Lot
1057 
P. Le Courier de l'Europe./capt:CORnick:New-York. (Atlantic Ocean), clear strike of two-line handstamp on flap of folded letter datelined "Philadelphie le 13 Dece. 1784" and addressed to Epernay, France, sent under cover to Régie agent in New York who applied the straightline and placed it aboard Le Courier de l'Europe on Dec. 31, arriving L'Orient on Jan. 17, 1785, forwarded to Paris (internal notation dated at "Paris, February 7, 1785"), manuscript "26" sols due marking crossed out and re-rated "36", manuscript "Deb. d'Epernay" on back, small piece out of flap & short tear (both clear of marking), Very Fine and choice, ex-Martin and Walske. Milgram No. 308D.Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
VERY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS FIRST ROYAL PACKET MARKING WITH THE "CAPT. CORNICK" INSCRIPTION. AN IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC COVER OF 18TH CENTURY TRANSATLANTIC MAILS.
The French consul served as the agent for the Première Régie in New York, preparing departure markings that included ship names for each voyage from February 1784 to June 1785. Only eleven covers are known, featuring eight different ship-name departure markings. Two distinct types of markings have been identified on mail carried by the French Royal Ship Agency's "Le Courier de l'Europe" on separate trips from New York to L'Orient: this example with "capt: CORnick" and a similar marking reading "Le Courier de l'Europe/New York*16 juin 1785." Both markings are unique.
Current Opening Bid: $2,500