Lot
4066 
(Charleston-Key West- Havana) 1849 (Apr. 3) Key West, Floa., cover to East Haddam Ct. bearing 5¢ red brown (1) pair, large margins to just in, cancelled by manuscript "X", reddish "Key-West Florida Apl 8" oval postmark; some light cover soiling not mentioned on certificate, Very Fine; with 1985 P.F. certificate. Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
A SCARCE 1847 USAGE FROM KEY WEST, ONLY FIVE COVERS ARE LISTED IN THE ALEXANDER CENSUS.
Moses Cohen Mordecai of Charleston obtained a contract under the Foreign Mails Act of 1845 for a route connecting Charleston, Savannah, Key West and Havana, Cuba. Sailings using the steamship "Isabela" commenced on October 18th 1848 and continued to May 1861. This cover was transferred at Charleston to Route 3197 for New York and carried by the New York & Charleston Steam Ship Line "Southerner".
Realized: $3,750
Lot
4067
(Via Key West) St. Marks Geo. Dcr 15, red cds with manuscript "Ship 27" rating for the 2¢ ship fee plus 25¢ inland postage on folded letter datelined "Key West Decr. 7th 1827" addressed to Boston Mass.; two vertical folds, Very Fine. Estimate $400 - 600.
It was not until 1850 that the first Star Route from Key West was contracted. Until then letters were carried by private ships to both Gulf and Atlantic ports for onward routing.
Lot
4068
(Via Key West) St. Mary Florida Jan 6, cds with manuscript day and matching "Ship" straightline handstamp and ms. "27" rating for 25¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee on folded letter datelined "Key West December 29 1839" and addressed to Mystic Bridge Conn., Very Fine. Estimate $400 - 600.
Realized: $400
Lot
4069
(St. John's River) 1871 (Jan. 10) Volusia, Fl. to Philadelphia Pa. via Jacksonville, yellow cover with original letter sent from Volusia via St. John's River steamboat, entered mails with 1869 3¢ ultramarine cancelled by blue cork duplexed with bold "Jacksonville Fla. Jan 12" cds, Philadelphia Jan. 16th arrival backstamp, Very Fine. Scott No. 114 Estimate $200 - 300.
Realized: $150