Sale 1316 — United States Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 19-20 March, 2024
Category — Packet Mail from China via Great Britain, Arranged by Port
Canton, China, to Philadelphia, 1840. Folded cover docketed with Canton Feb. 17, 1840 origin date from Russell & Co. to Philadelphia, sender's directive "via Manila" crossed out, red "Forwarded by Russell & Sturgis, Manila" oval handstamp on back, carried by private ship to England, red London Paid Maltese Cross datestamp (Sep. 17, 1840) and red manuscript "1/" prepaid packet rate, manuscript "0.513 p. Caledonia"—carried on the maiden voyage of the Cunarder Caledonia, departing Liverpool Sep. 19, arriving Boston Oct. 3—red "Boston Ms. Ship Oct. 3" circular datestamp, manuscript "20-3/4" due, Very Fine, rare use from China to U.S. via Philippines and England and on a maiden voyage of a British Cunard packet, ex Barwis
Shanghai, China, to Boston, 1848. Folded letter datelined Shanghai, Sep. (blank day) 1848, from Woodberry Bayliss & Co. to Fogg Brothers & Co., Boston, sender's directive "via Southampton", bold red "Forwarded by Drinker & Co. Hong Kong" and blue "Lemuel Goddard London" oval forwarders' handstamps on back, red "29" handstamp applied at New York (24c packet charge plus 5c rate to Boston), slight wear along file folds, Very Fine, there are no dates on this letter we can use to identify the steamship that carried it from England to New York, but it falls into the Retaliatory Rate period
Canton, China, to Washington D.C., 1853. Buff cover addressed to Capt. H. B. Sawyer, U.S. Navy, Washington D.C., docketed with origin information "Captain Tansill, Steamer Powhatan, China" and "Recd Jany 28th 1854", sender's directive "Via England Overland Mail", backstamped "Canton 9 NO 1853" British P.O. datestamp, faint strike of "SHIP LETTER/VICTORIA HONG KONG" two-line handstamp, red London backstamp (Jan. 2, 1854)—carried on the Cunarder Niagara, departing Liverpool Jan. 7, 1854, arriving Boston Jan. 25— "Boston Br. Pkt. Jan. 25" datestamp on back, manuscript "21" (or "2/-"?) crossed out and re-rated "48", "53" cents due handstamp applied in Boston
FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE COVER FROM AN OFFICER ABOARD THE U.S. FLAGSHIP POWHATAN IN CANTON, CHINA, DURING THE EARLY PHASE OF THE 1853-54 PERRY EXPEDITION TO JAPAN—POSTMARKED AT CANTON AND WITH THE HONG KONG SHIP LETTER HANDSTAMP.
The U.S. steam frigate Powhatan was, at this time, Commodore Matthew C. Perry's flagship during the 1853-54 expedition to China and Japan. This cover was sent by Captain Robert Tansill in November 1853 while he was on board the Powhatan as a member of the East India Squadron and the Perry expedition. In May 1861, Captain Tansill, a native Virginian, resigned from the U. S. Marine Corps while on board the U.S.S. Congress in South American waters. Tansill was arrested upon his arrival in New York in August 1861, and his resignation was not accepted. He was dismissed from the Marine Corps, effective August 24, 1861, and confined to prison at Fort Lafayette and later Fort Warren without charges, a hearing or a trial. He was exchanged as a prisoner of war on January 10, 1862, and on January 22 he was appointed as a captain in the Confederate States Navy.
Shanghai, China, to Boston, 1851. Folded printed circular datelined Shanghai, Mar. 15, 1851, from Wolcott Bates & Co. to William Appleton & Co., Boston, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", "LS 23 MY 23 1851" Maltese Cross datestamp and "19 Cents" debit handstamp—carried on the Cunarder Asia, departing Liverpool May 24, 1851, arriving New York Jun. 4— "Br. Packet Boston Jun. 5" circular datestamp and "24" due handstamp, Very Fine, this printed circular was rated as an ordinary letter, ex Canman
Singapore to Boston, 1856—Report of Battle of Canton. Folded printed letter datelined Singapore, Nov. 18 and 21, 1856, to Boston, sender's directive "Marseilles", red London (Jan. 1, 1857) and "Boston Br. Pkt. 21 Jan." backstamps, manuscript "38" rate and "43" handstamped due, some edgewear and tears, splits along folds, otherwise Fine, printed postscript to letter dated Nov. 21 reports "Bombardment of the City of Canton and capture of the Baque Forts by the British Naval Squadron... Trade was totally suspended...", a rare contemporary report of the Battle of Canton during the Second Opium War
"Paid at Hong Kong" Crown Circle. Mostly clear strike of red handstamp, "Hong-Kong 9 AU 1858" backstamp on buff cover to Samuel Jones, Flushing, Long Island, N.Y., red crayon "1/2" rate, red London Paid datestamp (Oct. 7, 1858), bold "Boston Br. Pkt. 5 Oct. 21" 5c debit datestamp, small faint seal stain at center, Very Fine
China to U.S. via Great Britain, 1858. Blue cover from Albert H. Markham in China to his mother in Galesville, Wisconsin, initialed "AHM" at lower left, carried in naval bag to England, eight Great Britain 1856 1p Red (20) tied by "51" oval grid cancels, red London (Oct. 8, 1858) and "Boston Br. Pkt. Oct. 21" datestamps on back, manuscript "16" rate, manuscript "Due 21" and "21" cents due handstamp, split open at top, faults around edges, stamps creased and slightly faulty, still Fine and presentable, Markham eventually became Admiral Sir Albert Hastings Markham, his naval career spanned 50 years and included many exploits, Arctic exploration, as well as some controversy over the sinking of the H.M.S. Victoria in 1893, he also designed the flag of New Zealand, the Camilla was his first ship posting (at age 17) and he was involved in the Second Opium War around the time this was sent from China
