Lot
744 
[Navy] Bureau Free Franks, group of 20 covers comprising Bureau of Construction & Equipment: Charles Morris, W. Brantford Shlibrick, Lewis Hamilton; Bureau of Yards & Docks: Lewis Warrington, C.R.P. Rodgers (2) and Navy Yard NYC Commandant's Office official business handstamp use, B. of Ordnance & Hydrography: Duncan N. Ingraham; B. of Provisions & Clothing: Charles W. Goldsborough, B. of Medicine & Surgery: two William P.C. Barton, Thomas Harris, Philip Lansdale, B. of Navigation Chiefs: C.H. Davis on cover to his wife with two #65s, two T.A. Jenkins, and Clerk Benjamin F. Greene, B. of Equipment & Recruiting: imprint drop envelope bearing 1¢ #63, B. of Steam Engineering: Chief Charles H. Haswell prepaid "Charge Engineering Chief" imprint envelope used during brownout period, 1869 James W. King mourning cover use, some with letters; some faults, F.-V.F., ex-Richard Graham Collection. Estimate $600 - 800.
The Act of Congress in 1842 that reorganized the Navy Department administrative structure into five Bureaus replacing the Board of Navy Commissioners. The Act of Congress July 5th 1862, to cope with Civil War needs, expanded the organization into eight bureaus. The Chiefs of each Bureau had the franking privilege, with many being very scarce.
Realized: $900