The Dr. James Milgram Collection Steamboat Mail
47 Kearny St # 500, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
| Lot | Steamboat Markings - Catahoula to City of Helena (Milgram #182-232) | Estimate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 151 | Goodrich Transportation Co., Chicago, Side Wheel Steamboat Lines. Large illustrated corner card featuring side wheeler "Chicago", on 1882 cover to Green Bay, Wis., franked with two single 3¢ Banknotes (straight edge at right) tied by Chicago, Ill. #4 duplex cancel, reverse with magenta shield handstamp "Goodrich Transporta'n Co., Chicago", slightly reduced at right, Very Fine and attractive, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 217C; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 152 | Steamer Chieftain (Monongahela River). Blue oval ties 1867 3¢ Grill (small defects) with natural straightedge at left, on cover to Salem Conn., light cover fold, F.-V.F., a very rare marking, ex-Somdal, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 219; Estimate $100 - 150. |  | $100 |
| 153 | Red River Packet Choctaw (Mississippi and Red Rivers). Red oval on printed 1852 folded letter from New Orleans to Marshal, Texas, postmarked matching "Shreveport, La. Feb. 9" cds and matching numeral "5" rate handstamp, folded letter shows printed & illustrate Steamboat design, Very Fine, a scarce usage to Texas, ex-Somdal.Milgram No. 221; Estimate $300 - 400. |  | $300 |
| 154 | S.B. Cincinnati (Ohio and Mississippi Rivers). Red rimless circular handstamp with solid star on 1846 folded letter from New Orleans to Chillicothe, O., postmarked red "Cincinnati, O. Jun 19" cds and manuscript "10" rate, light file fold, Extremely Fine, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 222; Estimate $400 - 600.A WONDERFUL STRIKE OF THIS RARE EARLY MARKING. |  | $400 |
| 155 | S.B. Cincinnati (Ohio and Mississippi Rivers). Red rimless circular handstamp on 1846 folded letter from New Orleans to Cincinnati, F.-V.F., this scarce packetboat cover sold for $80 in a 1969 Siegel sale.Milgram No. 222; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 156 | St. Louis and New Orleans, Passenger Packet, City of Alton (Mississippi River). Bicolored illustrated corner card featuring red Anchor (Anchor Line), on cover to Morristown, Pa., franked with 3¢ Banknote tied by target with "Memphis, Tenn Dec 27" cds alongside, trivial reduction at right, also included is 1871 printed freight bill, Very Fine.Milgram No. 226; Estimate $200 - 300. |  3 | $200 |
| 157 | Steamer City of Augusta, Jan 29, 1880. Blue oval on stampless cover to St. James Parish, La., manuscript notation on flap Curls which formerly adorned the noodle of L.P. Conner, Jr., with locks of hair enclosed, all-over cover aging, F.-V.F., only recorded example of this marking, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 226A; Estimate $100 - 150. |  | $100 |
| 158 | Memphis Packet Co's Flagship City of Cairo (Mississippi River). Blue illustrated shield type corner card on cover to Haywood Co., Tenn., manuscript "Favor J.H. Thompson", docketed "1865", open on 3 sides, some wear & staining, Fine and rare.Milgram No. 227; Estimate $150 - 200. |  | $150 |
| 159 | Memphis & St. L. Pkt Co. Str City of Chester, Oct. 28 1879 (Mississippi River). Blue dated double circle handstamp on 1870-71 3¢ Reay entire to Elizabeth N.J., postmarked large oval grid across indicia, Very Fine, this is the only recorded example.Milgram No. 228; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 160 | Mich. Central R.R. Line, Trip 63, Oct 6 1857, Stmr City of Cleveland (Great Lakes). Well struck large oval ties 1857 3¢ (design trimmed at bottom) on cover to Detroit, Mich, postmarked light strike of "Detroit, Mich Oct 6" cds with integral "3 Paid" and ""Steam Boat"" in ribbon, flap torn, F.-V.F., a rare marking, particularly when tying an adhesive, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 229; Estimate $300 - 400. |  | $300 |
| Lot | Steamboat Markings - City of Ironton to Cote Joyeuse (Milgram #233-296) | Estimate | |
