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Sale 66: Gems of Philately

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Free Franks

Lots 1039-1041

Lot 1039    

George Washington, free frank "President U.S." as President on Dec. 3, 1793 folded letter from Philadelphia Pa. to Andrew Ellicott, George Town Md., Philadelphia "3 DE" Franklin mark with matching "FREE" rating handstamp, letter written and signed by his secretary Tobias Lear reading "Dear Sir, The President directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to him of the 26 Ultimo, and to request your acceptance of his best thanks for the almanac which you had the politeness to send him, and which the President hopes may answer the good end interested by its calculations. With very great esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your Most Ovient. Serv. Tobias Lear", Very Fine.
Estimate    $7,500 - 10,000.

A CHOICE BOLD EXAMPLE GEORGE WASHINGTON'S "PRESIDENT U.S." FREE FRANK.

The recipient Andrew Ellicott (1754-1820) was a U.S. surveyor who helped map many of the territories west of the Appalachians, surveyed the boundaries of the District of Columbia, continued and completed Pierre (Peter) Charles L'Enfant's work on the plan for Washington, D.C., and served as a teacher in survey methods for Meriwether Lewis.

Realized: $7,500

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Lot 1040    

John Quincy Adams, 1767-1848, 6th President of United States 1825-29, bold free frank "J.Q. Adams" signature as Secretary of State on official "Department of State" folded cover to Amos Ellmaker, Lancaster Pa., partial "Wash. City Nov 25" cds and "Free" rating handstamp; light staining, Very Fine and rare free frank.
Estimate    $750 - 1,000.

Son of John Adams, he was Minister to the Netherlands, Prussia, Russia and Great Britain, and negotiated the Treaty of Ghent which ended the War of 1812. He was a Senator from Massachusetts and Secretary of State under Monroe. In 1824, he ran against Andrew Jackson and Henry Clay, and though Jackson received more votes, the election was thrown into the House of Representatives. There, House Speaker Clay swayed members to vote for Adams, who then appointed Clay Secretary of State. Following his defeat in 1828, he was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served from 1831 until his death.

Realized: $750

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Lot 1041    

John Tyler, 1790-1862, 10th President 1841-45, manuscript "J. Tyler" free frank as ex-President on neat circa 1860 folded cover addressed in his hand to Norfolk Va., clear strike of Norfolk "Steamboat" straightline handstamp, fresh and Extremely Fine.
Estimate    $750 - 1,000.

Tyler was a Congressman, Governor of Virginia, and Senator. Elected Vice President under Harrison, he became President after only one month. His term was marked by frequent clashes with Whigs led by Henry Clay. He approved the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which clearly defined the American and Canadian boundary, and signed the measure annexing Texas. He was expelled from his party and denied renomination. In 1861, he was elected to the Confederate House of Representatives, becoming the only President to renounce his American citizenship.

Realized: $850

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Lots 1039-1041

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