Lot
197 
(San Francisco 1906 Earthquake) "San Francisco, Cal., Apr. 18, 5AM, 1906", machine cancel ties 1902 2¢ shield on small cover to New York City; cover with contemporary note on reverse, "This letter was in the last mail that left San Francisco before the great disaster of April 18th 1906, being stamped ten minutes before the Earthquake", Fine and rare. Scott No. 319 Estimate $300 - 400.
Realized: $850
Lot
198
(San Francisco 1906 Earthquake) "San Francisco, Cal., Apr. 23, 1906", year inverted, clear strike of duplex handstamp on cover with purple "San Francisco" script handstamp to E.H. Knowles M.D. in North Stonington Conn., small opening tears, Fine. Estimate $200 - 300.
On April 18, 1906, a major earthquake devastated San Francisco. Almost 30,000 buildings were destroyed, 700 persons died and 30,000 were made homeless. The fire that followed the earthquake destroyed the post office's supply of stamps. The Post Office Department permitted residents to send letters free of postage for a time after the disaster. This letter was mailed free of postage on April 23, five days after the initial quake. The faint pencil notation across its face indicates this report was circulated among the sender's family in the East.
Realized: $450
Lot
199
(San Francisco 1906 Earthquake) "San Francisco, Cal., Apr. 23, 11-AM, 1906", machine cancel on cover addressed in pencil to New Britain Conn.; some minor flaws, F.-V.F. Estimate $150 - 200.
The fires burned from April 18 until the last of them was brought under control on April 21. This cover was mailed two days later, on April 23, 1906. People watching the fires from the city hilltops frequently had their pictures taken showing the devastation in the background. These well dressed young women couldn't resist the habit of smiling at the camera.
Realized: $280
Lot
200
(San Francisco 1906 Earthquake) "San Francisco, Cal., Apr. 28, 2-PM, 1906", machine cancel on cover with manuscript "S.F." frank to Monterey Cal., purple "DUE 2 cts." straightline handstamp with pencil "2" and 2¢ postage due tied by partial barred oval cancel, Very Fine. Estimate $150 - 200.
By April 28, just 10 after the quake, the privilege of sending mail free had apparently been withdrawn. The writer of this letter attempted to do so by failing to affix a stamp and endorsing the cover "S.F." However, it was marked due two cents.
Realized: $350
Lot
201
(San Francisco 1906 Earthquake) Oakland, Cal., April 18, 1906 (Alameda), machine postmark on 1¢ McKinley postal card to Ottawa, Kansas sent the day of the great 1906 earthquake, with message in part…We are all OK, very little damage at our house. San Francisco is an awful wreck. Most of the businesses are all burned up.; some corner wear, otherwise Very Fine. Estimate $150 - 200.
Realized: $190
Lot
202
(San Francisco 1906 Earthquake) Oakland, Cal., Apr 19, 1906 (Alameda), machine postmark on 2¢ McKinley postal card to Downieville, Cal., with message in part…a terrible time in S.F. the city seeming doomed to entire destruction by the terrible fire that the men are unable to check without water; card with crease and small tear at top, F.-V.F., card sent the day after the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Scott No. UX18 Estimate $100 - 150.
Realized: $230
Lot
203
(San Francisco 1906 Earthquake) Oakland, Cal., Apr 21, 1906 (Alameda), machine postmark on cover to Southport, Conn., sent without postage three days after the 1906 earthquake, with original enclosure with interesting content…it is terrible, if we do not starve we will be lucky. Bread was $1.00 a loaf, crackers 10 cents apiece, water 25 & 50 cents a glass…we have one hundred thousand San Francisco people over here.…We cannot get stamps & was told to send letters without them., Very Fine. Estimate $150 - 200.
Realized: $210