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.
|
| |
| Realized $40,000 |
