Lot 12
1699 (Sep. 25) Burlington, N.J. to The Falls, N.J., datelined folded letter addressed to "Phinehas Pemberton at The Falls, These" (current day Trenton), no postal markings; some ink erosion and toning, Fine.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
ONE OF PERHAPS THREE OR FOUR EXAMPLES OF PAPER FROM THIS ERA MADE BY AN AMERICAN PRODUCER AND ALMOST CERTAINLY THE ONLY EXISTING COVER IN PRIVATE HANDS.
The paper of this folded letter is watermarked with the fleur-de-lis and cloverleaf of William Rittenhouse, the first paper manufacturer in the American Colonies.
It is highly probable that this cover, as Robeson Lowe had thought, had been carried by the Waddy Post. Waddy ran a postal service in the 1690s from the Maryland line to Trenton (called at the time "The Falls").
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| Realized $3,250 |
