the New York exchange office to Boston, where it was marked with 12 cents credit to Prussia. From Boston, the cover was carried in a closed bag on the Cunard Line steamer America, which departed on April 21 and arrived at Liverpool on May 4. The cover arrived on May 8 at Aachen, and then went via Hamburg to Copenhagen arriving on May 9.
The unusual Orient N.Y. double-circle origin postmark was made from devices manufactured by Collin and Company of New York. Many were sold for $2.50 each to small post offices that were not entitled, because of the small dollar volume of mail handled, to receive free devices supplied by the post office department. This postmaster evidently paid an extra 50¢ for the additional year date slug. See Frajola and Mayer page 148, figure 14-7 for an illustration of a Collin circular of the era.
The other recorded usage to Denmark is an 1857 (May 19) usage from New Orleans La. bearing 1851 3¢ (three, plus one lost in transit), 5¢ and 10¢ Ex Baker, Piller.
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Lot 174 |
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1857 (May 14) Washington, Ia. to Bayreuth, Bavaria, buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) ample to large margins, tied by "Washington Iowa May 14" c.d.s., black "New 23 York Br. Pkt. May 19" debit exchange office c.d.s., reverse with red "Aachen 2 6" transit c.d.s. and blue manuscript "45" (kreuzer) due, "Bayreuth 4 6" arrival backstamp, tiny edge tears, overall wear and aging, Fine, prepaid at the British open mail rate but actually handled as unpaid via the 30¢ Prussian Closed mail rate Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 105, fig. 9-3.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
Provenance: Rohloff
The cover was prepaid at the British open mail rate of 5 cents, but the New York clerk disregarded the prepayment and sent the cover as part of the Prussian closed mail. The Prussian Closed mail rate was 30¢ per ½ ounce to Prussia, Austria, and other German States. So, on a cover that was insufficiently prepaid, and hence treated as completely unpaid, the United States was entitled to the internal postage of 5¢ plus the sea and British transit postage of 18¢. The total of 23¢ was debited to Prussia and is shown in the exchange handstamp.
At New York the cover was placed in a closed bag that was transmitted, via England and Belgium, to Aachen, Prussia (Aix-la-Chapelle). The cover was carried by the Cunard Line steamer Europa, which departed from Boston on May 20, 1857, and arrived at Liverpool on May 31, 1857. The cover was rated as 45 kreuzer due in Aachen, equivalent to the total rate of 30¢. The cover also bears an arrival backstamp of June 4.
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Lot 175 |
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1857 (Jul. 23) Richmond Va. to Bremen, forwarded to Münder über Springe, Hanover, blue folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12) horizontal block of six, rich color, varying margins to in at sides, tied by four strikes of "Richmond Va. Jul 23 1857" circular datestamps, red "New 7 York Am. Pkt. Jul 26" exchange office c.d.s., red "Aachen 7/8 Franco" transit, redirected upon receipt in Bremen with red crayon "1½" (silbergroschen), blue "Münder 9/8" arrival c.d.s., the block was folded over edge of cover (resulting in creases and small internal tears) which has been opened out, expanded and patched with piece of original letter sheet, Fine, one of the hightlights of a collection replete with the most notable items of this issue, the 30¢ Prussian Closed mail rate. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 115, fig. 9-12.
Estimate 75,000 - 100,000
AN IMPORTANT CLASSIC UNITED STATES COVER BEARING THE LARGEST INTACT 1856 5¢ MULTIPLE IN ANY FORMAT.
Expertization: 1994 P.F. Certificate.
Provenance: Ezra D. Cole Collection
The letter was processed at the New York City exchange office under the Prussian Convention to be carried by an American packet leaving on July 25, 1857. As with the previously discussed covers sent by Prussian closed mail, the cover was correctly marked with the "Paid 7" credit to Prussia datestamp. The letter was carried by the Havre Line steamer Arago, which departed from New York City on July 25, 1857, and arrived at Southampton on August 6, 1857. The next day, the cover reached the Aachen exchange office, which applied its boxed paid datestamp. When the letter reached Bremen it was redirected to Münder über Springe in Hanover. A total of 1½ silbergroschen was charged for the additional handling to Münder, where it was received on August 9 and backstamped with the blue arrival marking.
Illustrated in Henry W. Hill, "The United States 5¢ Stamps of 1856-61", 1955, p. 13, fig. 14.