| 161 | Detroit & Cleveland Steam Navigation Co. Steamer City of Cleveland (Great Lakes). Printed at bottom left in blue gray on cover to Cleveland O. with large illustrated corner card of Detroit & Cleveland Steam Navigation Co. franked with 2¢ Bank Note (213) tied by "Cleveland, O. Apr 27 88" #4 duplex, flap missing, Very Fine, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 230AA; Estimate $100 - 150. |  2 | $100 |
| 162 | City of Helena, Jul 16 1877, Trip 12 (Mississippi River). Blue oval on back of 1¢ postal card to St. Louis, postmarked "Vicksburg, Miss. Jul 17" cds and perfect strike of bold blue "St. Louis, Mo. Received Jul. 19" cds, Very Fine, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 232; Estimate $100 - 150. |  | $100 |
| 163 | Light Draft Packet, City of Ironton (Mississippi River). Purple three line straightline on 1874-86 3¢ entire to Ironton, Ohio, partial negative Iron Cross killer, slightly trimmed at left, otherwise Very Fine.Milgram No. 233; Estimate $150 - 200. |  | $150 |
| 164 | The New Steamer City of Mackinac, Breaks All Records. Rose overall illustrated design on 1¢ postal card to Waterloo, Ont., postmarked "Detroit, Mich. Aug. 17, 1893" machine cancel, design shows showing the race of the City of Mackinac with several other steamers trailing, some light stains, also included is 1896 cover with Steamer City of Marquette & 1¢ postal card used in 1884 with weak strike of Steamer City of Ludington, F.-V.F., Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 236A; Estimate $150 - 200. |  | $150 |
| 165 | City of Newport (Narragansett Bay). Slightly overinked fancy shield type handstamp on cover to Providence R.I., franked with 1865 3¢ (straight edge at right) barely tied by "Providence, R.I. Jul 25" cds, partial fancy negative cork cancel, reduced at left, F.-V.F., the only recorded example of this packet marking, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 244; Estimate $300 - 400. |  2 | $300 |
| 166 | St Louis and New Orleans Anchor Line, St. L. & N.O. Anchor Line, City of St. Louis. All-over illustrated advertising corner card featuring "U.S. Mail City of New Orleans" on reverse of 1897 registered cover from Memphis to Maine, franked with 2¢ + 8¢ Bureau Issues, printed corner card "St. Louis and New Orleans Anchor Line", couple small nick on back flap, still Very Fine, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 251A; Estimate $100 - 150. |  | $100 |
| 167 | Puget Sound & Alaska S.S. Co., Ster. City of Seattle, Nov. 25 1892. Blue double circle handstamp on back of card addressed to Agent of the Puget Sound & Alaska Steamship Co. in Tacoma, Wash., forwarded to Portland with violet boxed handstamp "Forwarded by Train, Nov. 28", printed instructions on card "Fill up this Receipt and send forward by First Boat", Very Fine, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 251D; Estimate $150 - 200. |  | $150 |
| 168 | Steamer Clara (Missouri River). Octagonal boxed red handstamp on 1851 printed & illustrated folded Bill of Lading from St. Louis to Lexington, couple vert file folds, still Very Fine, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 256; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 169 | Regular Missouri Packet Clara (Missouri River). Blue shield type corner card on cover to Waterbury, Conn., franked with 1851 3¢ Dull Red neatly tied by "Saint Louis, Mo. Aug 19" cds with manuscript "due" and "5" rate handstamp at left, some cover & stamp faults, F.-V.F. appearance, the only recorded example, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 256A; Estimate $300 - 400. |  | $300 |
| 170 | Tuesday Packet For Bladon and Demopolis! Steamer Clara (Alabama River). Violet illustrated corner card on 1863-64 3¢ entire to Grove Hill, Ala, also included is 1869 printed freight bill, Very Fine, ex-Somdal, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 258; Estimate $200 - 300. |  3 | $200 |
| 171 | Steamer Clara S (Ouachita River). Purple straightline across indicia of 1874-86 3¢ entire to Assumption with colorless embossed corner card at top left, slightly reduced at right with small corner chip at top, also included is two 1882 printed freight bills, Fine, ex-Somdal, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 260; Estimate $100 - 150. |  | $100 |