Shanghai, China, to Salem Mass., 1860. Folded cover docketed with Shanghai Dec. 5, 1860 origin from Augustine Heard & Co. to Stone, Silsbee & Peckman, Salem Mass., sender's directive "via Marseilles", backstamped "Hong Kong DE 10 06" (with yeardate error), red London (Jan. 26, 1861) and "Boston Br. Pkt. Feb. 10" receiving datestamps, manuscript "1" rate, "40 Cents" handstamp (applied in London) and "45" cents due handstamp applied in Boston, lightly toned along file fold, adhesive residue at right, Very Fine
Shanghai, China, to Boston, 1862. Folded letter datelined Shanghai, Feb. 4, 1862, from G. F. Heard to his uncle Augustine Heard in Boston, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", clear strike of red "Shanghae Paid C FE 7 62" circular datestamp, backstamped with "Shanghae C FE 7 62" datestamp in black (Roman type without "Paid") and "Hong Kong C FE 11 62" datestamp, red pen and crayon rates including "2/2", red London Paid datestamp (Mar. ?) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, "Boston Am. Pkt. 5 Apr. 16" 5c due datestamp, Very Fine
Shanghai, China, to Boston, 1862. Folded letter datelined Shanghai, Jun. 29, 1862, from J. Heard to his uncle Augustine Heard in Boston, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", perfect strike of red "Shanghai Paid C JY 3 62" circular datestamp, backstamped with same red datestamp, black "Shanghae C JY 3 62" datestamp, "Hong Kong C JY 9 62" datestamp, red crayon rates including "1/11", red London Paid datestamp (Aug. 27) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, bold "Boston Am. Pkt. 5 Sep. 9" 5c due datestamp, writing shows through slightly, Very Fine
Hong Kong, China, to Boston, 1862. Cover with printed red "Per Overland Via Marseilles" route directive to Mrs. F. D. Williams in Boston, blue "Forwarded by Wetmore, Cryder & Co. Hong Kong" oval handstamp on back, clear strike of red "Hong Kong Paid C NO 14 62" circular datestamp, backstamped with Hong Kong datestamp in black, red crayon rates including "2/2", red London Paid datestamp (Dec. 26), bold "10" due handstamp and "Boston Br. Pkt. Jan. 11" backstamp, sealed tear at top left corner, minor edgewear, otherwise Very Fine, attractive use of the Via Marseilles printed route envelope from Hong Kong
Shanghai, China, to Boston, 1863. Folded letter datelined Shanghai, Jan. 8, 1863, from G. F. Heard to his uncle Augustine Heard in Boston, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", clear strike of red "Hong Kong Paid C JA 14 63" circular datestamp, backstamped with same datestamp in black, red crayon rates including "2/2", red London Paid datestamp (Feb. 25), red crayon "16" credit, "Boston Am. Pkt. 5 Mar. 12" 5c due datestamp, writing shows through slightly, Very Fine
Hong Kong, China, to Boston, 1863. Folded cover docketed with Hong Kong May 29, 1863 origin from Russell & Co. to Samuel Cooper & Co. in Boston, "Forwarded by Russell & Co. Hong Kong" oval handstamp, sender's directive "Marseilles", clear strike of red "Hong Kong Paid C MY 30 63" circular datestamp, backstamped with similar datestamp in black, red crayon rates including "2/2", red London Paid datestamp (Jul. 16) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, "Boston Am. Pkt. 5 Jul. 30" 5c due datestamp, faint toning along file fold, Very Fine
Shanghai, China, to Scituate Mass., 1863. Bold strike of red "Shanghae Paid C AU 20 63" circular datestamp on cover to Mrs. Moses R. Colman, Scituate Mass., sender''s directive "Via Marseilles", backstamped with same datestamp in black and Hong Kong datestamp (Aug. 25), red crayon rates including "1/11", red London Paid datestamp (Oct. 15) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, "Boston Am. Pkt. 5 Oct. 30" 5c due datestamp, slightly reduced at right, Very Fine
Shanghai, China, to Boston, 1863. Bold strike of red "Shanghae Paid C NO 24 63" circular datestamp on blue cover to Joseph Hale, South Boston, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", backstamped with Shanghai datestamp in black and blue Hong Kong datestamp (Nov. 28), red crayon rates including "2/2-1/2", red London Paid datestamp (Jan. 9, 1864), "Boston Am. Pkt. 5 Jan. 27" 5c due datestamp and pencil "Due 5", carrier datestamp on back, minor edge toning, Very Fine
China to Galesville Wis., 1861. Cover addressed to Mrs. John Markham from Albert H. Markham with initials "AHM", no origin markings but originated in Hong Kong or Shanghai, China, backstamped with red London Paid datestamp (Feb. 18, 1861), manuscript rates crossed out and finally rated "33 cts Due", perfect bold strike of blue "Chicago Am. Pkt. Mar. 13" circular datestamp applied at the Chicago exchange office, Very Fine, the Chicago exchange office marking is very rare on mail originating in Asia, Markham eventually became Admiral Sir Albert Hastings Markham, his naval career spanned 50 years and included many exploits, Arctic exploration, as well as some controversy over the sinking of the H.M.S. Victoria in 1893, he also designed the flag of New Zealand
