Summer 2025 | July 18-20, 2025

Folded stampless letter postmarked Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Dec. 22 (1849), addressed locally to Hon. R.H. Walworth. Marked with blue circular town postmark and matching "2" handstamp for the 2c drop letter rate, applicable for letters delivered from the post office without further mailing. The cover with vertical file fold and creasing.
This letter did not leave Saratoga Springs, it was deposited at the post office by the sender and delivered directly to the recipient. The 2c rate for drop letters was in effect from July 1, 1845 to June 30, 1851, and applies to mail under ½ oz.

Reuben Hyde Walworth (1788–1867) was a prominent American jurist and the last Chancellor of New York, serving from 1828 until the court was abolished in 1847. Known for his legal scholarship and influence on equity law, he also served as a U.S. Congressman and was nominated three times to the U.S. Supreme Court by President John Tyler, though the Senate never confirmed him. Walworth played a significant role in shaping 19th-century American jurisprudence and remained an active public figure throughout his life in Saratoga Springs, New York.

"LYONS, N.Y. OCT 29" datestamp on a circa 1845 local drop cover.

Folded letter locally used in Indianapolis, docketed February 13, 1847, with red "DROP" and red "2" in circle rate handstamps. There is a vertical tear through the "2" marking.
A Very Fine example of this extremely scarce drop letter usage; ASCC lists these markings as used circa 1850.

Folded letter from Lyme, Connecticut, dated November 11, 1851, addressed to Capt. R.H. Griswold. "DROP" is 8cm x 4cm, the "1" is 5cm tall.
Captain Robert Harper Griswold was the successful captain of the Black X Line packet ship Toronto.

"UTICA, N.Y. FEB. 5" postmark. The lettersheet undated with poem in pencil. File folds strengthened with hinges.

Embossed envelope addressed to Miss E. Rogers, South Medina, and struck with bold red "PROVIDENCE R.I. FEB 14" (CA. 1850) circular datestamp and matching red manuscript "3", initially indicating 3c prepaid postage for intercity mail. The cover was subsequently rerated to "2" cents, possibly 1c for drop and 1c for delivery. An unusual usage.

Datelined “Jan 8th 1852”, addressed to Mary F. Brewster in Hampton. The letter discusses having received a note on books studied.

Red "Boston Dec. 14" circular datestamp with “10c” rate crossed out, to correct to free rate.

The cover with spindle hole at center.

Red "Boston, Mass. Mar. 23, 1859" postmark on printed form folded letter.

Advertising corner card for Pheonix Foundry, Lent, South & Shipman, Land & Marine Engine Builders, New Albany, Indiana addressed to Capt. J Bragdon. Struck with a New Albany, Ind. Dec 1 circular datestamp and bold black PAID 3 in circle. Red "ADV 1." boxed handstamp indicating the letter was advertised in New Orleans.
The addressee, Joshua Bragdon (1806–1875) of New Albany, Indiana, was a Union loyalist and part-owner of the steamboat William Bagaley, which was captured by Union forces in 1864 while attempting to run the blockade. A former partner in the Southern firm Cox, Brainard & Co., Bragdon had returned to Indiana at the start of the Civil War, distancing himself from his Southern business interests. After the Bagaley was seized and sold at auction, he filed a claim for his one-sixth share of the vessel, arguing he had never supported the Confederacy. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which denied his claim on the grounds that he had abandoned his property by failing to act sooner.

"U.S. EXPRESS MAIL N.Y. JUN 30" datestamp at up right corner addressed to New Bedford, Massachusetts. Picked up by Kenyon's and delivered to the route agent for the U.S. Express Mail between New York and Boston.

Dated Feb. 6, 1855.

Datelined July 26, 1845

Folded letter to Little Valley, New York, carried by steamboat and marked manuscript "20" due for double-rate postage over 300 miles.

It likely entered the mails in Stonington, Connecticut, where the "STEAM" marking was applied. The steamboat captain was paid 2 cents, and the cover was placed in a mail bag and carried overland across the state to southwestern New York before being delivered to Little Valley, a land-locked town. The envelope shows signs of a thick or heavy enclosure.

Bold blue circular "TROY N.Y. NOV 3" (1845) datestamp with matching straightline "STEAM" and manuscript "7" rate, for 5c postage plus 2c ship fee, on folded letter to Norwich, Chenango County, New York. Carried via the Hudson River route from New York to Troy to Norwich. The letter discusses refusal to take goods on board the boat.

Folded letter datelined September 7, 1837, from Middletown, Connecticut to New York City, rated “12 1/2” in manuscript for carriage between 80 and 150 miles.

Folded letter datelined April 14, 1838, from Troy, New York to New York City. Marked “12½” in manuscript for the 80–150 mile rate. Carried on a non-contract steamboat on the Hudson River.

Used on distinctive green paper.

Letter datelined November 2, 1848, from Troy, N.Y. to Plattsburgh, N.Y.; manuscript "12" for 10 cents postage plus 2 cents ship fee.

Rated for 5c postage plus 2c steam boat fee. Very Fine.

Rated for 5c postage plus 2c steam boat fee. Very Fine.

The stamp with manuscript cancel, addressed to Mechanicville, Saratoga County, N.Y., struck with black boxed "TROY & NEW YORK / STEAM BOAT" marking. Additional manuscript "2" for ship fee, though the letter was prepaid.
The 2c due was added in pencil, despite the 1855 statute and postal regulations which only permitted the charge on letters where the postage had not been paid.

The boxed steamboat marking was introduced at Troy in 1856, making this an early example of this marking in use.

"TROY, N.Y. AUG 25" circular datestamp on cover to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., boxed "TROY & NEW YORK / STEAM BOAT" handstamp and manuscript "2" due marking for ship fee.

Folded letter dated July 5, 1839. Addressed to Kingston, carried on the Hudson River. Letter with small corner piece out at bottom right.