Lot
409 (
)
(New Mexico) "Frontera P.O., Jany 20th/52, Texas", beautiful magenta manuscript postmark with two 3¢ orange brown (10) singles, both with nice margins and rich color, on fresh cover front to Col. C. K. Gardner in Washington D.C., letter sent from his Lt. George C. Gardner; reduced slightly, Very Fine. Estimate $200 - 300.
ONE OF ONLY FIVE RECORDED COVERS FROM FRONTERA, NEW MEXICO.
The outpost of Frontera was established as a New Mexico territorial post office (spelled "Frontero") on April 17, 1851, but was discontinued March 12, 1852. Some say it was destroyed by Apaches; others say it was abandoned due to flooding by the Rio Grande River. Frontera was located northwest of El Paso, Texas, about eight miles on the east side of the Rio Grande, which places it within the Texas boundary. It was an astronomical observatory used by the Boundary Commission during its operations in this district. Lt. Gardner, who sent this letter and cover, was a clerk for Major Emory's survey of the Rio Grande in August 1851.
Realized: $280