Hong Kong, China, to Galesville Wis., 1861. Cover addressed to Mrs. John Markham from Albert H. Markham with initials "AHM", red "Hong Kong Paid C FE 14 61" circular datestamp, backstamped with Hong Kong datestamp in black (Feb. 14), red London Paid datestamp (Apr. 1) struck over Hong Kong datestamp and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, red crayon rates including "1/2", manuscript "5 cts Due", perfect bold strike of blue "Chicago Am. Pkt. 5 Apr. 19" 5c due datestamp applied at the Chicago exchange office, small tear at top, Very Fine, the Chicago exchange office marking is very rare on mail originating in Asia, Markham eventually became Admiral Sir Albert Hastings Markham, his naval career spanned 50 years and included many exploits, Arctic exploration, as well as some controversy over the sinking of the H.M.S. Victoria in 1893, he also designed the flag of New Zealand
Shanghai, China, to Arcadia Wis., 1862. Cover addressed to Mrs. Markham in her daughter Caroline's hand, partly clear red "Shanghae Paid C NO 22 62" circular datestamp, backstamped with Shanghai datestamp in black (Nov. 22) and Hong Kong datestamp (Nov. 28), red crayon rates crossed out, red London Paid datestamp (Jan. 19, 1863) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, perfect clear strike of blue "Chicago Am. Pkt. 5 Feb. 15" 5c due datestamp applied at the Chicago exchange office, forwarded to another Wisconsin post office, manuscript "Due 3", Very Fine, the Chicago exchange office marking is very rare on mail originating in Asia, Markham eventually became Admiral Sir Albert Hastings Markham, his naval career spanned 50 years and included many exploits, Arctic exploration, as well as some controversy over the sinking of the H.M.S. Victoria in 1893, he also designed the flag of New Zealand
Shanghai, China, to Arcadia Wis., 1863. Cover addressed to Mrs. Markham with original letter enclosure from her daughter Caroline datelined "Shanghai 23rd March/63", backstamped "Shanghae C MR 25" and "Hong Kong C MR 30 63", magenta manuscript "1" rate, red London Paid datestamp (May 21) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, clear strike of blue "Chicago Am. Pkt. 5 Jun. 5" 5c due datestamp applied at the Chicago exchange office, manuscript Wisconsin June 17 postmark (town difficult to decipher) and "Due 3 cts" for forwarding, Very Fine, the Chicago exchange office marking is very rare on mail originating in Asia, ex Bolton
Hong Kong, China, to Woodburn Ill., 1863. Buff cover addressed to A. L. Sturges, Woodburn Ill., sender's directive "Via Marseilles", clearly struck "Hong-Kong C AP 12 63" circular datestamp on back, red "PAID" framed handstamp, red manuscript rates including "2/2", red London Paid datestamp (May 27, 1863) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, clear strike of blue "Chicago Am. Pkt. 5 Jun. 16" 5c due datestamp applied at the Chicago exchange office, matching "7/U.S. NOTES" depreciated currency handstamp, Very Fine, the Chicago exchange office marking is very rare on mail originating in Asia, especially with the depreciated currency marking, which converted 5c due in silver to 7c in currency
Hong Kong, China, to Terre Haute Ind., 1860. Cover with printed address to Mrs. R. L. Law in Terre Haute Ind., from Lieut. R. L. Law, U.S.S. Hartford, backstamped "Hong Kong C SP 9 60" circular datestamp, red London backstamp (Nov. 9), manuscript "1" and "12" rates crossed out, bold "Detroit Am. Pkt. Nov. 24" circular datestamp applied at Detroit exchange office, blue crayon "33" due, some minor staining, still Very Fine, rare use of Detroit foreign mail exchange office marking on mail from China
Hong Kong, China, to Fort Wayne Ind., 1860. Blue cover addressed to James Strodi, Fort Wayne Ind., sender's directive "Via Marseilles", slightly blurry strike of red "Hong-Kong Paid C DE 30 60" circular datestamp, red crayon rates with error "1/6" rate, red London Paid datestamp (Feb. 12, 1861) and manuscript credit, light but readable strike of "Detroit Am. Pkt. 5" 5c due datestamp applied at the Detroit exchange office, backflap removed, horizontal crease in cover, otherwise Fine, rare use of Detroit foreign mail exchange office marking on mail from China
Shanghai, China, to Boston, 1849. Blue folded letter datelined Shanghai June 14, 1849, from D. O. Clark to Samuel Hooper, care of Baring Brothers, London, sender's "Per Overland Mail Via Marseilles" directive, faint red "Paid at Hong Kong" crown-circle handstamp, light strike of "Hong-Kong 29 AU 1849" backstamp, red manuscript "2/" rate and red line through "Marseilles" since this was sent by Southampton route, red London Paid datestamp (Oct. 30, 1849), previous route directive and Baring Brothers address crossed out, Nov. 2 Maltese Cross datestamp, "19 Cents" debit handstamp, sent by Cunarder America, red "24" handstamp applied at Boston, slight wear along folds, Very Fine, ex White (on page with detailed write-up)
