Lot 401
Canada, 1853, Beaver, 3d brown red (Unitrade 4a), bright shade with proof-like impressions, strip of three and two singles, margins to cutting, tied by concentric ring cancels on blue folded letter from Quebec City to England, "Steam-Boat-Letter-Quebec SP 17 1853" rimless c.d.s., "More-To-Pay" straightline handstamp, large "1" (d) due handstamp, London (10.2) backstamp; strip with tiny tear at top center and scissor cut in margin between left pair, a Very Fine and rare use. Scott 4a.
Estimate $5,000 - 7,500
ONE OF ONLY FOUR 16-PENCE COVERS PAID WITH 15 PENCE IN STAMPS; A SPECTACULAR AND UNIQUE STEAMBOAT COVER.
Provenance: Lea, Wilkinson
Exact prepayment with stamps was impossible as stamps lower than the 3d did not exist at this time. The 10d value was issued in January 1855 and the ½d in December 1858.
This letter was carried on the Cunard Lines Asia from New York City on September 21.
Illustrated in Arfken, Leggett, Firby & Steinhart, p. 210
Front cover photo, Charles Firby sale on September 27, 2008.
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| Realized $3,000 |