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Lot 176 |
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1858 (Mar. 23) Freeport Ill. to Hamburg, buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) ample to large margins including part of adjacent stamp at bottom, and 10¢ green type II (14) intense color, four margins, tied by crisply struck "Freeport Ill. Mar 23 1858" c.d.s., red "N.York Hamb. Pkt. 'Paid 5' Apr 15" exchange office c.d.s., magenta "15", Hamburg "29 Apr. 58" backstamp, slight edge wear, Very Fine, prepaid the 15¢ rate to Hamburg via Bremen mails, actually handled via the 10¢ per ½ ounce direct mail rate by the HAPAG line steamers. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 117, fig. 9-13.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
Provenance: Lehman, Haas
The cover was prepaid at its origin for the 15¢ Bremen Convention rate to Hamburg. The total amount prepaid is restated in manuscript below the adhesives. The cover is an example of the poor performance of the Vanderbilt European Line of steamers. (See Hargest, page 116; Hubbard & Winter, p. 164, note 10, and p. 173, note 5.)
After the expiration of the Ocean Line contract in July 1857, the United States postmaster general awarded a one-year temporary contract to the Vanderbilt European Line to carry the Bremen mails. When this cover, which had been mailed on March 23, 1858, from Freeport, Illinois, reached New York City, it was held for the next contract sailing of the Vanderbilt European Line steamer. However, the Vanderbilt steamer Ariel, which departed on April 10, did not sail to Bremen, and no contract mails were handled.
The Bremen Convention mails were held for the April 15 departure of the HAPAG Line steamer Hammonia, which carried the contract mails that had been slated for the Vanderbilt steamer. The New York exchange office marked the cover with its Hamburg packet Paid 5 datestamp, indicating a credit of 5¢ to Hamburg (4¢ sea and 1¢ Hamburg). The United States retained the additional 5¢ of the 10¢ rate as its internal postage plus the 5¢ overpayment.
The cover was carried on the HAPAG Line steamer Hammonia, which departed from New York City on April 15, 1858, and arrived in Hamburg on April 29, 1858.
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Lot 177 |
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1857 (Sep. 2) Milwaukee Wisc. to Gronau, Hanover, envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) large irregular margins to slightly cut in, and 1857 10¢ green type III (33) tied by "Milwaukee Wis. Sep 2 1857" c.d.s., red "N. York 'Paid 6' U.S. Pkt. Sep 5" exchange office c.d.s., blue "America über Bremen Franco" three-line handstamp, blue "Gronau 20/9" receiving backstamp, light edge wear and some toning, Very Fine, the 15¢ rate to Hanover via Bremen mails. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 106, fig. 9-4.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
The cover was exchanged in New York City, crediting Bremen with 6¢ and retaining 9 cents for U.S. internal postage (3 cents) and packet postage (6 cents). It was carried on the Saturday scheduled American packet trip of Vanderbilt’s European Line steamer North Star, which departed from New York City on September 5, 1857, and arrived at Bremerhaven, the port city of Bremen, on September 19, 1857. It was marked with the blue "America / über Bremen / Franco" handstamp meaning prepaid via Bremen. The cover has a Gronau arrival backstamp of September 20.
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Lot 178 |
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1856 (Oct. 20) Flushing N.Y. to Adthaldensleben, Prussia, buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) deep color, four large even margins, tied by boldly struck "Flushing N.Y. Oct 20" c.d.s., black "New-York Br. Pkt '38' Oct 20" exchange office debit c.d.s., reverse with red "Aachen 3 10" transit and blue manuscript "13", "Ausg. 4 11" receiving backstamp, a Very Fine and fresh usage, prepaid at the British open mail rate but actually handled as unpaid via the 30¢ Prussian Closed mail rate. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 107, fig. 9-5.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
This cover was prepaid at the British open mail rate of 5¢ but the New York clerk disregarded the prepayment and sent the cover as part of the Prussian closed mail. It bears a New York City British packet exchange office datestamp of October 20, which shows a 23¢ debit to Prussia from the United States. The cover was placed into a closed bag that was transmitted, via England and Belgium, to Aachen, Prussia. It was carried by the Cunard Line steamer Niagara, which departed from Boston on October 22, 1856, and arrived at Liverpool on November 2, 1856. It was rated as 13 silbergroschen due in Aachen. This amount, in the currency of Prussia, was treated as equal to the total rate of 30 cents, although the actual exchange rate may at times have been slightly above 31 cents. The cover bears an arrival backstamp of November 4.
