Sale 1316 — United States Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 19-20 March, 2024
Category — Packet Mail to China via Great Britain
Baltimore Md. Oct. 6 (1849). Blue circular datestamp with "PAID" handstamp and manuscript "90" double 45c rate on small cover to Commodore David Geisinger, commander of East India Squadron, Canton, China, red manuscript crossing out "90" and rated with "48" credit, red London datestamp (Nov. 5, 1849), "Hong-Kong 24 JA 1850" receiving backstamp, minor edgewear and faint toning, still Very Fine, this was sent to Geisinger around the time 18 American sailors from a wrecked whaler were imprisoned in Nagasaki, Japan, and he ordered one of his officers to sail to Japan to negotiate for their release, which was successful
New York 42 Sep. 7 (1850). Bold strike of 42c debit datestamp on Aug. 5, 1850 blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, care of Baring Brothers in London, England, sender's directive "pr. Atlantic" and "p. Overland Mail", red Liverpool arrival backstamp (Sep. 21), red straightline "VIA MARSEILLES" directive applied by Baring Brothers, manuscript "2/" transatlantic postage crossed out and re-rated "4/" for total postage to China, red London Paid (Sep. 24) datestamp, faint Hong Kong arrival backstamp, a few bleached spots, Very Fine
New York 21 Aug. 6 (1851). Mostly bold strike of 21c debit datestamp on Aug. 5, 1851 blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, care of Baring Brothers in London, England, sender's directive "pr. Atlantic" and "p. Overland Mail", red Liverpool arrival backstamp (Aug. 17), red straightline "VIA SOUTHAMPTON" directive applied by Baring Brothers, manuscript "1/" transatlantic postage crossed out and re-rated "2/" for total postage to China, red London Paid (Aug. 19) datestamp struck over New York datestamp, "Hong-Kong 7 OC 7 1851" arrival backstamp, Oct. 8 receipt docketing, faint toning, Very Fine, with Arthur White write-up giving all of the sailing and rate details
Cardiff N.Y. to Foochow, China, 1852. Manuscript "Cardiff July 21" (1852) postmark and "Paid 45" rate on brown cover to Rev. M. C. White in care of English Consul at Foochow ("Fuh Chau"), China, sender's directive "Overland via Southampton", red manuscript "24" credit, red London Paid (Aug. 4) datestamp, manuscript "4" British rate from Hong Kong to Foochow, "Hong-Kong 10 OC 1852" receiving backstamp, with several letter enclosures, cover slightly worn around edges, Fine, Foochow is considerably rarer as a destination than Canton or Hong Kong
Brunswick Me. 3 Paid Oct. 16 (1852). Integral-rate circular datestamp and "PAID" handstamp with manuscript "45" rate on buff cover to Hong Kong, addressed to John S. Sewall on board the U.S.S. Saratoga, one of the "Black Ships" of Perry's 1853 expedition to Japan, sender's directive "Via New York & Southampton, Overland Mail", manuscript "40" credit, carried on the Cunarder Asia, red "BRITISH/PACKET" two-line handstamp, red London Paid datestamp (Nov. 2), "Hong-Kong 18 JA 1853" backstamp, neat Jan. 16, 1853 receipt docketing, minor waterstain, Fine, scarce with the "British Packet" handstamp, ex Starnes
Philadelphia Pa. Sep. 7 (1852). Blue circular datestamp with red "PHILA/5 Cts./PAID" octagonal handstamp uprated to 45c by inserting "4" in rate, boldly struck on blue folded cover to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, sender's directive "'Asia' & overland", manuscript "45 Cents Paid" crossed out in magenta manuscript and credited "40", red London Paid datestamp (Sep. 21), "Hong-Kong 6 NO 6 1852" arrival backstamp, Nov. 7 receipt docketing, Extremely Fine, a very unusual use of the 5c domestic rate handstamp with written rate modification
Philadelphia Pa. Nov. 8 (1852). Blue circular datestamp with red "PAID" ("45" in manuscript) and "40/CENTS" handstamps on Nov 8, 1852 blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, sender's directive "Niagara 11/10-52" at bottom left, London Paid datestamp (Nov. 23, 1852) and backstamp, "Hong-Kong 13 JA 1853" arrival backstamp, Very Fine, paid for the 45c rate via Southampton, the Niagara arrived in Liverpool on November 20 but the P & O steamer Haddington had already sailed that day, this was sent overland via Marseilles and then by Admiralty or French packet to catch the Haddington at Malta, accompanied by write-up with sailing data
Boston Br. Pkt. Dec. 8 (1852). Red circular datestamp with matching "PAID" handstamp and pencil "75" via Marseilles rate on Dec. 6, 1852 blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Shanghai, China, sender's directives "pr. 'America'" and "Pr. Overland via Marseilles", red "70/CENTS" credit handstamp, red London Paid datestamp (Dec. 21), faint Hong Kong arrival backstamp, Very Fine, the 70c credit marking is uncommon