Shanghai, China, to Boston, 1850. Mostly clear strike of red "Paid at Hong Kong" crown-circle handstamp on blue folded printed market report datelined Shanghai, Aug. 10, 1850, from Smith & Co. to Fogg Brothers, Boston, light strike of "Hong-Kong 12 AU 1850" circular datestamp on back, red manuscript "1/8" rate, red London Paid datestamp (Oct. 26), Oct. 27 transit datestamp, manuscript "16" rate, "New York 5 cts Nov. 13" due datestamp, slight wear along file folds, Very Fine, ex White with exhibit write-up
Macau, China, to Woolwich Me., 1851. Mostly clear strike of red "Paid at Hong Kong" crown-circle handstamp on cover to Samuel P. Buck, Woolwich Me., sender's notation at lower left "U.S.S. Saratoga Macao", light strike of "Hong-Kong 23 MY 1851" circular datestamp on back, red manuscript "1/8" rate, red London Paid datestamp (Jul. 20), red manuscript "16" rate, "New-York 5 Cts Aug. 3" due datestamp, Very Fine
Shanghai, China, to New York, 1854. Folded letter datelined Shanghai, Dec. 30, 1854, from Augustine Heard & Co. to Benjamin Newton, New York, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", trace of Hong Kong circular datestamp on back, London backstamp (Mar. 2, 1855), "New-York Br. Pkt. Mar. 18" circular datestamp, manuscript "96" rate crossed out and re-rated "106", Very Fine
Canton, China, to New York, 1854. Folded letter datelined Canton, Jan. 9, 1854, from Augustine Heard & Co. to Benjamin Newton, New York, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", faint "Hong-Kong 10 JA 1854" circular datestamp on back, London backstamp (Feb. 28), "New-York Am. Pkt. Mar. 17" circular datestamp, manuscript "2/11" rate crossed out and re-rated "54", "75" due handstamp, Very Fine
Shanghai, China, to Salem Mass., 1855. Folded cover docketed "Aug. Heard & Co. Jan. 16 '55" from Shanghai to Salem Mass., sender's directive "Via Marseilles", trace of Hong Kong datestamp on back, manuscript "52" rate, bold "New-York Am. Pkt. Apr. 22" circular datestamp with "53" due handstamp, faint toning, Very Fine
Shanghai, China, to Boston, 1855. Folded letter datelined Shanghai, Oct. 6, 1855, from Augustine Heard Jr. to his uncle in Boston, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", faint strike of "Hong Kong 12 OC 1855" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Dec. 1), manuscript "54" rate, "New-York U.S. Pkt. Dec. 21" circular datestamp and "75" debit handstamp, writing shows thru, Very Fine
3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11). Horizontal pair, large margins to barely in, tied by large "Paid" grid cancel on folded letter from Canton, China, to Boston, datelined "Canton May 6, 1856" from the office to Augustine Heard in Boston, forwarded to Sharon N.Y., sender's directive "Via Marseilles", clearly struck "Hong-Kong 9 MY 9 1856" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Jun. 30), "New-York Am. Pkt. Jul. 17" and red "Boston Jul. 19" circular datestamps, manuscript "54" rate, "53" handstamp overstruck by grids and re-rated "96", business content which duplicates another sending, light wear
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE USE OF THE 1851 ISSUE AS FORWARDING POSTAGE ON A LETTER FROM CHINA. especially desirable with double international and domestic rates.
Covers from China to the U.S. with stamps added for internal forwarding are generally very scarce—they are extremely rare with the 1851 Issue.
Shanghai, China, to New York, 1856. Folded letter datelined Shanghai, Sep. 2, 1856, to Mrs. Jeannie Hammond, New York, from her brother, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", part strike of Hong Kong circular datestamp (Sep. 12) on back, London backstamp (Oct. 30), manuscript "48" rate, part strike of "New-York (Br. Pkt.) Nov. 13" datestamp with "53" due handstamp, "New York Post Office Advertised" oval handstamp, name underlined by the post office, slightly toned, Fine
Hong Kong, China, to New Haven Conn., 1856. Clear strike of red "Paid at Hong-Kong" crown-circle handstamp on cover to Edward A. Walker, New Haven Conn., sender's directive "Via Marseilles", "Hong-Kong 29 DE 1856" circular datestamp on back, red crayon "1/4" rate, red London Paid datestamp (Feb. 16, 1857), manuscript "16" rate, "N.York Am. Pkt. 5 Mar. 6" 5c due datestamp, Very Fine
U.S. Naval Cover from Hong Kong, China, to Washington D.C., 1857. Cover addressed to Hon. James A. Bayard, U.S. Senate, Washington D.C., from Captain Samuel F. du Pont, U.S. Navy, aboard the U.S.S. Minnesota in Hong Kong during the Second Opium War, sender's directive "Overland Mail via Marseilles", mostly readable strike of "Hong-Kong C 27 NO 1857" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Jan. 12, 1858), manuscript "24" rate, clearly struck "New York 45 Jan. 28" 45c integral due rate datestamp, receipt docketing "Capt. Dupont, Canton [crossed out] Hong Kong 1857", half of backflap removed, wear and tear around edges, still Fine, accompanied by lengthy write-up explaining the historical background of this cover—the letter (no longer present) was sent by Captain du Pont (later Rear Admiral) to Senator Bayard of Delaware while du Pont was located in Hong Kong harbor during the Second Opium War