| 172 | From Steamer Cleona (Mississippi and Red Rivers). Red oval on 1853-55 3¢ Nesbitt to New Orleans, postmarked red "New Orleans, La. Aug 7" cds with "Steam" straightline handstamp, flap missing & repair at top, also included is 1869 printed freight bill, Fine and rare, ex-Somdal, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 261; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 173 | Steamer Cleveland (Great Lakes). Large blue double circle on on cover to Eagle Harbor (Mich.) with overall illustrated advertising for "Pale and Amber Ales, Porter & Brown Stout", franked with unused 1861 3¢ Rose (65), cover slightly reduced at right, F.-V.F., a very rare marking which may be unique, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 263; Estimate $300 - 400. |  | $300 |
| 174 | Regular St. Louis and Bluff City Passenger Packet Col. Crosman (Missouri River). Corner card across top of cover to Pittsburgh, Pa., postmarked red "Jefferson City (Mo.) Mar 24" cds & franked with 1851 3¢ Dull Red manuscript cancel, cover cleaned with minor edge restoration, included is original enclosure datelined "Memphis Jan. 18, 1852", also included is 1858 newspaper clipping telling of the explosion and burning of the Col. Crosman, Fine appearance, this is the only recorded example, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 263D; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 175 | Steam Packet Columbia (Gulf of Mexico, Galveston-New Orleans). Red 2-line handstamp on folded cover to Houston, Texas with manuscript "Free", addressed to "Ashbel Smith, Surgeon General of Texas", light vert. file fold, Extremely Fine, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 266; Estimate $750 - 1,000. Upon arriving in Texas in 1837, Ashbel Smith quickly became well-acquainted with Sam Houston and was appointed as the surgeon general of the Republic of Texas Army. Despite the end of the Texas Revolution, Smith established an efficient medical system and founded the first hospital in what would later become Houston. |  2 | $750 |
| 176 | Steam Packet Columbia. Perfect strike straight-line handstamp on reverse of 1838 folded cover from Philadelphia to Houston, Texas, postmarked blue Phil cds with manuscript "25" rate, reverse with bold oval handstamp of "Sam Ricker Jr., New Orleans, Agent of the Texian Post Office" handstamp applied in New Orleans with manuscript date "1 March 1838", additional struck with rare "RETURNABLE 1st SEPT. 1838" straight line handstamp, manuscript notation on reverse, "Unpaid in the U. States 25¢, Free from this place, Galveston Mrch 5/38", Extremely Fine, with 1971 P.F. certificate.Milgram No. 267; Estimate $750 - 1,000. The "Columbia" ran between New Orleans and Galveston, with Ricker serving as agent for the Post Office. He would handstamp covers with his oval marking along with his "Returnable" straight line handstamp on covers to indicate the 25¢ U.S. postage had been paid by Ricker and recipient had until the first of September to reimburse Ricker for his service.The cover is addressed to Dr. Ashbel Smith, who was the Surgeon General of the Texan Army in Houston. |  3 | $750 |
| 177 | Columbia (Delaware River and Atlantic Coast). Large blue illustrated corner card on cover to Philadelphia, franked with 2¢ Vermilion Banknote (nat. straight edge) tied by "Philadelphia, Pa. Sep 6" numeral "13" duplex, cover with tiny repair at top left, included is original enclosure on printed letterhead, "Office of The Iron Palace Steamer Republic", Very Fine, the only recorded example of this stunning packet corner card, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 269; Estimate $300 - 400. |  2 | $300 |
| 178 | Columbia (Atlantic Coast). Detailed gray all-overall design of the "Steamer Columbia" on cover to New York City with "Office of White's Line of Steamers" corner card, franked with 2¢ Vermilion Banknote tied by "New York Jul 27 82 PO" duplex, small flap tear, Extremely Fine and attractive, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 270; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 179 | St. Louis & New Orleans, Packet Columbus (Mississippi River). Red oval on 1852 folded letter from Memphis to New Orleans, franked with unused 1851 3¢ Dull Red, light horizontal file fold, Very Fine and choice.Milgram No. 273; Estimate $300 - 400. |  | $300 |
