Lot
3055 
1805 (Jul. 24) St. Pierre, Martinique to Philadelphia Pa., datelined folded letter endorsed "p Schooner Roebuck via Philadelphia", carried as endorsed by private ship, entered mails with brownish red "6" in dotted circular rating handstamp for 6¢ ship rate to port, Very Fine and exceptionally rare marking. Estimate $150 - 200.
We have not seen another example of this dashed ship rating handstamp, which is usually seen with a solid circle.
Realized: $220
Lot
3056
1806 (Jul. 2) Amsterdam, Netherlands to Providence R.I., datelined folded letter carried by private ship into Philadelphia, entered mails with brownish "PHI, 8 SE" cds and matching arc "SHIP" handstamp with "27" rating for two-times 12½¢ inland postage for 90-150 miles plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine. Estimate $200 - 300.
This Philadelphia "SHIP" arc handstamp was used from 1804 to 1817.
Realized: $230
Lot
3057
1807 (Feb. 13) Philadelphia Pa. to Leeds, England, datelined folded letter sent unpaid by private ship, endorsed "Latona" but crossed out and sent on Ship Abigail from Philadelphia Feb. 14th to Hull, entered mails with "Ship Letter, Hull" crown oval and manuscript "1/10" 1s10d due rating for two-times 7d inland plus 4d ship fee; some edge flaws and fold splitting, F.-V.F. and rare, Illustrated in Robertson, ex-Allan Robertson. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
Private ships were often the wiser choice for senders in British colonies, as they could offer a more direct route - and very possibly a faster one - than sending a letter via the GPO in London.
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Realized: $575