Lot
31 
Steamer Antelope. Red oval purser's handstamp on 1857 folded letter originating at New Orleans to Louisville and entering the mails at Cairo, Illinois; two strikes of "Cairo" cds tie three copies of 1851, 1¢ blue, type IV, manuscript endorsement "pr Steamer Antelope" at top left, Very Fine and scarce, a lovely & rare cover, pictured in Milgram. Milgram No. 61. Scott No. 9 Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
Realized: $5,000
Lot
32
USA, Cahawba, Alabama Pictorial steam marking. Illustration of steamboat beautifully struck in red on ca. 1852 folded letter with matching "5" rate handstamp, barest hint of cover staining at top, Very Fine and choice, an exceptional and early example of this much-sought marking; with 2002 P.F. certificate. Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
Contrary to regulations, the Cahawba postmaster used a pictorial handstamp of a steamboat in lieu of the mandated "Steam" or "Steamboat". Three varieties are known, of which this is the earliest. All are very rare.
Realized: $2,600
Lot
33
Steamer Dubuque. Ornate oval design with Spread Eagle, Arrows, Stars and Olive Branches in red handstamp well struck on 1850 folded letter from St. Louis to Iowa, manuscript endorsement "DuBuque" at bottom left, cover with light trace of toning, Very Fine and rare, a gorgeous & rare cover, picture in Milgram; with 2002 P.F. certificate. Milgram No. 368. Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
Realized: $1,800
Lot
34
Steamer Time. Illustrated red handstamp with Racehorse at center on 1845 folded cover from Davenport, Iowa Terr. (June 3) to Fort Snelling, Minnesota Terr., minor water stain along top edge, Extremely Fine and rare, one of the most important Steamboat covers in existence, pictured in Milgram, ex-Emerson; with 1984 and 2002 P.F. certificates. Milgram No. 1373. Estimate $4,000 - 6,000.
This steamboat was named for a famous race horse of the day. The cover was carried privately to Fort Snelling, located at the juncture of the St. Peters (later renamed the Minnesota River) and Mississippi Rivers.
Realized: $5,000