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Sale 89: The John Barwis Collection of Philadelphia Postal History

Table of Contents

Philadelphia Foreign Mail: 1709-1775 Colonial Period

Lot 3012    

1749 (Sep. 30) Philadelphia Pa. to London, England, manuscript docketing on inside of folded letter sheet to London, England addressed "To be left at the Pennsylvania Coffee-House in Birchin Lane", endorsed "pr the Dolphin, Capt LeGros, QDC" ship endorsement, carried as endorsed by Sloop Dolphin from Philadelphia Oct. 5th, London "2/DE" Bishop mark arrival backstamp and manuscript "10" pence due rating; tone spots and some splitting at folds, Fine and scarce use endorsed for collection at a coffee house.
Estimate    $400 - 600.

London rated "10" pence due for a 1 oz. letter of two-times 4d inland plus 1d ship fee and 1d delivery.

The Pennsylvania Coffee House provided a place for businessmen and politicians with an interest in the colony to meet for socializing and deal-making. Letters could be delivered there, and a ship's bag was available for patrons to deposit their letters for Philadelphia, paying the ship captain 1d. This coffee house was on Birchin Lane near the Lombard Street post office. Benjamin Franklin used this coffee house as his address at times during his stays in London in 1750s-60s.

Realized: $375

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