Hong Kong, China, to New York, 1857. Folded letter datelined Hong Kong, Mar. 13, 1857, from Augustine Heard & Co. to Archer Low & Bull, New York, sender''s directive "Via Marseilles", clear strike of "Hong-Kong 14 MR 1857" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Apr. 28), manuscript "40" rate, bold "New-York Br. Pkt. May 15" circular datestamp and "45" debit handstamp, letter mentions troops arriving from Singapore and Chinese capture of a river steamer and murder of foreigns on board, Very Fine
China to Galesville Wis., 1858. Cover addressed to Mrs. John Markham from Albert H. Markham with initials "AHM", with letter enclosure datelined "H.M.S. Camilla, Canton River, April 8th 1858", backstamped with red London datestamp, manuscript rates crossed out and finally rated with "Due 39", partly readable New York Aug. 11 (1858) circular datestamp and "39" due handstamp, opened roughly with tears in backflaps and mended nick at top, otherwise Fine, very scarce with the original letter—interesting content, which starts "You see we are now in the Canton River & laying off canton just where the Factories are, or rather were, for they are now a mass of ruins" and then offers some gory details of wartime torture, "I went ashore the other day & I went to a place which we call the Chamber of Horrors, where you see all the different Chinese Punishments & Tortures, there is one fellow lashed between two planks and being sawn down through the head, and another being boiled in lead..."—Markham eventually became Admiral Sir Albert Hastings Markham, his naval career spanned 50 years and included many exploits, Arctic exploration, as well as some controversy over the sinking of the H.M.S. Victoria in 1893, he also designed the flag of New Zealand
Foochow, China, to Boston, 1858. Folded letter datelined Foochow, May 31, 1858 from Russell & Co. to Appleton & Co., Boston, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", mostly readable strike of "Hong-Kong 6 JU 1858" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Jul. 27), manuscript "24" rate, blurry "New-York Am. Pkt. Aug. 4" circular datestamp with "45" due handstamp, minor splitting along interior folds, Fine, a rare letter originating in Foochow in 1858, ex Mizuhara (whose write-up stated five stampless covers were known from Foochow)
Shanghai, China, to New York, 1858. Folded letter datelined Shanghai, Jul. 30, 1858 from Augustine Heard & Co. to Archer & Bull, New York, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", mostly readable strike of "Hong-Kong 7 AU 1858" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Oct 4), manuscript "24" rate, bold "New-York Am. Pkt. Oct. 22" circular datestamp with "45" due handstamp, writing shows thru and stained along file fold, Fine
Hong Kong, China, to New York, 1858. Folded letter datelined Oct. 4, 1858 from Augustine Heard & Co. to Archer & Bull, New York, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", partly readable strike of "Hong-Kong 2 OC 1858" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Nov. 29), manuscript "42" rate, bold "New-York Am. Pkt. Dec. 27" circular datestamp with "84" due handstamp, slightly toned file fold, Very Fine
China to Galesville Wis., 1858. Blue cover addressed to Mrs. John Markham, Galesville Wis., from Albert H. Markham with initials "AHM", carried in a naval mail bag from Canton River to London, backstamped with red London datestamp (Dec. 22, 1858), matching "PACKET LETTER" straightline handstamp struck in London, manuscript "6" and "28" rates, partly blurry "New-York Br. Pkt. Jan. 10" (1859) circular datestamp and "33" due handstamp, misread as "38" and rated "Due 38" at Galesville, small erosion spot in "33" marking, otherwise Fine, with extensive write-up and transcript of a letter that no longer accompanies—Markham eventually became Admiral Sir Albert Hastings Markham, his naval career spanned 50 years and included many exploits, Arctic exploration, as well as some controversy over the sinking of the H.M.S. Victoria in 1893, he also designed the flag of New Zealand
Hong Kong, China, to New York, 1859. Blue folded letter datelined Hong Kong, Feb. 14, 1859, from Augustine Heard & Co. to Archer & Bull, New York, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", perfect strike of "Hong-Kong 14 FE 1859" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Mar. 30), manuscript "34" rate, clear strike of "New-York Br. Pkt. Apr. 18" circular datestamp with "39" due handstamp, Extremely Fine
Amoy, China, to North Chatham Mass., 1859. Yellow cover to Mrs. Simeon N. Taylor, North Chatham Mass., sender's directive "Via Marseilles", sharp strike of red "Amoy Paid A 19 AP 59" circular datestamp, "Hong Kong C AP 23 59" backstamp, red "PAID" framed handstamp, red crayon "1/8" rate, red London Paid datestamp (Jun. 9), bold strike of "N. York Br. Pkt. 5 Jun. 22" 5c due datestamp covers the Amoy marking
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE AMOY PAID CIRCULAR DATESTAMP ON A COLORFUL COVER TO THE UNITED STATES.
This cover is illustrated in the Scamp book (p. 259), where it is described as the "earliest of 15 known 'Amoy Paid' covers." The sailing itinerary accompanying the cover has it on the Peninsular & Oriental Manilla, Apr. 19, 1859, from Amoy to Hong Kong, then by the French Hydapse from Alexandria to Marseille. It was carried from Great Britain to New York on the Cunarder Persia, departing June 11, and arriving June 21.
Ex Scamp.
