Americana Stamps

Winter 2025

January 3-5

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Found 831 Results
Great Britain Stampless, Great Britain 17th Century

Lot #: 3001

1670 Type I London Bishop Marking, Great Britain Folded Letter, Plymouth to Middle Temple

Datelined "Plym. 27th September 1670" from John Young, addressed to "For his much respected Mr. Samuel Royle at his chamber in the Middle Temple" in London. "3d" manuscript with London Bishop Marking "SE 30" on reverse.

The letter discusses the sale of John Young's land in Stoke Climsland, Cornwall to a Mr. Clarke and others, detailing aspects of the ownership transfer. Samuel Royle is addressed at his chamber in the Middle Temple, though there is no record of him being a member of the Inn.

Opening: $200
Estimate: $300 - $500
Category: Great Britain Stampless, Great Britain 17th Century
Provenance:

Ex Cipolla

US Stampless, 18th Century

Lot #: 3002

1750 Folded Letter, Boston to Newport, Rated 2/6 (2 Shillings 6 Pence)

Folded letter from Boston to Newport, datelined 22 July 1750, addressed to Samuel Vernon, rated "2/6"

According to the 2004 Ed and Jean Siskin exhibit "United States Postal History Before the United States Post Office," "Starting about 1690, Massachusetts began issuing one of the world's first paper currency called Massachusetts Old Tenor. Some other New England Colonies followed Massachusetts' lead. Its value was initially pegged at 3/4ths Sterling. Although subsequent currencies replaced the Old Tenor, it remained the currency of accounts until generally phased out in the mid-1750s. Starting about 1723, significant devaluation of Old Tenor occurred."

The rate for the distance from Boston to Newport was 4 pence. Applying the inflation actor of 7.5 applicable in 1750 produces 30 pence which equals 2 shillings 6 pence. There was no additional charge for a carrier fee.

The addressee of this letter, Samuel Vernon, was a prominent Newport silversmith and merchant in the 18th century, known for both his exquisite silver craftsmanship and involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. His business dealings extended throughout New England, linking him to the wider colonial economy and the triangular trade network.

Opening: $240
Estimate: $400 - $500
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century

Lot #: 3003

1758 Folded Letter, Boston to Newport, Rated 2dwt (6 Pence)

Folded letter from Boston to Newport, indicated by manuscript "Bos" Rated 2dwt (6p) for 60-100 miles.

Datelined 20 March 1758, addressed to Samuel Vernon.

Opening: $240
Estimate: $400 - $500

Lot #: 3004

1769 Folded Letter, Philadelphia to Lancaster, Rerated to 0/10

Scarce Destination

Letter to Lancaster datelined Philadelphia 17th Jany 69. Rated "2" dwt (6 pence) for 60 to 100 miles. Rerated "0/10" (0 shilling/ 10 pence) after applying 1.67 inflation factor. Lancaster had to rerate the letter because it was paid by the addressee and Lancaster had to credit Pennsylvania.

The addressee of this letter, Jasper Yeates, was a distinguished lawyer and judge from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who served as an Associate Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court from 1791 to 1817. Though he held loyalist sympathies during the Revolutionary War, he later became a key figure in shaping Pennsylvania’s judicial system and contributed to the interpretation of early American law.

Opening: $480
Estimate: $800 - $1,000
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century

Lot #: 3005

1770 Folded Way Letter, Boston to Portsmouth, rated 2 dwt

Scarce, with only 5-6 Recorded

Folded way letter from Boston to Portsmouth with manuscript "dwt 2" Datelined Dec 31, 1770. Addressed to Hugh Henderson.

The British Act of 1765 provided that the single sheet rate for 60 to 100 miles was 6 pence, which was equivalent to 2 dwt. Letters were marked "dwt/2" at Portsmouth. There was a regular postal route with a rider and also a stable coach from Boston through New Bury Port and Cambridge.

The addressee of this letter, Hugh Henderson, was a shipbuilder and prominent merchant based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, around 1770. Known for his contributions to the local maritime industry, Henderson was involved in constructing and outfitting ships that were vital for trade and fishing in the New England region.

Lot #: 3006

1787 Folded Letter, Boston to Albany, Addressed to Philip Van Rensselaer

Very Fine Boston Straightline use during the Confederation period

Included in the Boston Postal History to 1851 Exhibit by Mark Schwartz.

BOSTON". Straightline handstamp with matching partly clear strike of "5/MA" Franklin mark on May 5, 1787 docketed folded cover to Albany N.Y. Manuscript "4.16" rate for 300-400 miles with rate restated in local New York currency as "2/4" (2sh 4p, which is double the standard conversion of 14p, or 1sh2p). Addressed to Philip Van Rensselaer.