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Lot 179 |
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1857 (Jan. 20) Pekin Ills. to Berlin, Prussia, neat buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) original block of six reduced to a block of five, rich color on fresh white paper, margins to touching in a few places, tied by grid cancellations, matching "Pekin Ills. Jan 20" c.d.s., red "N. York Br. Pkt. 'Paid 7' Jan 27" exchange office c.d.s., red boxed "Aachen Franco 13/2" transit, reverse with German "14/2" arrival c.d.s.; small cover and stamp faults including a tiny punch hole in between right stamps and a cover tear, Fine, the 30¢ Prussian Closed mail rate. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 17, fig. 3-4.
Estimate 20,000 - 30,000
THE SECOND LARGEST MULTIPLE EXTANT.
Provenance: Gibson, Rohloff
Described in the Rohloff sale as "the finest of the three known blocks on cover" (There are currently four recorded blocks on cover).
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Lot 180 |
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1858 (Apr. 6) Pekin Ill. to Berlin, Prussia, buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) large margins all around, and 1857 10¢ green type III (33), tied by "Pekin Ills. Apr 6" c.d.s., endorsed "Via Bremen Mails", red "N.York U.S. Pkt. 'Paid 6' Apr 17" exchange office c.d.s., blue "America über Bremen Franco" three-line handstamp, May 5 arrival backstamp; cover worn, 10¢ repaired at left, Fine, the 15¢ rate to Prussia via Bremen mails. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 108, fig. 9-6.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
Expertization: 1977 and 1988 P.F. Certificates.
Provenance: Rohloff
This cover was exchanged at the New York City office under the Bremen Convention on April 17, 1858, applying its paid 6 credit handstamp for carriage by United States packet. The cover was carried on the Saturday scheduled American packet trip of Vanderbilt’s European Line steamer North Star, which departed from New York City on April 17, 1858, and arrived at Bremerhaven on May 3, 1858. It was marked with the blue "America / über Bremen / Franco" handstamp and arrived with a Berlin May 5 backstamp.
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Lot 181 |
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1858 (Jan. 29) Erie Pa. to Hildburghausen, Saxony, buff envelope with illustrated woodcut portrait of the famous Sauk Indian Chieftain Keokuk, the namesake of Keokuk Iowa, bearing 5¢ red brown (12) vivd color, large margins on three sides, just touched at top, tied by "Erie Pa. Jan 29" c.d.s., black "New-York Br. Pkt. '23' Feb 3" exchange office debit c.d.s., reverse with red "Aachen 17 2" transit c.d.s. and blue manuscript "45" due rating, crossed out and rerated "12 ¾", backstamps include "Hildburghausen 19 2" receiver; light vertical file fold, Very Fine, the 30¢ rate to Saxony via Prussian Closed mail. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 109, fig. 9-7.
Estimate 15,000 - 20,000
THE ONLY RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGE ON AN ILLUSTRATED COVER.
Expertization: 1991 Holcombe and 1992 P.F. Certificates.
The cover was prepaid at the British open mail rate of 5¢ but the New York clerk disregarded the prepayment and sent the cover as part of the Prussian closed mail. It was exchanged with a 23¢ debit to Prussia shown in the exchange handstamp. The cover was carried in closed bag by the Cunard Line steamer Europa, which departed from New York on February 3, 1858, and arrived at Liverpool on February 15, 1858. The cover was rated as 45 kreuzer due in Aachen. This amount was crossed out and restated in the currency of Saxony as 12¾ neugroschen, which was equivalent to the total rate of 30 cents. The cover bears an arrival backstamp of February 19.
The purpose of the portrait is unknown. It may be related to a product, or brand, named Keokuk. It seems that the Prussian mail clerk added the moustache to the image in the same blue ink he used to rate the cover, giving the chief a Persian appearance.
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Lot 182 |
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1856 (Jun. 12) Milwaukee Wis. to Marburg, Hessen-Kassel (Thurn and Taxis), blue folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12) full even margins, and 10¢ green type II (14) strip of three, margins to touching, tied by "Milwaukee Wis. Jun 12" c.d.s., red "N.York Br. Pkt. 'Paid 7' Jun 16" exchange office c.d.s., carried by the Cunard Line steamer Niagara, which departed from Boston on June 18 and arrived at Liverpool on June 29, red boxed "Aachen Franco 30/6" transit, "Marburg 1 7" receiving backstamp, strip with light creasing and scissor cut between right two stamps, letter reduced slightly, portion of back missing, Fine, 5¢ overpayment of the 30¢ Prussian Closed mail rate per ½ ounce. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 114, fig. 9-11.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
Expertization: 1982 P.F. certificate.
