Sale 1316 — United States Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 19-20 March, 2024
Category — 1851-56 Issue
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 2, used with 3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A), three singles, each with large margins to in, rich color, tied by "New-York Apl. 24" (1852) circular datestamps on blue folded cover to Port Hope, Canada, red "U States" in ribbon handstamp applied in New York City, receiving backstamp, Very Fine and attractive use fully paying the rate to destination, choice strike of the cross-border handstamp
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Two, margins to in, each tied by red "Paid, U.S. Mail, City Delivery, 2 Jun. 1" New York City carrier 2c integral-rate datestamp, matching framed "U.S. Mail/1P.M./Delivery" handstamp, on cover to street address, Fine, rare example of 2c carrier datestamp struck twice on two 1c 1851 stamps, unusual with both the datestamp and framed marking in red, previously only three covers were known with both markings in red (all from March 1856), with 2008 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Horizontal pair, both recut once at top and bottom, large margins to clear, deep shade, tied by "New Orleans La. Jun. 15" (1855) circular datestamp on printed circular to Liverpool, England, green "Liverpool, America, JY 8, 55" arrival backstamp and bold "2" pence due handstamp, Extremely Fine, a choice circular use paying the 2c rate for newspapers with 2p due in Great Britain
3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Position 49L1i, three ample margins to slightly in at top, rich color, cancelled by clear strike of blue "FREE" handstamp, matching "Mad Riv. & Lak. Erie R.R." route agent's circular datestamp with pencil "July 18" date on blue folded cover to Cincinnati, Very Fine, an outstanding 1851 Issue railroad cover, Dr. Chase's notes on back including description of this as a "very early use of Plate 1 [intermediate]", illustrated in 1851 Sesquicentennial book (p. 239), ex Dr. Chase, Newbury and Sharrer
3c Dull Red, Type I (11). Margins clear to in, bright color, small flaw at top, tied by blue "Andover Mass. Jan. 12" (ca. 1856-57) circular datestamp on cover to Corisco, West Africa, addressed to Mrs. George McQueen, who traveled to Corisco in 1855 and married a missionary, sender's directive "Via No. 28 Centre Street, New York", neat "Boston Br. Pkt. 14 Jan." backstamp indicating this was sent from Andover to the foreign-mail office at Boston, but then redirected to the Centre Street mission address in New York City, Very Fine, an extremely rare early use to Africa, carried outside the mails to Corisco in West Africa, ex Piller, Giamporcaro, Hackmey and Gross, with 1993 P.F. certificate
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Four margins, neat parallel lines pen cancel and tied by black Calais circular datestamp and "13" decimes due handstamp on small 1856 cover to Malta, manuscript "Shelburne Mass Feb. 27" postmark, "Boston Am. Pkt. Feb. 29" backstamp with additional "Boston Br. Pkt. Mar. 2" circular datestamp, carried on Cunarder Asia on Mar. 5, arriving Liverpool Mar. 18
FINE USE TO AN EXTREMELY RARE DESTINATION—THIS IS THE ONLY 1851 ISSUE COVER TO MALTA WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED.
This is the only 1851 Issue cover to Malta known to us. It was treated as completely unpaid for British Open Mail. It may have been carried privately to its final destination, as the addressee was a minister and missionaries often hand-carried letters destined for other missionaries.
Ex Grunin, Piller, Craveri and "Angel". With 1993 P.F. certificate.
ADDENDA: We are now aware of one other used to Malta.
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Large margins to just barely touched at top left, tied by "Leroy N.Y. Jul. 6" circular datestamp on "Voyage Arien" elaborate French comic cover to Brockport N.Y., tiny pieces of top flap missing from opening
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE EARLY COVER DEPICTING VARIOUS FORMS OF FLIGHT.
Ex Piller, Giamporcaro ("Tito") and Gabriel. With 1993 P.F. certificate.
