Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 17025 - Bermuda, Crossroads of the Atlantic: A Postal History from 1617 to 1877 - The David Pitts Collection
Lot: 67

(x) Ship Letters
Because private ships did not maintain regular schedules, unless the ship is identified on the cover it is very difficult to determine what vessel carried a particular letter. The Bermuda Royal Gazette recorded the appropriate shipping news often permitting the ship's identification
Forwarding Agents
Six agents operated in Bermuda. Between them there are only ten recorded examples
1864 (3 June) double weight entire letter from Liverpool to Petersburg, Virginia, per Cunard Africa to Halifax and thence per Alpha to Bermuda, forwarded from Bermuda with oval-framed "Forwarded by/r.s. musson & co. /commission merchants/bermuda." cachet (FA3 with only two examples recorded) on reverse, per blockade runner Ella (II)" to Wilmington, rated "22" (double internal Confederate rate plus 2c. ship fee) and with Wilmington arrival datestamp (16.8) on face. A rare incoming blockade runner cover unlisted by Walske, one of only two known strikes of the forwarder handstamp. Photo.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£2,100