Provenance: Gibson
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Lot 183 |
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1856 (Sep. 27) Wilmington Del. to Schorndorf, Württemberg, buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) originally a block of six subsequently reduced to a block of four, ample to large margins on two sides, touched or in on others, tied by "Wilmington Del. Sep 27" c.d.s., red "N. York Br. Pkt. 'Paid 7' Oct 1" exchange office c.d.s., carried by the Cunard Line steamer Asia, which departed from New York on October 1 and arrived at Liverpool on October 13, red boxed "Aachen Franco 15/10" transit, German backstamps including partial "Schorndorf 18 Oct 1856" receiver; the block at one time removed from the cover and then replaced in its original position, lower right stamp with small repaired surface fault, cover faulty with creasing and wear, Fine, the 30¢ Prussian Closed mail rate. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 112, fig. 9-9.
Estimate 15,000 - 20,000
ONE OF NINE RECORDED 1856 5¢ BLOCKS, OF WHICH ONLY FOUR ARE ON COVER.
Provenance: Gibson
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Lot 184 |
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1857 (Feb. 20) Wilmington Del. to Schorndorf, Württemberg, cover bearing 5¢ red brown (12), 1¢ blue type IV (9), and 12¢ black (17) vertical pair, all with varying margins, cancelled by grids, matching "Wilmington Del Feb 20" c.d.s., red "N. York Am. Pkt. 'Paid 7' Feb 21" exchange office c.d.s., carried by the Ocean Line steamer Washington, which departed from New York on February 21 and arrived at Southampton on March 7, red boxed "Aachen Franco 8/3" transit, German backstamps including partial "Schorndorf 11 Mar 1857" receiver, additional docketing notation applied by the recipient noting the sender; partial backflap, bottom 12¢ faulty, a Very Fine usage, the 30¢ Prussian Closed mail rate. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 113, fig. 9-10.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
A MAGNIFICENT THREE-COLOR FRANKING PAYING THE 30¢ PRUSSIAN CLOSED MAIL RATE.
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Lot 185 |
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1857 (Apr. 9) Albany N.Y. to Aberdeen, Scotland, orange envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) two brilliant horizontal pairs, deep luxuriant color, exceptionally large margins with portions of six adjoining stamps, first pair barely touched at left, used with 1¢ blue type IV (9) and 3¢ dull red (11), each slightly in, tied by "Albany N.Y. Apr 9" circular datestamps, red "America Paid Liverpool AP 24 57" datestamp with matching red "3"credit handstamp, reverse with green "Aberdeen AP 25 1857" receiver, embossed coppersmith & plumbers' return card on flap; light folds not affecting stamps, Extremely Fine and remarkably fresh, the 24 cent rate per ½ ounce for up to 3,000 miles. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 138, fig. 13-1.
Estimate 50,000 - 75,000
THE ONLY RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGE TO GREAT BRITAIN ON A FULL COVER. WITH TWO PHENOMENAL PAIRS, AN EXQUISITE THREE-COLOR FRANKING ACCENTUATED BY NEAT POSTAL MARKINGS AND COLORED ENVELOPE, THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST VISUALLY SPECTACULAR AND DISTINCTIVE COVERS IN THE COLLECTION.
Expertization: Signed Stanley Ashbrook and Herbert Bloch.
Provenance: Klein
The cover departed New York April 11 on the steamship Alps, operating under an American mail contract for this sailing, replacing the Collins Line steamer Atlantic. The cover arrived at Liverpool on April 24 and marked 3¢ credit to England for inland postage. The United States retained the balance, 5¢ inland postage plus 16¢ for sea carriage. The cover arrived in Aberdeen the next day.
The 24¢ rate from the United States to Great Britain had been established by the Treaty of 1848. The 5¢ open mail rate was not available for mail destined for Great Britain.
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Lot 186 |
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1856 (Oct. 31) Peoria Ill. to Eperies, Hungary (Czechoslovakia), orange buff envelope bearing 5¢ red brown (12) rich color, three full to large margins including huge sheet margin at bottom, slightly in at right, tied by boldly struck "Peoria Ills. Oct 31" c.d.s., endorsed "p. first Steamer via Liverpool", black "23 N. York Am. Pkt. Nov 8" debit exchange c.d.s., red "Aachen 22 11" transit backstamp, blue "48" (kreuzer) rating, "Caschau. 26 Nov." straightline transit backstamp, Very Fine, pre-paid the 5¢ British open mail rate, actually handled via the 30¢ Prussian Closed mail rate per ½ ounce. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 150, fig. 14-8.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
THE ONLY RECORDED 1856 5¢ USAGE TO HUNGARY AND, IN FACT, TO THE ENTIRE AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN EMPIRE.