Hong Kong, China, to Chatham Mass., 1859. Yellow cover addressed to Mrs. Simeon N. Taylor, North Chatham Mass., clear strike of "Hong Kong C AP 20 59" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Jun. 13), manuscript "12" and "28" rates, "New-York Am. Packet Jun. 27" circular datestamp and "33" due handstamp, slightly reduced at left, Fine
Hong Kong, China, to Boston, 1859. Folded letter datelined Hong Kong, Jun. 1, 1859, to Mrs. R. S. Thompson, Boston, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", mostly readable strike of "Hong-Kong C JU 4 59" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Aug. 1), manuscript "24" rate, "New-York Am. Pkt. Aug. 14" circular datestamp with "45" due handstamp, writing shows thru, small tear at top, Fine
Hong Kong, China, to Boston, 1859. Blue folded letter datelined Hong Kong, Sep. 10, 1859 to Rogers & Co., Boston, sender's directive "pr Ganges Via Marseilles", bold strike of "Hong Kong C SP 10 59" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp partly torn away, manuscript "18" rate, bold "New-York Am. Pkt. Nov. 17" circular datestamp with "39" due handstamp, a few toned spots, still Very Fine, ex White (with detailed write-up)
Shanghai, China, to New York, 1859. Folded letter datelined Shanghai, Sep. 19, 1859, from Augustine Heard & Co. to Archer & Bull, New York, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", mostly readable strike of "Hong-Kong C Sp 26 59" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Nov. 10), manuscript "40" rate, bold "New-York Br. Pkt. Nov. 25" circular datestamp with "45" due handstamp, writing shows thru, Very Fine
3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26). Used as forwarding postage on yellow cover from Hong Kong, China, to Fair Haven Mass. and forwarded to Abington, "Hong Kong C JA 14 60" backstamp, red crayon "Marseilles" and "1/8" rate (probably a Hong Kong datestamp under 3c stamp), red London Paid datestamp (Feb. 28) and manuscript "16" credit, "N. York Am. Pkt. 5 Mar. (?)" 5c due datestamp, stamp has small fault at bottom, otherwise Fine, colorful and unusual use of 3c 1857 on cover from Hong Kong
Canton, China, to Schenectady N.Y., 1860. Cover addressed to Miss Fannie Fisk, Schenectady N.Y. from Canton, China, with origin notation on back "Canton 14th March 1860", blue "Forwarded by Wetmore, Williams & Co. Hong Kong" oval handstamp, backstamped with "Hong-Kong C MR 14 60" and red London (May 2) circular datestamps, manuscript "12" and "Due 33" rates, partly readable "New-York Am. Pkt. May 12" circular datestamp and "33" handstamp, sealed tear at top, slight discoloration at right, otherwise Fine
Shanghai, China, to Washington D.C., 1861. Blue legal-size cover with "Consulate of the U.S. of America at Shanghai" endorsement and "Via Marseilles" directive, addressed to Bartholomew Fuller, 5th Auditor, Treasury Dept., clear strike of "Hong Kong C JU 24 61" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Aug. 15), manuscript "2" and "80" rates crossed out and rated "90", "New-York (Br.?) Pkt. Aug. 29" circular datestamp, bleached along bottom egde, otherwise Fine, rare consulate usage
Hong Kong, China, to Gloucester Mass., 1861. Yellow cover to Mrs. Mary O. Moore, Gloucester Mass., clear strike of "Hong Kong C JY 11 61" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Sep. 2), manuscript "1" credit and "12" rate, clear "New-York Am. Pkt. Sep. 18" circular datestamp with "33" due handstamp, minor edgewear, Very Fine
Hong Kong, China, to Keene N.H., 1861. Buff cover to James W. Russell, Keene N.H., sender''s directive "Via Marseilles", bold strike of "Hong Kong C JY 23 61" circular datestamp on back, red London backstamp (Sep. 16), manuscript "1" credit, "18 Cents" debit handstamp, clear "New-York Am. Pkt. Oct. 3" circular datestamp with "39" due handstamp, Very Fine, ex White (with detailed write-up)
Hong Kong, China, to New York, 1862. Folded letter datelined Hong Kong, Feb. 26, 1862 from Russell & Co. to Smyth & Co., New York, sender's directive "Via Marseilles" crossed out, bold strike of "Forwarded by Baring Brothers & Co. London" oval handstamp, "3 Cents" and London datestamp (Apr. 15), "24 handstamp applied in New York, part of back panel missing and splits along folds, otherwise Fine
Shanghai, China, to Arcadia Wis., 1862. Cover from John Markham to his brother George in Arcadia Wis., sender's initials "JM" and "Paid", sharp strike of red "Shanghae Paid C MY 17 62" circular datestamp, "Shanghae C MY 17 62" and "Hong Kong C MY 22 62" backstamps, red crayon "1/7" and "1/8" rates, red London Paid datestamp (Jul. 19), partly readable strike of "N. York (Am.?) Pkt. 5" 5c due datestamp (date unclear), small opening tear at top, Fine, with original 4-page letter that is filled with commentary about the Taiping Rebellion from the British perspective, John was the brother of Albert Markham, a British naval officer who spent the early years of his service in China
Hong Kong, China, to Galesville Wis., 1859. Cover from John Markham to his brother George in Arcadia Wis., sender''s initials "JM" and "Paid", clear strike of red "Hong Kong Paid C MY 21 59" circular datestamp, "Hong Kong C MY 22 59" backstamp, red crayon "1/2" and "16" rates, offset of red London Paid datestamp on back, blue crayon "5" due and "Paid" crossed out, Very Fine, John was the brother of Albert Markham, a British naval officer who spent the early years of his service in China
Hong Kong, China, to New York, 1862. Folded letter datelined Hong Kong, Jul. 9, 1862, from Russell & Co. to Smyth & Co., New York, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", clear strike of red "Hong-Kong Paid C JY 11 62" circular datestamp, red crayon "2/2" rate, red London Paid datestamp (Aug. 27) and matching "16 Cents" credit handstamp, "N.York Am. Pkt. 5 Sep. 9" 5c due datestamp, slight wear along file fold, Very Fine