| 180 | From Steamer Comet (Mississippi River). Red oval on 1853-55 3¢ Nesbitt entire to New Orleans, staple holes typically seen on Hoy correspondence, some light wrinkles, Very Fine.Milgram No. 274; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| Lot | Steamboat Markings - Countess to D.R. Carroll (Milgram #299-363) | Estimate | |
| 181 | Louisville and Memphis Packet Commercial (Ohio and Mississippi Rivers). Green illustrated corner card across top of yellow stampless cover to Rockport, Ind., Extremely Fine and attractive, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 276; Estimate $300 - 400. |  | $300 |
| 182 | Steamer Commodore (Rock River). Magenta oval handstamp on reverse of cover to Corydon, Iowa, franked with 2¢ Bank Note (which may not belong) with indistinct postmark, Fine and scarce.Milgram No. 278; Estimate $100 - 150. |  | $100 |
| 183 | New Orleans Anchor Line, Passenger Steamer Commonwealth. Bicolored illustrated corner card on cover to Natchez, Miss., franked with 3¢ Banknote (blunt perfs along top) tied by cork cancel with indistinct cds alongside, still Very Fine, this may be the only known example, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 278A; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 184 | Steamer Compromise (Mississippi and Red Rivers). Red negative double circle with hollow center on 1853-55 3¢ Nesbitt entire to New Orleans, manuscript endorsement at bottom left, "Mary Bess", which has been crossed out, entire with embossed Nesbitt seal on back flap, Extremely Fine.Milgram No. 279; Estimate $500 - 750.AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THIS DISTINCTIVE AND RARE MARKING. |  2 | $500 |
| 185 | Red River Packet Compromise (Mississippi and Red Rivers). Bold blue oval on 1853-55 3¢ Nesbitt entire to New Orleans, light vertical fold impinging but not detracting from Gem handstamp, Very Fine.Milgram No. 280; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 186 | From Steamer Concordia (Mississippi River). Red octagonal handstamp somewhat obliterated by bold "10" rate handstamp on 1848 folded letter from Natchez to New York, postmarked "New Orleans, La. May 9" cds, Very Fine and rare, this may be the sole example of this packet marking.Milgram No. 281; Estimate $300 - 400. |  | $300 |
| 187 | Cincinnati & Pittsburgh Packet Steamer Congo. Printed corner card on cover to Ohio, franked with 2¢ Small Bank Note (220) tied by Ironton, Ohio duplex, Very Fine, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 281B; Estimate $100 - 150. |  | $100 |
| 188 | Steamer Continental (Ohio and Mississippi Rivers). Printed corner card on cover to Easton Pa, manuscript "Via Pittsburg Pa" notation at bottom, franked with 1861 3¢ Rose (65) tied by grid and postmarked "Cairo, Ill. Apr 25, 1863" double circle, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 286; Estimate $200 - 300. |  | $200 |
| 189 | Steamer Continental (Mississippi River). Large circular handstamp on cover to Bridges Creek, Ohio, franked with 1861 3¢ Rose (65) tied by "Cairo, Ill., Nov. 28" target duplex, cover with water staining across bottom and right side, slightly reduced at left, Fine, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 287; Estimate $150 - 200. |  | $150 |
| 190 | Steamer Continental, Down Apr 21 1864 (Mississippi River). Near perfect large circular on reverse of cover to Wisconsin, franked with 1861 3¢ Rose "New Orleans, La. Apr. 21, '64" target duplex, manuscript endorsement "Via New York", slightly reduced, Very Fine, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 287A; Estimate $200 - 300. |  2 | $200 |
| 191 | Convoy (Mississippi River). Bold deep red straightline with illustration of steamboat on 1846 folded letter from New Orleans to Reedsville, Ill., handstamped red "Steam 10" straight line, two light vertical file folds (not affecting marking), Very Fine, Unlisted in Milgram.Milgram No. 288A; Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.A SUPERB STRIKE OF THIS UNIQUE STEAMBOAT HANDSTAMP AND ONE OF THE GEMS OF THE MILGRAM COLLECTION. |  | $3,000 |