Provenance: Rohloff, Gallagher, Tito
The cover prepaid the 5¢ British open mail rate, but was endorsed "by first steamer via England". By the time the cover had arrived in New York City, it was apparently too late to catch the Cunard Line sailing of the Arabia from Boston that departed on November 5, 1856. The cover was bagged for carriage on the Collins Line packet Atlantic, an American packet that carried mail under the Prussian Closed Mail Treaty. The cover was insufficiently prepaid, and hence treated as completely unpaid in New York with 23¢ debited to Prussia for 5¢ inland postage plus the sea and British transit postage of 18¢. The cover was placed in a closed mail bag transmitted via England and Belgium to Aachen Prussia. The Collins Line steamer Atlantic carried the cover departing New York on November 8, arriving into Liverpool on Novermber 20. It reached Aachen on November 22, rated 48 kreuzers in Austrian currency, equivalent to 30¢.
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Lot 187 |
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1856 (Sep. 3) Annapolis Md. to Spezzia, Sardinia, folded cover addressed to a surgeon on board the flagship U.S.S. Susquehanna, bearing 5¢ red brown (12) vivid color, large to enormous margins including right centerline sheet margin, neatly tied by crisply struck "Annapolis Md. Sep 3" c.d.s. in black, endorsed "Per Cunard Line", red "New-York Br. Pkt. Sep 9" exchange office c.d.s., red Liverpool "SP 22 1856" (backstamp) transit, "Etats-Unis. Paq. Brit. A. Calais 22 Sept '56" entry c.d.s., "Genova 25 Set 56" and "Spezia 26 Set. 56" backstamps, manuscript "17" rating; mild coner bend at upper left affects margin of stamp slightly, minor edge faults and bleach spots, Very Fine and an extraordinary stamp, the 5¢ British open mail rate carried by British packet per ½ ounce, plus 17 décimes due for sea postage and postage from England to Sardinia.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
Provenance: Gibson, Eno, Rohloff, Klein
This letter was handled via Boston on the Cunard Line steamer Niagara, which departed from Boston on September 10 and arrived in Liverpool on September 21. It transited Calais and Genoa, arriving in Spezzia on September 26. It was rated as postage due 17 décimes, approximately 32¢ representing the postage for an unpaid letter from England to Sardinia, 10 pence rate plus 6 pence fine for being unpaid.
Almost all of the more than twenty reported usages of the 1856 5¢ to Italy are British open mail usages to Sardinia. Spezzia (La Spezia) served as a major supply port for American Naval vessels serving in the Mediterranean Sea, and this example is addressed to a sailor aboard the fleet flagship USS Susquehanna at the port.
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Lot 188 |
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1856 (Sep. 16) Annapolis Md. to Spezzia, Sardinia, folded cover addressed to a surgeon on board the flagship U.S.S. Susquehanna, bearing 5¢ red brown (12)rich color, large margins on two sides, touched on others, tied by "Annapolis Md. Sep 16" c.d.s. in black, endorsed "Per Cunard Line", red "New-York Br. Pkt. Sep 17" exchange office c.d.s., red Liverpool "SP 29 1856" and "Paris 30 Sept. 56" backstamps, "Genova 2 Ott 56" and "Spezia 3 Ott. 56" backstamps, manuscript "17" rating; some age spotting just affects stamp, minor edge faults, Fine, the 5¢ British open mail rate carried by British packet per ½ ounce, plus 17 décimes due for sea postage and postage from England to Sardinia.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
Expertization: 1971 A.P.S. Certificate.
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Lot 189 |
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1856 (Oct. 11) Annapolis Md. to Spezzia, Sardinia, folded cover addressed to a surgeon on-board the flagship U.S.S. Susquehanna, bearing 5¢ red brown (12)deep bright color, large margins on three sides, close but clear at top, tied by distinctive "Annapolis Md. Oct 11" c.d.s. in red, endorsed "5 cents prepaid" and "Per Cunard Line", red "New-York Br. Pkt. Oct 15" exchange office c.d.s., red Liverpool "OC 28 1856" (backstamp), "Etats-Unis. Paq. Brit. A. Calais 28 Oct. 56", and "Paris 29 Oct. '56" (backstamp) transits, "Genova 31 Ott 56" and "Spezia 1 Nov. 56" backstamps, manuscript "17" rating; minor wear, Very Fine, the 5¢ British open mail rate carried by British packet per ½ ounce, plus 17 décimes due for sea postage and postage from England to Sardinia. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 98, fig. 8-4.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
A STRIKING COVER FROM THE PINKNEY CORRESPONDENCE.