Shanghai, China, to New York, 1862. Cover with red printed "PER OVERLAND VIA MARSEILLES" in frame to Mrs. Francis B. French in New York, red "Shanghae Paid C JY 17 62" circular datestamp, red "1/11" and "2/2" crayon rates, "Shanghae C JY 17 62" and "Hong Kong C JY 24 62" circular datestamps on back, red London datestamp (Sep. 12), "N. York Br. Pkt. 5 Sep. 28" 5c due datestamp, minor toned spots, Fine, scarce Shanghai Paid marking
Hong Kong, China, to Boston, 1863. Partly readable strike of "Hong Kong Paid C JA 14 63" circular datestamp on 3c Pink on Buff entire (U35) to Joseph Hale, Boston, "Hong-Kong C JA 14 63" backstamp, red crayon "1/7" and "1/8" rates, red London Paid datestamp (Mar. 3) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, "N. York Am. Pkt. 5 Mar. 22" 5c due datestamp, pencil docketing on back "Aug 19 to Dec 25 1862 Ed", slight edgewear, Fine, rare and very early use of U.S. stamp from China, although the stamped envelope did not prepay postage, ex Bilden
China to Greenfield N.H. and Forwarded, 1862. Tissue-thin cover with red printed "PER OVERLAND VIA MARSEILLES" in ribbon to Mrs. F. D. Williams in Greenfield Mass. and forwarded to Charlestown N.H., blue "Forwarded by Wetmore Cryder & Co. Hong Kong" oval handstamp, red "Hong Kong Paid C SP 10 62" circular datestamp, red "1/10" crayon rate, red London datestamp (Oct. 27) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, "N. York Am. Pkt. 5 Nov. 13" 5c due datestamp, "Greenfield Ms. Nov. 15, 1862" double-circle datestamp, neat strikes of "Forwarded" in oval and "Due 3" in circle handstamps, "8c" manuscript marking for postage due from recipient (5c plus 3c), slight edgewear including small tear at top with small tape mark, Very Fine, a beautiful and unusual use from China to the U.S., then forwarded with additional 3c due
Hong Kong, China, to Newport R.I., 1863. Folded cover to Robert Sturgis, Newport R.I., sender''s directive "Via Marseilles", lightly struck "Forwarded by Russell & Co. Hong Kong" oval handstamp, red "Hong Kong Paid C MR 14 63" circular datestamp, "Hong-Kong C MR 14 63" backstamp, red crayon "3/11" and "4/1" rates, red London Paid datestamp (Apr. 27) and "32 Cents" credit handstamp, "New-York Am. Pkt. Mar. 12" datestamp and "10" in circle due handstamp, Very Fine, scarce double-rate cover with Hong Kong forwarder''s marking
Hankow, China, to New York, 1863. Blue cover to William T. Salter, New York, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", receipt docketing indicating origin in Hankow Aug. 29, 1863, blurry red "Shanghae Paid" circular datestamp, "Shanghae C SP 3 63" and blue "Hong Kong C SP 8 63" backstamps, red crayon rates including "4/", red London Paid datestamp (Apr. 27) and "32 Cents" credit handstamp, "New-York Am. Pkt. Nov. 16" datestamp and "10" in circle due handstamp, slight wear and toning along edges, still Very Fine, very rare cover carried from Hankow to Shanghai
Hong Kong, China, to Amesbury Mass., 1863. Blue cover to B. A. Follensbee, Amesbury Mass., red "Hong Kong Paid C SP 10 63" circular datestamp, blue "Hong-Kong C SP 10 63" backstamp, red "1/4" and "2/2" rates, red London Paid datestamp (Oct. 28) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, "N. York Am. Pkt. 5 Nov. 16" 5c due datestamp, Very Fine, colorful prepaid cover from Hong Kong, ex White (with write-up)
Hong Kong, China, to Newark N.J., 1863. Cover with red "Bosman & Co. Hong Kong" oval and "VIA MARSEILLES" straightline handstamps to Mrs. F. Wolcott Jackson, Newark N.J., faint red "Hong Kong Paid C OC 31 63" circular datestamp, blue "Hong-Kong C OC 31 63" backstamp, red crayon "2/1" rate, red London datestamp (Dec. 14, 1863) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, "N. York Am. Pkt. 5 Dec. 29" 5c due datestamp, faint toning, Fine, scarce Hong Kong forwarder marking
Hong Kong, China, to Greenfield N.H., 1863. Tissue-thin cover with red printed "PER OVERLAND VIA MARSEILLES" in ribbon to Mrs. F. D. Williams in Greenfield Mass., red "Hong Kong Paid C DE 31 63" circular datestamp, "Hong-Kong C DE 31 63" backstamp, red "2/1 1/2" and "2/2 1/2" crayon rates, red London datestamp (Feb. 12, 1864) and "5 Cents" credit handstamp, red "N. York Br. Pkt. Paid 24 Feb. 28" 24c integral-rate datestamp, Very Fine, attractive prepaid cover from Hong Kong
Shanghai, China, to New York, 1864. Cover with printed address to William T. Salter, New York, printed directive "Via Marseilles", clear strike of red "Shanghae Paid AU 20 64" circular datestamp, blue "Shanghae C AU 20 64" and blue "Hong Kong C AU 24 64" backstamps, red crayon "2/2 1/2" rate, red London Paid datestamp (Oct. 17) and "21 Cents" credit handstamp, New York red "Paid" in arc handstamp, docketed "A. Heard & Co. Shanghai Aug 18 NY Nov 2/64", Very Fine
Chefoo, China, to South Dennis Mass., 1869. Blue cover to Alpheus Baker, South Dennis Mass., with original enclosure datelined "Chefoo July 15/69" from his son Alpheus Jr., blue "Shanghae Local Post X JY 2(?) 69" circular datestamp on back, carried by local post from Chefoo to Shanghai, backstamped with blue "Shanghae A JY 22 69" and "Hong Kong C AU 3 69" circular datestamps, red London Paid datestamp (Sep. 25) and "New York Oct. 7" backstamps, manuscript "1" credit crossed out, manuscript "32 cts" crossed out and re-rated "45"
A RARE COVER TO THE UNITED STATES CARRIED BY THE SHANGHAI LOCAL POST FROM CHEFOO.
The accompanying write-up describes this as "believed to be the earliest cover from Chefoo through the Shanghai Local Post," but we cannot verify the accuracy of that statement. Regardless, it is a very early usage.