The addressee, Philip Van Rensselaer, was a prominent merchant and public official from Albany, New York, who served as the city’s mayor from 1799 to 1816 and was involved in provisioning the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Opening: $180
Estimate: $300 - $400
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century
Provenance: Ex Mark Schwartz

Lot #: 3007

1790 Folded Letter, Charleston to Philadelphia, New York Straightline

"New-York" straightline on folded letter docketed February 2, 1790 to Philadelphia. Manuscript "pr Capt Elliot Via N. York" Rated "Sh 2" when the letter entered the mails at New York City; rated "1/" local currency at Philadelphia. Addressed to John Godfried Wachsmuth (of Dutilh and Wachsmuth).

The ratings were calculated as follows : In Pennsylvania local currency 16 grains [Ship rate] + 1 dwt 8 grains [60-100 miles-the distance of New York to Philadelphia was 80 miles) was equivalent to 2 dwt in New York sterling.

The addressee, John Godfried Wachsmuth, of the firm Dutilh & Wachsmuth, was a prominent merchant, based in Philadelphia during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Dutilh & Wachsmuth, founded by Wachsmuth and his business partner, John Dutilh, engaged in extensive international trade, dealing in commodities like sugar, coffee, and textiles, and had strong connections with markets in Europe and the Caribbean.

Opening: $120
Estimate: $200 - $300
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century

Lot #: 3009

1792 Folded Letter, Charleston to Newburyport, Rated 22c

December 1, 1792 folded letter from Charleston, SC to Newburyport, RI via Philadelphia. "1 DE" circular handstamp with manuscript "22." Addressed to Moses Brown.

In December of 1792, the Ship Fee was 4c. This was rated 22 cents for 300-450 miles. Boston to Philadelphia was 365 miles (based on 1783 Postal Mileages table). Docketed to be received and forwarded by Isaac Hazlehurst Co., which was a Philadelphia Merchant firm.

Opening: $180
Estimate: $300 - $500
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century

Lot #: 3010

1793 Folded Letter, Charleston to Boston, Boston Straightline

"Boston" straightline with matching "29 OC" datestamp on folded letter from Charleston, SC to Newburyport, RI via Boston. Manuscript "Sh 12" with October 29, 1793 docketing. Addressed to Moses Brown.

Moses Brown, born in 1742 in West Newbury, Massachusetts, was a successful chaise maker who became one of Newburyport’s wealthiest figures through strategic investments in trade, particularly sugar, molasses, and the West Indies market. By 1790, he was a major real estate investor, acquiring extensive property holdings and founding a rum distillery at the foot of Green Street. He is perhaps best remembered for his construction of the Brown Square House, now the Garrison Inn, which remains a landmark in the town he helped to shape.

Opening: $180
Estimate: $300 - $500
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century

Lot #: 3011

1793 Ship Letter with Clear Portsmouth Strike and Scarce Sh 10 Rate

"Portsmouth December 13" straightline on folded letter datelined "Petersburg Virginia Novem 18th 1793." Brought by non-contract ship from Petersburg to Portsmouth, Virginia and then carried to "OLD YORK/MASSACHUSSETS," now York, Maine.

10c rate: 4c ship letter fee + 6c for distance not over 30 miles.

This is a scarce and valuable cover with scarce rate and very nice strike of the Portsmouth straight line handstamp.

Opening: $180
Estimate: $300 - $500
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century

Lot #: 3012

1795 Folded Letter, Cabin Point Straightline, 17c Rate

From Benjamin Harrison, brother of President William H Harrison

"CABIN POINT APRL 18" partial straightline and manuscript "17" rating on folded letter to Baltimore. Datelined "Brandon AP 26th, 1795" from Benjamin Harrison, brother of the 9th President of the US, William H Harrison. It was brought mailed from Brandon to Cabin Point where it was by ship to Baltimore. This went by regular mail. The Act of May 8, 1794 set the rate at 17 cents for 150 to 300 miles.

The sender of this letter, Benjamin Harrison VI, was an influential American merchant, planter, and politician, who also played a role in the Revolutionary War. As the son of Founding Father Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Harrison came from a distinguished family and maintained close ties with key figures of the time. He was also part of a prominent political lineage, being the older brother of President William Henry Harrison and the great-uncle of President Benjamin Harrison.

Opening: $300
Estimate: $500 - $800
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century

References/Links:

Lot #: 3016

1796 Ship Letter, Jamaica to Philadelphia, Baltimire Straightline

Scarce 16 1/2 Cent Rate, Only 5-6 Estimated

"BALT" Straightline on folded letter addressed to John Dutilh (of Dutilh and Wachsmuth) in Philadelphia. Datelined "Jerrenie 25th April 1796." Rated 16 1/2 cents, consisting of 12 1/2 cents for the distance of 100-150 miles between Baltimore, the port of entry, and Philadelphia, the destination, plus the 4 cents ship fee in effect from 1792 to 1799.

