10c Black (2). Large margins, some toning at left, tied by well-struck blue "Troy N.Y. Aug. 23" (1850) circular datestamp with matching "TROY & NEW YORK/ STEAM BOAT" framed handstamp on blue folded letter datelined "New York 22 Augt. 1850" to Montreal, Canada, manuscript "4-1/2" pence due, receiving backstamp, vertical file folds including one affecting stamp (just breaks paper), light toning

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE "TROY & NEW YORK STEAMBOAT" BOXED HANDSTAMP USED ON THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE. ONLY SEVEN ARE RECORDED IN THE USPCS CENSUS--INCLUDING FOUR TO CANADA--AND THIS IS THE EARLIEST.

The "Troy & New York Steamboat" marking was used on letters carried by non-contract steamboats between New York City and Troy. The mail entered the U.S. postal system at the receiving office, and the town datestamp indicates where the letter was received. The Troy receiving datestamp was used to cancel the stamps on the three recorded "Troy & New York Steam Boat" covers to Montreal, all of which are from the Torrance correspondence. Another 10c cover is addressed to Quebec, and the stamp is tied by the blue grid cancel. The other three 10c covers in the USPCS census are domestic uses. The distance from Troy to the border was under 300 miles, and so would have only required a 5c stamp. However, since this cover originated in New York City, the 10c was affixed to pay the over-300 miles rate.

Ex Knapp, Matthies and Mirsky. With 1996 P.F. certificate

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables