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Auction: 5011 - Stamps & Covers of the World
Lot: 798

Great Britain 1880 envelope addressed to ´William Pratt, Seaman H.M. Ship Atalanta, Barbadoes, West Indies or Elsewhere´, bearing 1864-79 1d. plate 191, ML, tied by Sevenoaks ´697´ duplex cancellation of 7 January, superb strike of the unique ´ship/missing.´ handstamp alongside, showing similarly superb ´portsmouth/ju 8/80´ c.d.s. below, which was applied upon the return of this unsuccessfully delivered letter. This is the only known example of mail relating to the mysterious case of the ´Atalanta´ (originally launched as the ´Juno´), which sailed from Portsmouth on 7 November 1879, destined for the West Indies. However, an outbreak of yellow fever amongst the crew forced the captain to head for Bermuda instead. The ship arrived on 29 January 1880 and left port only two days later and headed back home to England, but she ship was never heard of again. It was suggested that the ship was lost after being caught in a severe gale which had been reported in the area. The Admiralty were shocked and incredulous, as the ´Atalanta´ was one of the new class of frigates thought to be virtually unsinkable - her last known position was within the area known today as the ´Bermuda Triangle´. A unique, fascinating and highly important showpiece. Accompanied by interesting details, printed articles, etc. B.P.A. Certificate (1983). Photo Estimate £ 3,500-4,500

Sold for
£10,000