Provenance: Haas
This letter was handled via New York on the Cunard Line steamer Africa, which departed from New York on October 11, 1856 and arrived in Liverpool on October 27. It transited Calais, Paris, and Genoa, arriving in Spezzia on November 1. It was rated as postage due 17 décimes, approximately 32 cents, representing the postage for an unpaid letter from Enland to Sardinia, 10 pence rate plus 6 pence fine for being unpaid.
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Lot 190 |
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1856 (Dec. 9) New Orleans La. to Intra, Piedmont (Sardinia), folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12)exceptionally deep color, large to enormous margins including part of adjacent stamp at top, tied by "New Orleans La. Dec 9" c.d.s., red "New-York Br. Pkt. Dec 24" exchange office c.d.s., red Liverpool "5 JA 1856" transit backstamp, "Etats-Unis. Paq. Brit. A. Calais 5 Janv. 57" entry c.d.s. with matching framed "GB /1F 60C" debit handstamp, various French and Italian transits, "Intra 10 Gen 57" receiving backstamp, manuscript "10" due rating; top flap detached, a Very Fine usage, the 5¢ British open mail rate carried by British packet per ½ ounce, plus 10 décimes due for sea postage and postage from England to Sardinia. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 99, fig. 8-5.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
Provenance: Caspary
This letter was sent during the Three Months period when the new treaty between Great Britain and France was in effect, but before the treaty between the United States and France became effective. Under this convention, mails that passed through Great Britain bound for France, or points beyond, received a British debit to France. When the Franco-British Convention went into effect on January 1, 1857, the sea postage and postage from England to Sardinia collected on delivery was lowered to 10 décimes for a single rate letter.
This letter was exchanged at New York City and carried on the first sailing during the Three Month period by Cunard Line steamer Africa, which departed from New York on December 24, 1856 and arrived in Liverpool on January 4, 1857. It arrived at Intra on January 10 with a 10 décimes rating for postage due from addressee.
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Lot 191 |
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1857 (Feb. 7) New Orleans La. to Genes (Genoa), Sardinia, blue folded prices current (printed on both sides) bearing 5¢ red brown (12) deep rich color, ample to large margins, tied by "New Orleans La. Feb 1857" c.d.s., red "New-York Br. Pkt. Feb 18" exchange office c.d.s., red British "3 MR 1857" transit backstamp, "Angl. Amb. Calais 3 Mars. 57" entry c.d.s. with framed "G B / 1F 60C" debit handstamp and manuscript "10" (décimes) due rating, reverse with "Paris 4 Mars 57" transit and red boxed "Genoa" receiver, blue New Orleans merchant cachet; 5¢ with barely discernable corner crease at top right, Very Fine, the 5¢ British open mail rate via British packet, plus 10 décimes due for postage from England to Italy. Illustrated in Frajola and Mayer, p. 100, fig. 8-6.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
This letter was exchanged at New York City and carried on the ninth sailing during the Three Month period by Cunard Line steamer Africa, which departed from New York on February 18 and arrived into Liverpool on March 2.
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Lot 192 |
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1857 (Feb. 25) New Orleans La. to Intra, Piedmont (Sardinia), folded letter bearing 5¢ red brown (12) rich warm color, four even margins, tied by "New Orleans La. Feb 25" c.d.s., red "New-York Br. Pkt. Mar 10" exchange office c.d.s., red Liverpool "24 MR 1857" transit backstamp, "Angl. Amb. Calais 24 Mars 57" entry c.d.s. with matching framed "GB /1F 60C" debit handstamp, reverse with various Italian transits, and "Intra 28 Mar 57" arrival c.d.s., manuscript "10" due rating; negligible corner bend at upper right just affects outer extremity of margin, a Very Fine usage, the 5¢ British open mail rate carried by British packet per ½ ounce, plus 10 décimes due for sea postage and postage from England to Sardinia.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
Provenance: Wunderlich, Reed
This letter was exchanged at New York City on March 10, and sent to Boston to be carried on the twelfth sailing during the Three Month period by the Cunard Line steamer Niagara, which departed Boston March 11 and arrived at Liverpool on March 23. It was received at Intra on March 28 with a 10 décimes rating for postage due from addressee.
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