Sale 59: The Robert J. Karrer Collection of Charleston Postal History

Lot 4209    

Confederacy, Adams Ex. Co. Louisville, Ky. Aug 21 1861, circular datestamp on cover bearing U.S. 3¢ dull red (26), tied by blue "Louisville Ky. Aug 22" duplex from the Tuthill correspondence originating in Charleston to East Otto N.y., pencil "2/-" bits (or 25¢) shows Adams fee at top center; some edge wear and couple small edge tear, part of flap missing, F.-V.F., This is a late private express company use.
Estimate    $500 - 750.

Realized: $425

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Lot 4210    

Confederacy, Adams Express Co. Philadelphia, Pa. Aug 16, red cds on U.S. 3¢ star die entire (U27) to Charleston S.C., carried by Adams through the lines to its Nashville agent, entered the mails with blue "Nashville Ten. Aug 21 1861" cds and matching "Paid" and "10" rating handstamps; opening tears at top, otherwise Very Fine and scarce use.
Estimate    $1,000 - 1,500.

ONE OF ONLY SEVEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE ADAMS PHILADELPHIA OFFICE DATESTAMP.

Realized: $1,600

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Lot 4211    

Confederacy, Adams Express Company, New York. Great Eastern Western & Southern Express Forwarders, large blue green oval on U.S. 3¢ star die entire (U26), cancelled by circular grid cancel and with matching "Charleston S.C. Apr 6 1861" cds to Athens Tenn., Very Fine and choice.
Estimate    $1,000 - 1,500.

A BEAUTIFUL ADAMS EXPRESS COMPANY USE FROM NEW YORK TO ATHENS TENN. VIA CHARLESTON.

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Lot 4212    

Confederacy, Adams Southern Express, imprint at top of fresh cover to Winsboro, S.C. bearing 1862, 5¢ blue (4), large margins except barely touched at left, tied by bold "Charleston S.C. May 3 1862" cds, Very Fine and choice.
Estimate    $500 - 750.

Realized: $650

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Lot 4213    

Confederacy, Adams. Express. Co. Charleston S.C. MA 11, blue oval handstamp on U.S. 3¢ star die entire (U27) addressed to Hendrick & Co. at New York N.Y., endorsed "Per Adams & Co. Express"; sealed vertical tear at right, Fine, Ex-Welch.
Estimate    $400 - 600.

ONE OF LESS THAN 5 RECORDED ADAMS & CO. CHARLESTON S.C. EXPRESS USAGES.

As uncertainties surrounding the likelihood of war grew, the established private express firms were sometimes used to carry valuable or important correspondence. With offices in many cities, including Charleston, the Adams Express Co. was usually chosen. U.S. postal regulations permitted such private means of conveyance, but required that U.S. postage be paid in addition to company fees, whether or not the U.S. mails were even utilized.

Realized: $675

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Lot 4214    

Confederacy, Adams. Express. Co. Charleston S.C. May 17, partial strike of blue oval handstamp on U.S. 3¢ star die entire (U27) addressed to Philadelphia Pa., endorsed "By Adams Express Co." at top, entered U.S. mails for local delivery with "U.S. P.O. Despatch, Phila, May 24, 11 AM" octagonal datestamp with partial "Drop 1 ct" circular handstamp, additional manuscript "Paid R" at top center; no flap, tape stain and tears at top, Fine, a rare to-the-mails use from the C.S.A.
Estimate    $500 - 750.

ONE OF LESS THAN 5 RECORDED ADAMS & CO. CHARLESTON S.C. EXPRESS USAGES.

Realized: $650

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Lot 4215    

Confederacy, "In the Care of McDaniel Express", manuscript endorsement on 1862 homemade brown cover addressed to Laurens C.H., S.C., bearing 5¢ blue (6), four huge to close margins, tied by "Charleston S.C. Jun 26 186" cds; cover stained and reduced at left, F.-V.F.
Estimate    $200 - 300.

Realized: $160

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Lot 4216    

Confederacy, Negro Girl Mendez, care Ad. Express, unusual endorsement probably indicating transport of a slave girl by express, on buff cover to Louis Manigualt in Charleston S.C., uncancelled 3¢ dull red (26) affixed at right, docketed "Mr. Capers, 31st May 1861"; stamp torn at left, otherwise Very Fine, This was sent on the last day of U.S. Postage used in the C.S.A.
Estimate    $400 - 600.

Realized: $475

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Lot 4217    

Confederacy, St. John's Strawberry Ferry Local Post, group of five covers including May 10th 1862 bearing #6 with "Strawberry via Monks corner" directive, Sep. 24th 1862 with #7 pair to St. John's Berkley with "Monks Corner" directive; April 19th 1863 Charleston to Strawberry S.C. bearing #6 pair; Nov. 22nd 1864 Charleston to Strawberry Ferry bearing #6 pair with "Via Charleston" directive, and Nov. 30th Colombia addressed "Via Charleston" with "Strawberry Ferry" directive; some flaws, F.-V.F., a rare group.
Estimate    $500 - 750.

Realized: $450

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Lot 4218    

Confederacy, "Strawberry via Monks Corner", manuscript local post directive on cover to St. John's Berkley S.C. bearing 5¢ dark green (1), four full to large margins, tied by "Charleston S.C. Mar 1" cds; light overall cover toning, F.-V.F.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $525

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