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Margins in at top and bottom, tied by "New-York May 16" (1855) circular datestamp on "W.W. Bliss & Co., Proprietors of Jacob's Cordial" advertising cover depicting a maiden driving a horse-drawn chariot, addressed to East Liberty O., two enclosures, the first is a printed letter with written dateline of May 9, 1855, describing in detail the treatment of cholera, dysentery and diarrhea with Jacob's Cordial, this is original to the cover, the second enclosure is an elaborate illustrated advertisement on glazed paper, also describing the treatment and touting "admirably adapted to the many peculiar maladies of females", this enclosure may not originate with the cover but is obviously related and greatly enhances the lot, Very Fine, see our website PDF for scans of the enclosures
3c Dull Red, Ty. I, II (11, 11A). Two covers with embossed cameo corner cards advertising Connecticut insurance, first No. 11A from Plate 1L, tied by Hartford Ct. circular datestamp on buff cover to New Bedford Mass, with Charter Oak Insurance Co. illustrated design, missing most of backflap, Very Fine, the iconic Connecticut Charter Oak, a symbol of American independence and the supposed hiding place of the Connecticut Royal Charter of 1662, lived from around the 12th or 13th century until falling during a storm in 1856, second No. 11 from Plate 4, color slightly oxidized, tied by blue Cincinnati O. circular datestamp on buff cover to White Water Wis. with Aetna Insurance Co. Hartford corner card, appears Very Fine
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Large margins to just clear including part of adjoining stamp at right, tied by large "Paid" grid cancel, red "Boston Mass. 10 Apr." circular datestamp on buff cover with blue Boston & Sandwich Glass Co. cameo corner card to St. Louis Mo., fresh and Very Fine
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Tied by "Aurora Extenn. R.R." route agent's circular datestamp with unclear date on small cover to North Oxford Mass., missing backflap and some minor edgewear, stamp with couple tiny corner creases, otherwise Very Fine and extremely rare with probably only a few known, this was an early predecessor of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, with a line from West Chicago to Mendota via Aurora Ill., it is rated as extremely rare in Simpson's Postal Markings and Remele
3c 1851 Issue, Better Cover Balance (10-11A). Balance of 14 covers, including six No. 10 or 10A, six No. 11A plus a couple No. 26 from the 1857 issue, highlights include a No. 10 July 9, 1851 use, No. 10A with New York experimental 4-bar grid in circular datestamp, lots of others which are best viewed in our linked website PDF and inventory list which describes each one in detail, Very Fine and attractive balance with better covers
3c Dull Red, Ty. II, Waterbury Conn. Unofficial Roulette (11A var). Position 4R1L, clear roulettes, tied by "Waterbury Ct. Sep. 4" (1855) circular datestamp on buff cover to Woodbury Conn., original enclosure dated Sep. 3, 1855 relates to an installment payment, absolutely fresh
VERY FINE. ONE OF ONLY FOUR RECORDED ON-COVER EXAMPLES OF THE 3-CENT WATERBURY ROULETTE -- ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL THE UNOFFICIAL PERFORATING ATTEMPTS. THIS ROULETTE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS BEING THE EARLIEST ATTEMPT TO SEPARATE STAMPS ON A HIGH-SPEED PRODUCTION BASIS, PREDATING THE SO-CALLED "CHICAGO PERFS".
In an article on this issue in the Sesquicentennial book (pp. 144-148), Wilson Hulme dates the device, based on shade and plate, to 1854, though this 1855 use was unknown to him and probably indicates a slightly later time period for the device's use (the Chicago Perf covers are known dated in 1856-57). All of the Waterbury Roulettes are from Plate 1 Late. The roulette is spread far apart, leaving wide areas of the stamp still connected. In an article in the Waterbury Democrat it is noted that "the machine for cutting postage stamps so as they may be torn off as required (which was invented by Mr. Phillip Dobbin and manufactured by the well known firm of Blake & Johnson, of this city) was tried last week, and far surpasses the English plan of perforating...by this improvement you are able to cut two thousand five hundred stamps at one time without destroying the stamp in any way..."
The census maintained by Dr. Charles DiComo, which builds upon the census started by Wilson Hulme, records only four on-cover examples and nine off-cover. This fresh cover in sound condition is very desirable. It is also the only year-dated example with contents.
With 2018 P.F. certificate.