Hong Kong, China, to Pittsburgh Pa.—Wreck of the Colombo, 1862. Cover to Mrs. M. McD. Smith, Pittsburgh Pa., sender's directive "Via Southampton", red "Hong Kong Paid C OC 31 62" circular datestamp, "Hong Kong C OC 31 62" backstamp, red "1/7" and "1/8" rates, red London Paid datestamp (Jan. 1, 1863) and "16 Cents" credit handstamp, perfect strike of "Saved from the wreck of/the Colombo" two-line framed handstamp, full clear strike of "Portland Me. Am. Pkt. 5 Jan. 14 1863" 5c due datestamp applied at the Portland exchange office, edgewear and faults including tear at bottom center halfway up into address
AN IMMENSELY RARE COVER FROM CHINA TO THE UNITED STATES THAT WAS SALVAGED FROM THE WRECK OF THE COLOMBO.
The Peninsular & Oriental Line's Colombo left Galle in Ceylon on Nov. 18, 1862, and at 4 a.m. on Nov. 19 in torrential rain she struck on Minicoy Island, the southernmost of the Laccadives in the Indian Ocean, and became a total loss. The Colombo carried the Australian mail and a small amount of China mail picked up at Singapore. Much of the mail was submerged and not salvaged until three months after the wreck. This is a relatively early London date (January 1, 1863) and an extremely rare cover originating in China.
Ex White (with write-up).
Hong Kong, China, to New Bedford Mass.—Wreck of the Colombo, 1862. An extraordinary pair of covers from this famous shipwreck: the original cover is a blue linen-lined envelope in tatters, addressed to William W. Crapo, New Bedford Mass., with original contents, a legal document datelined at Manila, Philippines, Oct. 22, 1862, red "Hong Kong Paid C OC 30 62" circular datestamp, "Hong Kong C OC 30 62" backstamp, red crayon "3/2" and "3/4" rates; after the cover and its letter were salvaged and sent to the British Post Office in London, they were placed inside a transmittal cover, also a blue linen-lined envelope with red seal on flap, "On Her Majesty's Service" and "Post Office" imprint on front, addressed to William M. Crapo in New Bedford, red London Paid circular datestamp (Jan. 20, 1863), "Saved from the wreck of/the Colombo" two-line framed handstamp on back, "New York Br. Pkt. Feb. 8" circular datestamp and "10" in circle due handstamp, New Bedford receiving datestamp (Feb. 9)—the wreck cover is a bit of a wreck, as is to be expected, but the markings miraculously survived unscathed, the outer transmittal cover has slight reduction at right and edge tears
A REMARKABLE POSTAL HISTORY ARTIFACT—THE ORIGINAL COVER AND LETTER WERE SENT FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO HONG KONG, CHINA, AND SALVAGED FROM THE WRECK OF THE COLOMBO, THEN MAILED IN A BRITISH OFFICIAL POST OFFICE ENVELOPE TO THE ADDRESSEE.
The Peninsular & Oriental Line''s Colombo left Galle in Ceylon on Nov. 18, 1862, and at 4 a.m. on Nov. 19 in torrential rain she struck on Minicoy Island, the southernmost of the Laccadives in the Indian Ocean, and became a total loss. The Colombo carried the Australian mail and a small amount of China mail picked up at Singapore. Much of the mail was submerged and not salvaged until three months after the wreck.
Shanghai, China, to Portland Me., 1864. Cover to J. N. Morrill, Portland Me., red "Shanghae Paid C FE 23 64" circular datestamp, faint "Shanghae C FE 23 64" and blue "Hong Kong C FE 27 64" backstamps, red crayon "1/9 1/2" and "1/10 1/2" rates, red London Paid datestamp (Apr. 18) and "21 Cents" credit handstamp, full clear strike of "Portland Me. Am. Pkt. 24 Paid May 6 1864" 24c integral-rate datestamp applied at the Portland exchange office, opening tear at upper right, otherwise Very Fine, scarce cover from China sent through the Portland office, ex White (with write-up)
Shanghai, China, to Mechanic Falls Me., 1864. Cover to Oliver B. Dwinal, Mechanic Falls Me., red "Shanghae Paid C AP 8 64" circular datestamp, "Shanghae C AP 8 64" and blue "Hong Kong C AP 13 64" backstamps, red "1/9 1/2" and "1/10 1/2" rates, red London Paid datestamp (Jun. 2) and "21 Cents" credit handstamp, full clear strike of "Portland Me. Am. Pkt. 24 Paid Jun. 17 1864" 24c integral-rate datestamp applied at the Portland exchange office, Very Fine, scarce cover from China sent through the Portland office
Letters to and from Canton, China, 1840-48. Three folded letters with addresses but no postal markings, includes two letters to and from Edward King, one datelined Canton Mar. 5, 1840, to Newport R.I. with trade news, other datelined Boston Oct. 15, 1840, from J. M. Forbes to King in Canton with business content, third is datelined Canton Feb. 25, 1848, from Benjamin Stark to his mother in New London Conn., lengthy content about journey to China, excellent condition
Mail from China to the U.S., 1852-67. 12 covers, interesting variety of routes, rates and markings, includes one with manuscript "Legation of United States to China"; forwarders' markings include Rawle, Drinker & Co., A. H. Fryer & Co., and Thomas Hunt & Co.; U.S. domestic markings include Advertised and Forwarded, Portland Me. exchange office datestamp (stained); two with "Hong Kong Paid" circular datestamp, mixed condition, a couple in very rough shape, overall Fine and a desirable group with values of $200-300 each