| 192 | Steamer Cora (Mississippi and Ouachita Rivers). Red oval on 1849 printed & illustrated fold Bill of Lading from Camden, Ark. to New Orleans, vertical file fold, also included is 1849 printed freight bill, Very Fine and rare, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 291; Estimate $200 - 300. |  3 | $200 |
| 193 | Steamer Cora (Mississippi and Ouachita Rivers). Red oval handstamp on 1849 folded letter to New Orleans, light toning on right half of cover, still Very Fine and a choice strike.Milgram No. 291; Estimate $150 - 200. |  | $150 |
| 194 | Steamer Cora No. 2 (Ouachita River). Complete red oval on 1851 folded letter from Memphis to New Orleans, postmarked red "New Orleans, La. Jun 30" cds with matching red "Steam 10" in circle, also included is attractive 1850 printed freight bill, Extremely Fine and choice, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 292; Estimate $300 - 400. |  2 | $300 |
| 195 | Steamer Cote Joyeuse (Red River). Lovely, finely struck vessel-named marking in a straightline within an elaborate oval frame, featuring a spread eagle, arrows, stars, and olive branches on grey folded letter addressed to Gorten's Landing, Red River (Louisiana), datelined "New Orleans, February 1845" and is a business correspondence written in French, an Extremely Fine gem, ex-Hall & Jarrett, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 296; Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.A PERFECT STRIKE OF THIS RARE PACKET MARKING AND ONE OF THE GREAT WATERWAY COVERS. |  | $2,000 |
| 196 | Red River Packet Countess (Red River). Bold red oval on cover to Carolina Bluffs R.R., franked with unused 1857 3¢ Dull Red, light cover staining & reduced at right, small corner replaced at top left, also included is 1861 printed & illustrated freight bill, Very Fine strike of this rare marking, ex-Somdal, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 299; Estimate $200 - 300. |  3 | $200 |
| 197 | Regular Yazoo, Tehula. and Tallahatchie River Packet, Countess (Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers). Printed corner card on 1864-65 3¢ entire to New Orleans, postmarked blue "Vicksburg, Miss. Jan 26" cds and cork cancel, corner card mentions, Connecting with Steamer Belle Lee, usual pinholes as found on the Hoy correspondence, includes second similar entire (small piece out of corner card), Very Fine, ex-Somdal.Milgram No. 300; Estimate $150 - 200. |  | $150 |
| 198 | Regular Yazoo, Tehula. and Tallahatchie River Packet, Countess (Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers). Printed corner card on 1864-65 3¢ entire to New Orleans, postmarked blue "Vicksburg, Miss. Dec 15" cds and cork cancel, corner card mentions, Connecting with Steamer Gen. Quitman, manuscript endorsement, Care of Capt in charge of the Str. Countess this Trip - Dec. 12th '68, usual pinholes as found on the Hoy correspondence, Very Fine.Milgram No. 300; Estimate $150 - 200. |  | $150 |
| 199 | Steamer Countess (Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers). Complete blue boxed handstamp vertically at left on stampless cover to New Orleans, manuscript "By Steamer Countess" at bottom, additional bold and complete "N. O. Natchez & Vicksburg Steamer Magenta" (Milgram 833) large double circle handstamp with hollow center, postmarked "New Orleans La., Jan 18" cds with "Ship 4" in circle, Very Fine.Milgram No. 302; Estimate $500 - 750.A LOVELY AND RARE COVER CARRIED BY TWO DIFFERENT STEAMBOATS. First carried by the "Countess" and transferred to the "Magenta" in New Orleans. The "Ship 4" is a double charge as it was delivered to port of entry requiring twice the usual rate of 2¢. |  | $500 |
| 200 | From Red River Packet Creole (Mississippi and Red Rivers). Complete black oval with damaged frame (as mentioned in Milgram) on 1849 folded letter from Minden to New Orleans, manuscript "Creole" at bottom left, Extremely Fine, ex-Somdal, Illustrated in Milgram.Milgram No. 311; Estimate $750 - 1,000.A HANDSOME AND AND RARE PACKET MARKING - THIS BEING THE FINEST OF THE FEW KNOWN. |  2 | $750 |