3c Brownish Claret, Ty. I, New York N.Y. Unofficial Roulette (11 var). Clear roulettes which gauge approximately 17, with separation into the design on both sides, tied by "New-York Jun. 6, 1857" circular datestamp on yellow blind embossed commission merchants corner card cover to Brainerd N.J., Pos. 29L3 in pencil at top and small ink smear at top not affecting anything, missing part of backflap, Fine and rare, ex Hulme, with 1996 (copy) and 2013 P.F. certificates
5c Red Brown (12). Large to huge margins, deep rich color, tied by "New Orleans La. Oct. 13" (1856) circular datestamp on blue folded letter to Bordeaux, France, red "New-York Br. Pkt. Oct. 21" transit datestamp, red Liverpool transit backstamp (Nov. 3), Paris and Bordeaux receiving backstamps, "13" decimes due handstamp, Extremely Fine, carried on the Cunarder Niagara from Boston (departing Oct. 22, arriving in Liverpool Nov. 2), ex Grunin, Sheriff and Dr. Martin, with 1981 and 2006 P.F. certificates
5c Red Brown (12). Used with 10c Green, Ty. III (15) and 3c Dull Red (11), three 3c singles, margins to in, tied by "New Orleans La. May 19, 1857" circular datestamps on blue folded letter to Copenhagen, Denmark, magenta manuscript "24" credit, red boxed "P.D." handstamp, New York and Hamburg backstamps, possibly an additional 3c stamp is missing which made up the 27c rate via French Mail (but there is no cancel indicating a missing stamp—perhaps it was left uncancelled and removed to be re-used), appears Fine, one of only two recorded 5c 1856 Issue covers to Denmark, the other cover pays the 35c rate via Prussian Closed Mail, unpublished census no. 12-COV-335, ex Hugh J. Baker
5c Red Brown (12). Mostly clear margins, touched at bottom, used with block of four of 10c Green, Types II/III (33/32), Positions 33-34/43-44L1, bright shade, tied by "Troy N.Y. Paid May 4, 1858" circular datestamps on light blue folded letter to Saugor, Hindustan (India), sender's directive "Overland via Southampton" and "Paid to India" with correct 45c postage for British Mail via Southampton—carried on the Cunarder Canada, departing from Boston May 5, 1858, and arriving at Liverpool May 17— "Boston Br. Pkt. 5 May" backstamp, red "40" credit handstamp, red British transit datestamp (May 17), manuscript "1" pence British Colonial credit marking—the journey to India continued from Great Britain on the Peninsular & Oriental Line steamer Columbo, departing Southampton May 20, and arriving at Alexandria (Egypt) June 2; carried overland to Suez and from there by the steamer Nubia to Aden (arriving June 10) and on to Bombay—red Bombay transit (June 24) and Saugor receiving datestamp (June 29) on back, receipt docketing "Recd June 29, 1858", 10c block originally folded over top edge of letter which has been refolded and with crease pressed out, inside of letter reinforced with silk, 5c has faint small crease
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF ONLY THREE EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE USED TO INDIA, AND THE ONLY ONE USED WITH A BLOCK OF THE 10-CENT 1857 ISSUE.
The three recorded 5¢ 1856 covers to India come from the same correspondence, addressed to Fitz-Edward Hall (1825–1901), the eldest of six children born in Troy, New York. Hall entered Harvard in 1846, but left the same year for Calcutta in pursuit of his brother. Wrecked off the Ganges and forced to stay in India, Hall took lessons in Hindustani and Sanskrit, and decided to stay to master the languages. From 1850 to 1855 he studied and taught as a professor of Sanskrit and English. In 1856 he became inspector of public instruction for the central provinces at Saugor. Hall served as a rifleman for nine months, fighting rebels in the Sepoy mutiny of 1856 to 1858, during which time these letters were sent to him from Troy. He left India in 1862, and settled in London as a professor of Sanskrit, Hindustani, and Indian jurisprudence in King's College.
Ex Neinken, Beals, Mayer, Hackmey and Gross. Illustrated in Frajola-Mayer, The United States Five Cent Stamp of 1856 (p. 134). Signed by Stanley B. Ashbrook. With 1989 P.F. certificate.
10c Green, Type III (15). Horizontal pair, large to huge margins, used with 1c Blue, Type IV (9), large margins except touched at bottom, few faint gum toned spots, tied by "Trenton N.J. Mar. 4" (1856) circular datestamps on cover to Lieutenant Earl English, Hong Kong, China, addressed to the "U.S. Sloop Levant, Care of the American Consul", sender's directive "Via Southampton England", red "New-York Am. Pkt. Mar. 8" circular datestamp—carried on the New York & Havre Line Arago, departing New York Mar. 8, 1856, and arriving Southampton Mar. 22—manuscript "6" pence debit, red London (Mar. 22) and "Hong-Kong 23 MY 1856" receiving backstamps, bold red "Forwarded by Desilver & Co. Hong Kong" oval backstamp, with original multi-page letter from Lieut. English's wife Elizabeth
Very Fine. a scarce use of 1851-55 Issue stamps on an American Packet cover to Hong Kong, with a rare forwarder's marking.
Ex Bilden and "Magnolia".