According to the American Stampless Cover Catalog, the Baltimore straightline marking was used from 1793 to 1797. The ASCC states that "Numerous minor varieties of this marking are known." This one has a period after the month.

The letter contains notice of a ship sailing with a cargo of coffee and requests $4000 insurance coverage.

Opening: $390
Estimate: $650 - $750
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century

Lot #: 3017

1798 Folded Letter, Boston to Ashburnham, Boston Straightline

Folded letter from boston, privately carred to Ashburnham, MA.
"1 MA" and "BOSTON" straightline markings, with manuscript "Sh 34." Datelined April 14, 1798. Addressed to John Cambridge. The rate of 34c was for a triple ship letter sent 60-100 miles.

Manuscript at the bottom left reads "HAN'D BY MR. KNOX"
The writer notes opportunity to send letter was presented by Thomas Knox who promises to be careful in forwarding this letter.

Opening: $240
Estimate: $400 - $500
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century

Lot #: 3018

1799 Folded Letter, Philadelphia to Lansingburgh, 17c Rate

With a PF Certificate which reads, "STAMPLESS FOLDED LETTER DATELINED PHILA MAY 23, 1799. ADDRESSED TO LANSINGBERGH NY. RED PHI/23/MY POSTMARK. AND WE ARE OF THE OPINION THAT IT IS A GENUINE USAGE, THE COVER WITH STAINS AND A SCOTCH TAPE REPAIR COVERING TEARS AND A PIECE OUT AT BOTTOM"

Opening: $180
Estimate: $300 - $500
Category: US Stampless, 18th Century
Certificate:
PF 489915
US Stampless, New York City Clamshell

Lot #: 3019

Red New York City Clam Shell, Dot Variety, 1798 Folded Letter

New Earliest Known Date in Red

March 16 1798 datelined folded letter to Philadelphia with manuscript "Sh 24."

Rated : Sh 24 for 10 x 2 for the distance from NYC to Philadelphia + 4c Ship captain's fee. Rates calculated under the Act of February 20, 1792.

Excerpt from "The New York Clamshells and Ovals by Calvet M. Hahn":

The earliest recorded clamshell is the orange item illustrated below on a domestic letter from New York to Philadelphia with a manuscript 10c rate, dated March 10, 1798....The color of the red New York clamshells changed very early in their existence. A cover from April 9, 1798 with a manuscript Sh 14 for an incoming ship charge of 4c plus the 10c New York-Philadelphia rate is illustrated below.

Opening: $240
Estimate: $400 - $500
Category: US Stampless, New York City Clamshell

Lot #: 3021

Red New York City Clam Shell, Dot Variety, 1799 Folded Letter

Scarce Olde English Month & Date Variety

Black New York City Clam Shell, Jun 21, Dot Variety with Olde English Lettering, on folded letter datelined Savannah June 3d 1799 to Philadelphia. Manuscript "Sh 14"

Rated : Sh 14 (12c for the distance from NYC to Philadelphia + 2c Ship captain's fee. Notes the Ship fee was reduced from 4c to 2c under the Act of March 2, 1799.) This letter contained one enclosure (a banknote) according to the text so that postage was double the single rate.

The Olde English lettering in the month and day was only used for 8 weeks, from 6/13 - 7/7 1799.

Opening: $300
Estimate: $500 - $700
Category: US Stampless, New York City Clamshell

References/Links:

Lot #: 3023

Black New York City Clam Shell, Dot Variety, 1800 Folded Letter

Excellent Strike

Black New York City Clam Shell, Jun 40, Dot Variety, on folded letter datelined New York 30th June 1800 to Troy with manuscript "17"

Rated 17 cents for regular mail from New York to Troy for 150 - 300 miles.

Letter reads..."The schooner got in last eve'g and we shall get her discharged tomorrow...Shall come up with the schooner."

Letter pages are separated in half.

Opening: $180
Estimate: $300 - $400
Category: US Stampless, New York City Clamshell

Lot #: 3025

Black New York City Clam Shell, 1800 Folded Letter, 17c rate

Letter Mention's Alexander Hamilton's Pamphlet concerning the Conduct of John Adams

New York City stampless folded letter to Troy. Mostly clear black clamshell fancy handstamp, 17 rate in manuscript. Letter discusses interesting business content and mentions Alexander Hamilton's Pamphlet concerning the Conduct of John Adams, which was written 2 days prior:

"General Hamilton has wrote another book which I would have forwarded but for the High Postage - John Adams is the theme, much his folly or rather foolish conduct "

Opening: $120
Estimate: $200 - $300
Category: US Stampless, New York City Clamshell