Lot
2013 
Confederacy, Bahamas Ship Letter, two line handstamp on buff cover likely sent from the southern states via Charleston, S.C. addressed "Jno. B. Nixon Esq., Royal Victoria Hotel, Nassau, New Providence, Bermuda Island", with blue crayon "4" rate and reverse with clear "Bahamas, My 12, 1862" origin cds, Very Fine and choice, ex-Dr. Urwick. Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
THE EARLIEST USAGE OF THE "BAHAMAS SHIP LETTER" ON A OUTBOUND BLOCKADE COVER TO NASSAU, BERMUDA - AN EXTREMELY RARE BLOCKADE COVER DESTINATION.
According to S. Walske & S. Trepel "Special Mail Routes of the American Civil War", the "Bahamas Ship Letter" two-line handstamp (type NA1) is known used from February to October of 1863 with fewer than five examples known. The early February 1863 usage is known to have transited Charleston, S.C. as this cover mostly likely did. This usage of the Bahamas ship letter handstamp predates the February 1863 by over eight months.
Realized: $2,600