Lot 5073
War of 1812, Letter from "H.B.M. Ship Lightning at Sea" to Baltimore, Entered via Philadelphia
Pre-Blockade Bootlegged Cover to Philadelphia
Opening: $250
Estimate: $500 - $600
Status: Unsold
Folded letter written from a brother to his sister, aboard the His Britannic Majesty's Ship Lighting at Sea, with lamentations about the war interrupting their correspondence. Letter datelined "H.B.M. Ship Lightning at Sea 15th Sept. 1812" with no origination postmark, bootlegged into Philadelphia where it was struck with red "Phi 25 OC" (letter carrier) circular datestamp. The arrival at Philadelphia suggest the letter was sent near Madeira or Lisbon. The cover with some edge toning, but still a Very Fine pre-blockade cover.
Provenance
Ex Walske
When will this lot be auctioned?
Winter 2026 Sale | March 20-22
Sale 24 – U.S. Stampless — Sunday, March 22, 1:00 PM EST | 10:00 AM PST
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