Lot
3011 
1748 (Oct. 10) Philadelphia Pa. to London, England, folded cover with "Phi. paid dwt 3:8" written in Benjamin Franklin's hand (who was Postmaster at this time) for 3dwt (9d) inland to New York plus 8gr (1d) outgoing ship fee, first endorsement crossed out and updated to "p first ship from NYK", carried by private ship from New York Jan. 2nd to Dover arriving Apr. 15th for 106 day voyage, Dover "15/AP" Bishop backstamp and "4" pence due rating for 3¢ inland to London plus 1d ship fee, London "17/AP" arrival backstamp and rerated "4" pence due; some splitting reinforced, Very Fine; with 2019 P.F. certificate. Estimate $7,500 - 10,000.
ONE OF ONLY TWO PREPAID SHIP LETTERS FROM PHILADELPHIA RECORDED.
Benjamin Franklin was the Philadelphia Postmaster from 1737 to 1753.
Realized: $13,000