10c Green, Ty. III-III-III-IV (15-16). Positions 61-64L1, horizontal strip of four, right stamp recut at top and bottom (the only position on the plate with this recut), large margins to just in at bottom, tied by "New Orleans La. Sep. 23" (1856) circular datestamps on folded cover to Vera Cruz, Mexico, paying four-times the 10c rate, bold "4" reales due handstamp
VERY FINE COMBINATION STRIP OF THE 10-CENT 1855 ISSUE, WITH THE ONLY TYPE IV STAMP RECUT AT BOTH TOP AND BOTTOM, ON A COVER FROM THE HARGOUS CORRESPONDENCE.
Ex Caspary and Golden.
12c Black (17). Position 37L1, ample margins to just in at left, tied by blue "Richmond Va. May 16" (1854) circular datestamp on blue folded cover to Halifax, Nova Scotia, transit and receiving backstamps (May 21, 22 and 25), light vertical file folds do not affect stamp, Very Fine, the 12c 1851 is rarely found on covers to British North America (it overpays the 10c rate), James Allen records only four such covers, while new treaty rates were effective July 1, 1851, no 10c stamps would be issued until 1855, ex Allen
12c Black (17). Large margins to just in, used with two 10c Green, Type II (14), margins to cutting, both tied by bold strikes of "New Bedford Mass. Aug. 2" circular datestamp on cover to the master of the ship Nautilus at Paita, Peru, red "12" credit handstamp, cover with closed tear at top not affecting stamps, missing backflap
VERY FINE AND RARE USE OF THE 12-CENT AND 10-CENT 1851-55 ISSUES ON A COVER TO PERU. COVERS TO SOUTH AMERICA WITH CLASSIC IMPERFORATE ISSUES ARE EXTREMELY RARE.
There are reported to be only six 1851 Issue covers to Peru. Ex Gallagher, Giamporcaro ("Tito"), Hackmey and Eubanks. With 1999 P.F. certificate
12c Black (17). Positions 65-66L1, horizontal pair, large margins to touched at right, tied by "New Orleans, La. Jun. 3" (1857) circular datestamp on blue folded letter addressed to Cadiz, Spain via Manchester England, red "3" credit handstamp, carried on the Ocean Line's Washington, departing New York June 13 and arriving Southampton June 27, red London Paid datestamp (June 27), Manchester backstamp (June 27), carried privately from Manchester to Spain, some natural bleach spots, Fine and unusual, this was the last voyage and end of the Ocean Line under contract due to lack of U.S. subsidies, ex Allen, with 1994 A.P.S. certificate
12c Black (17). Position 62R1, huge margins to full including portion of adjoining stamp at bottom, tied by "New Orleans La. May 8" (1857) circular datestamp, "New York 9 May 16" debit datestamp on cover to Bordeaux, France, carried on Vanderbilt Ariel, departing New York May 16 and arriving Southampton May 28, Calais arrival datestamp (May 28) and "8" decimes due handstamp, Bordeaux arrival backstamp (May 29), Very Fine, this was sent a little more than a month after the U.S.-French treaty became effective and was underpaid for the treaty rate, it was therefore treated as completely unpaid in the U.S. and France, ex Haas
12c Black (17). Positions 15-16R1, horizontal pair, full margins to barely touched, tied by black and red grids with matching "New York 3 Jun. 28" (1856) credit datestamp on cover to London, England and forwarded to Paris, France, manuscript "Pr. 'Arago' for Southampton from 28th/56" and carried on that Havre Line steamer from New York on June 28, arriving Southampton July 10, red London Paid datestamp (July 11) ties pair, Calais datestamp (July 12, repeated on back) and "8" decimes due handstamp also tying pair, "Poste Restante" in elaborate pen indicating letter would be held at the post office for pickup, missing part of backflap, fresh and Very Fine use of the 12c 1851 on a forwarded cover to France, ex Allen, with 1982 P.F. certificate
12c Black (17). Positions 52-53L1, horizontal pair, full margins all around to just touched at lower right, tied by blue "Cincinnati O May 14" (1855) circular datestamp with second strike at right on blue folded letter to Liverpool, England and forwarded to Rome, Italy, red "3" cents credit handstamp, carried on Collins Atlantic, departing New York May 16 (matching docketing at bottom) and arriving Liverpool May 27, transit datestamps including Liverpool (May 27 and May 28) and Calais (May 30), bold red "P-D" oval handstamp, Rome arrival backstamp (June 5), three additional blurry transit backstamps, manuscript due markings, Very Fine, an outstanding and colorful use of the 12c 1851 Issue on a forwarded cover to Italy, ex Allen
