Lot 301
1815 (Aug. 16) Aberdeen, Scotland to Pictou N.S., datelined folded letter with sharp strike of "Post Paid Withdrawn Ship Letter, Aberdeen, 22 AU 1815" crown handstamp and magenta "P 1/4" as double-rate ship letter, carried as endorsed by Mary Brige directly to Pictou, Very Fine.Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
A MOST UNUSUAL USAGE OF THE ABERDEEN WITHDRAWN SHIP LETTER POSTMARK.
The Withdrawn Ship letter scheme had been discontinued on July 31st 1815 and the Half Packet rate rule (valid from 1799) was apparently also not applied. A most unusual usage of the "Withdrawn" handstamp possibly due to the customary caution taken by the sender before handing over the letter to the ship's captain.
Realized: $3,500