Lot
1497 
"Britannia" Return Maiden Voyage, Boston Aug. 1st - Liverpool Aug. 14th 1840, light blue folded letter endorsed "Per Steamer 'Britannia' Via Boston Halifax N.S. & Liverpool", blue "Philada Pa. Jul 28" cds and matching "Paid" framed handstamp with red manuscript "18¾" rating to Boston to be put on the Britannia for Liverpool arriving August 14th 1840, Liverpool "1/-" due handstamp for 1s packet postage, Very Fine and choice, ex-J. Pullin. Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
ONE OF THE FINEST OF ONLY A FEW RECORDED LETTERS CARRIED ON THE RETURN MAIDEN CONTRACT VOYAGE OF THE CUNARD LINE BRITANNIA.
July 4, 1840, the "Britannia", first of four steamships designed especially for North Atlantic service, departed Liverpool. This sailing initiated a contract between the British government and Samuel Cunard. These ships proved steamers could provide more reliable service than sailing packets, especially on westerly crossings. As this line carried more fine freight and specie, sailing packets carried less and less valuable and profitable cargo. The British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company became the Cunard Line. The Britannia left Boston on August 1st to make her maiden return voyage to Liverpool carrying the first contract mails from America to Britain.
Realized: $1,200