Lot
3053 
1803 (Jul. 21) London, England to Philadelphia Pa., datelined folded letter with clear strike of "Post-Paid Ship-Letter, London, JUL 21, 1803" double-circle postmark and red manuscript "11" pence prepaid rating for one half of the 1/10 packet rate, carried as endorsed by Ship Pigou from London Jul. 22nd to Philadelphia arriving Sep. 7th, Philadelphia red "6" in circle due handstamp; soiled, Fine. Estimate $400 - 600.
THE ONLY RECORDED USE OF THIS LONDON POSTMARK ON A LETTER TO PHILADELPHIA.
Prepayment of ship letters was not permissible until 1799. Act 39 Geo III c 76 allowed private ships to carry mail for the post office at "not less than half the packet rate". This was amended by GPO notice in 1803 to be exactly half the packet rate, and required letters to be held in sealed bags. Prepaid ship letters are very rare, as letters were normally sent unpaid.
Realized: $250