Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21045 - The Alan Holyoake Grand Prix Collection of British and International Registered Mail
Lot: 223

(x) The Americas
Canada
Mail To the United Kingdom
Crimean War: 1856 (7 Jan.) blue entire to Petersfield in Hampshire "By United States Packet", various markings on the front including handstruck "paid" and "registered", manuscript registration numbers, rate marks of "2/4" in red crayon and large "6" with faint St. Vincent despatch c.d.s., Petersfield arrival (1.2) and circular "more/to/pay" (for the registration fee to be collectted from the recipient) and, on the reverse, Toronto and another c.d.s. There is some weakness along the fold lines and some soiling at top and foot. A rare letter sent via New York due to the Crimean War, possibly the only such registered letter to be redirected by this route

The Cunard Packet service was postponed during the Crimean War as the steamers were required for transporting troops to and from Crimea. Urgent mail needed to be redirected via New York for an extra fee of 8d. The weekly British Packet service was restored on 9th January 1856

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£900

Starting price
£900