Boston Br. Pkt. Apr. 18 (1854). Circular datestamp on back with red "PAID" handstamp and pencil "65" via Marseilles rate on Apr. 18, 1854 blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, sender''s directive "p. Europa", red "60" credit handstamp, red London Paid datestamp and backstamp (May 1, 1854), "Hong-Kong 25 JU 1854" arrival backstamp (oddly struck when back flap was open), Very Fine, ex Richardson
Salem Mass. May 23 (1854). Red circular datestamp with matching "PAID" and manuscript "65" via Marseilles rate on May 23, 1854 blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, sender's directive "overland mail", red "60" credit handstamp with corresponding "Boston Br. Pkt. 24 May" backstamp, red London Paid datestamp (Jun. 5, 1854), "Hong-Kong 25 JY 1854" arrival backstamp, Very Fine, an attractive and scarce use from Salem to Canton
New York 5 Jul. 26 (1854). Mostly complete bold strike of 5c debit datestamp on Jul. 26, 1854 blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, care of Baring Brothers in London, England, sender's directive "Steamer 'Asia'" and "p. overland mail via Marseilles", red Liverpool arrival backstamp (Aug. 7), blue "Forwarded by Baring Brothers & Co. London" oval handstamp, manuscript "1/" transatlantic postage crossed out and re-rated "2/10" for total postage to China, red London Paid (Aug. 9) datestamp, without a Hong Kong arrival backstamp, Sep. 20 receipt docketing, Very Fine
New-York Am. Packet Mar. 21 (1855). Red circular datestamp and pencil "33" rate on blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, sender's directive "Pr. Overland Mail April", large red "12" credit handstamp, red London Paid datestamp (Apr. 4, 1855), "Hong Kong 24 MY 1855" arrival backstamp, May 25 receiopt docketing, faint bleached specks, Very Fine, ex White with his extensive write-up noting this was carried on Collins Line charter Nashville (its only round trip)
N. York Br. Pkt. 5 May 22 (1855). Clear strike of 5c debit datestamp on May 22, 1855 blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, care of Baring Brothers in London, England, sender's directive "Asia" and "Overland Mail Via Marseilles", red Liverpool arrival backstamp (Jun. 4), "Forwarded by Baring Brothers & Co. London" oval handstamp, manuscript "1/" transatlantic postage crossed out and re-rated "2/" for total postage to China, red London Paid (Jun. 9) datestamp, "Hong-Kong 26 JU 1855" arrival backstamp, Jul. 27 receipt docketing, Very Fine
Boston Br. Pkt. Mar. 18 (1856). Bold strike of circular datestamp on back with corresponding "5" debit handstamp on Mar. 18, 1856 folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, care of Baring Brothers in London, England, sender's directive "p. Africa" and "via Marseilles", red Liverpool arrival backstamp (Apr. 1), faint "Forwarded by Baring Brothers & Co. London" oval handstamp, manuscript "1/" transatlantic postage and sender's route directive crossed out, new directive "Via Southampton", without a Hong Kong arrival backstamp, May 24 receipt docketing, Very Fine
Boston Paid Apr. 23 Br. Pkt. (1856). Boldly struck red circular datestamp and pencil "33" rate on Apr. 22, 1856 blue folded letter to Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, sender's directive "pr 'Cambria' via Marseilles" and box charge notation, red crayon "28" credit, red London Paid datestamp (May 7, 1856), Liverpool (May 7) and "Hong-Kong 25 JU 1856" backstamps, Extremely Fine, ex White with extensive write-up
Boston Paid 20 Jan. Br. Pkt. (1857). Red circular datestamp and pencil "49" rate on Jan. 19, 1857 blue folded letter to Albert F. Heard, Shanghai, China, sender's directive "Via Marseilles", red crayon "44" credit, red London Paid datestamp (Feb. 10, 1857), "Hong-Kong 28 MR 1857" arrival backstamp, faint bleached specks, Very Fine, ex White with his extensive write-up
New-York Am. Pkt. Jun. 20 (1857). Red circular datestamp and large pencil "66" rate on buff cover to Benjamin C. Wandell, care of Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, sender's directive "Pr Atlantic" and "via overland mail", magenta manuscript "24" credit, red London Paid datestamp (Jul. 2, 1857), "Hong Kong 20 AU 1857" arrival backstamp
VERY FINE. A RARE COVER FROM THE UNITED STATES TO CANTON, CHINA, WHICH ARRIVED IN HONG KONG IN AUGUST 1857 DURING THE BRITISH BLOCKADE OF CANTON.
The Second Opium War commenced in October 1856 when British forces took action against Canton for the Chinese capture of the Arrow. Hostilities escalated in the spring of 1857 and on August 7, 1857, the British declared a blockade of Canton. On December 29 British and French forces occupied the city. This letter arrived in Hong Kong on August 20, during the British blockade. Unlike the cover in lot 6149, this has no docketing to indicate it was received in Hong Kong. Scamp states, "it was quite probably carried by Gunboat up to the new postal agency at Whampoa, the Canton P.O. having been burned."
