Lot
209 
Ascension, 1890 Ascension to Boston. Franked with Great Britain 1d pair + 4d tied by "Ascension" cds's on cover to Boston & forwarded to Chicago, cover backstamped with rare light blue oval "U.S. Eclipse Expedition to West Africa/1889/Navy Department/Apr. 3, 1890" handstamp, along with transit & arrival markings, some ink smearing on reverse, Very Fine, a stunning & rare item. Estimate $500 - 750.
The "U.S.S. Pensacola" sailed from New-York Oct. 16, 1889 on the solar eclipse expedition, carrying a scientific expedition sent to the west coast of Africa under the auspices of the Bureau of Navigation of the Navy Department to observe the total eclipse of the sun that was visible there Dec. 22. The expedition was a failure as a number of scientists, did not travel to the original observation site as a result of an outbreak of malaria and were unable to view the eclipse at the secondary site, due to overcast conditions. This cover was mailed upon the return voyage.
Realized: $2,400