Americana Stamps

Lot #: 3158

Gilpin's Exchange Reading Room, 1841 Folded Letter, New York to Leeds via Liverpool

Red "Forwarded by Gilpin's Exchange Reading Room" handstamp with black "Liverpool Ship Letter" handstamp on folded letter.

The original letter was written on the 11th March and was sent on the "President" on her last and fatal voyage, when she disappeared with all hands in March 1841.

This letter is a duplicate copy sent on the "Virginian". In this case the letter never entered the U.S. postal system but was given to Gilpin's Exchange and Reading Room. It struck the reverse with a cachet in red and paid for the ocean passage on the "Virginian", but there is no indication as to whether Freight Money was paid. Presumably it was, and probably would have amounted to 12 ½ cents. There is no indication of departure or arrival dates, but the Market Report enclosed is dated the 12th and the cover arrived in Leeds on 3rd April, so that the actual sailing time was probably 20 days, not much slower than the steamers. In Liverpool it was struck with a Ship Letter hand stamp (Tabeart S 14) and charged 1/4d.

Opening: $180
Estimate: $300 - $500
Category: US Stampless, Forwarding Agents