Ex Scamp.
New-York Am. Pkt. Jul. 18 (1857). Red circular datestamp and large pencil "45" rate on July 7, 1857 duplicate folded letter to Benjamin C. Wandell, care of Augustine Heard & Co., Canton, China, sender's directive "Columbia" (Collins Line chartered vessel) and "via overland mail", magenta manuscript "24" credit, red London Paid datestamp (Jul. 30, 1857), "Hong Kong 19 SE 1857" arrival backstamp, docketed "Recd. Hong Kong Sep 26/57"
VERY FINE. A RARE FOLDED LETTER FROM THE UNITED STATES TO CANTON, CHINA, WHICH ARRIVED IN HONG KONG IN SEPTEMBER 1857 DURING THE BRITISH BLOCKADE OF CANTON.
The Second Opium War commenced in October 1856 when British forces took action against Canton for the Chinese capture of the Arrow. Hostilities escalated in the spring of 1857 and on August 7, 1857, the British declared a blockade of Canton. On December 29 British and French forces occupied the city. This letter arrived in Hong Kong on September 19, during the British blockade, and was held by Augustine Heard & Co. for one week until the addressee claimed it.
Ex Stollnitz and Scamp.
Moira N.Y. Dec. 7 (1857). Clearly struck circular datestamp and "Paid 33" rate on buff cover to Rev. Otis Gibson, care of Russell & Co. in Foochow ("Fuh-Chau"), China, sender's directive "Overland via Southampton, England", red "New-York Am. Pkt. Dec. 12" backstamp, red manuscript crossed out "33" and rated "12" credit, red London Paid (Dec. 24, 1857) datestamp, "Hong-Kong 28 FE 1858" arrival backstamp, red "Paid at Hong-Kong" crown-circle handstamp and red crayon "8" British rate from Hong Kong to Foochow (either double 4p or 8 cents), Mar. 7, 1858 receipt docketing on back, slight edgewear and part of backflap missing
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE COVER FROM THE UNITED STATES TO FOOCHOW, CHINA, VIA HONG KONG WITH THE "PAID AT HONG KONG" CROWN CIRCLE AND "8" RATE INDICATING PREPAID INTERPORT POSTAGE WAS CHARGED FOR CARRIAGE BY A PRIVATE VESSEL.
This cover was carried on the New York & Havre Line Fulton from New York to Liverpool, then by Peninsular & Oriental steamers Colombo from Southampton and Norna from Galle to Hong Kong. Since there were no P&O steamer sailings from Hong Kong to Foochow that correspond to the March 7, 1858 docketing date, this was carried by a private ship and charged the interport rate (4p, equal to 8c). The "8" is either a double 4p rate or the single rate expressed in cents. Interport covers with the crown-circle handstamp are very rare.
Boston Paid B. Pkt. Jun 1 (1859). Red circular datestamp boldly struck on May 31, 1859 blue folded letter to Capt. Robert H. Waters, Ship Industry, care of Russell & Co., Hong Kong, China, sender's directive "Pr. 'Canada'", carried by Prussian Closed Mail, pencil "38" rate, red "Boston 15" undated circular 15c credit handstamp, magenta manuscript "10", red London Paid datestamp (June 16, 1859) and "Pd" in circle handstamp, red "AACHEN 14/6 FRANCO" framed transit datestamp (June 14), red "f31/4" silbergroschen rate on back, faint Hong Kong backstamp, Aug. 12 receipt docketing, Very Fine, scarce example of mail to China via Prussian Closed Mail, ex Bolton
New York to Hong Kong, China, 1860. Blue folded letter datelined New York Oct. 13, 1860, to Augustine Heard & Co., Hong Kong, China, with sender's "Voigt & Millington New-York" blue oval backstamp, manuscript directive "St. Arago" crossed out but "Overland Mail via Marseilles" remains, carried outside the mails to London, Great Britain, 1855, 1p Red Brown on Bluish (16; SG 29) paying Late Fee, tied by "51" oval grid cancel and red London Paid Oct. 26, 1860 circular datestamp, matching "1d" British Colonial credit handstamp, red manuscript rate, faint Hong Kong arrival backstamp (Dec. 1?), Very Fine, an extremely unconventional usage and rare cover, sent from New York to London where it entered the British mail as a Late Fee letter, with the fee paid by a 1p Red stamp before making the journey to Hong Kong
Hong Kong to Foochow, China, 1861. Cover with red and blue Cannon and Flag Patriotic "Our Compromise with Traitors!" design, probably originated in the United States, addressed to Capt. H. W. Gray, "Bark Cossack", Foochow, China, care of Russell & Co., red "Hong Kong Paid C OC 28 61" circular datestamp, "Hong Kong C OC 28 61" backstamp, red crayon "4" intercolonial rate, skillfully cleaned with small cosmetic mends at top
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A SPECTACULAR AND EXCEEDINGLY RARE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR PATRIOTIC COVER TO CHINA DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR.
Ex Gabriel. With 1994 P.F. certificate.