Lot
21 (
)
To Fort Massachusetts (later Colorado Territory), much traveled 1856 cover front from Canada, addressed to "Captain Andrew M. Bowman, 3rd Infantry, Fort Stanton New Mexico or elsewhere", nearly four months in transit to Albuquerque (the post office serving Fort Stanton) where it was remailed March 24, 1857 to Capt. Bowman's new duty station at Fort Massachusetts, some edge wear and soiling, Very Fine and rare, a stunning cover. Estimate $500 - 750.
Originally marked as paid at Montreal, the paid markings were obliterated by target cancels and the cover re-rated unpaid "6" (pence = 10¢ U.S., the under 3000 mile rate). As Fort Massachusetts had no post office, the letter was carried by military courier for the last part of its journey.
Realized: $1,450