12c Black (17). Positions 47-48L1, horizontal pair, full margins to just shaving outer frameline at left, tied by two strikes of "Cambridge Mass. Jun. 8" (1857) circular datestamp on small cover to Leipzig, Germany, addressed in the hand of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, black and red exchange postmarks from Boston and New York (6c credit) respectively, endorsed "By Bremen Mail", red "3" credit handstamp and matching grid cancel tie pair, "America/Uber Bremen/Franco" handstamp -- Longfellow was better with rhymes than postal rates -- the rate was 15c for Bremen-Hamburg mail so this represents an overpayment of 9c, Very Fine and rare use of a 12c 1851 pair to the German States, sailing data included with exhibit page, ex Allen
12c Black (17). Position 7R1, large margins to in at right, including part of adjoining stamp at bottom, used with three singles of 3c Yellowish Rose Red, Ty. I (11 var) arranged as a strip of three, margins to in, tied by strikes of "Chicago Ill. Jun. 4" (1856) circular datestamp on cover to Eghezee, Belgium, red "New-York Am. Pkt. Jun. 7" circular datestamp, carried on the Collins Baltic, departing New York June 7 and arriving Liverpool June 18, "U.S. PKT." straightline handstamp, rectangular accountancy handstamp (with rates in blue ink) "DEBOURS ETRANGERS/ TAXE REDUITE/ PORT BELGE", manuscript due rates, arrival backstamp of June 24 and large blue consulate backstamp, cover with small repair at bottom, stamps lifted and reaffixed in correct positions
VERY FINE. BELGIUM IS AN EXTREMELY RARE DESTINATION FOR AN 1851 ISSUE COVER.
Ex Piller, "J&J" and Allen.
12c Black (17). Two, margins to slightly in, tied by partly clear strike of "Chicago Ill. Mar 5, 1856" circular datestamp and bold red "New-York Am. Pkt. Mar 15" circular datestamp on small narrow cover to sailor aboard the U.S.S. Constellation at Spezzia, Sardinia, endorsed "Paid to England" and "Via Boston Liverpool & Paris", London (Mar. 28), Calais (Mar. 29) and Genoa (Apr. 1) backstamps, manuscript "10" decimes due, Very Fine use overpaying the 21c rate by 3c
12c Black (17). Position 30L1, full margins to touched at top, used with strip of three of 3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A), tied by grid cancels, red "New-York Am. Packet Mar. 19" (1853) circular datestamp on blue folded cover to Genoa, Italy, sender's directive "Pr Pacific" and carried on that Collins Line steamer, departing New York March 19 and arriving Liverpool March 31, red London backstamp (April 1), red French arrival datestamp, "VIA DI/PT. BEAUVOISIN" two-line handstamp and Torino (April 5) receiving backstamp, manuscript "17" due marking, Very Fine 21c British Open Mail cover to Italy via American Packet, also very scarce with the 12c 1851 Issue, with only approximately five recorded, this is from the same correspondence as the 1851 "complete set" cover offered in our sale of the Gross collection (Sale 1041, lot 366), ex Allen
12c Black (17). Three singles, margins to in, used with 1c Blue, Ty. IV (9), large margins to in at right, tied by "Philadelphia Pa. Nov. 5" (1855) circular datestamps on blue folded letter to William Winans in St. Petersburg, Russia, sender's directive "via Prussian Closed Mail", red "New York Br. Pkt. Nov. 6" datestamp on back, carried on the Cunarder Africa, departing Boston Nov. 7 and arriving Liverpool Nov. 18, manuscript "14" cents credit (2c Belgium, 5c German and 7c Prussia to Russia), red "AACHEN 20/11 FRANCO" framed transit datestamp (Nov 20), manuscript "f6" on back and "f3" on front indicating German and Russian transit fees had been paid, half of letter removed (only noticeable when opened), small faults affect two end stamps
A FINE AND RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ISSUE PAYING THE 37-CENT PRUSSIAN CLOSED MAIL RATE TO RUSSIA.
William Winans arrived in Russia with his brother in 1843, as part of a $3 million contract to supply railroad locomotives and cars for the new railroad between St. Petersburg and Moscow, which was completed in 1851. From 1852, William was the chief manager of the Russian operation, which had a lucrative contract for making and maintaining running stock for the growing Russian railroad network--it was reported their contracted fees were 17 times higher than in any other country in Europe. During the Crimean War the firm's operations expanded, and Winans acted as the U.S. vice-consul in St. Petersburg. The contract expired in 1862, and Winans left Russia a millionaire.
Ex Allen. With 1988 P.F. certificate