Lot
4066 
(Charleston-Key West- Havana) 1849 (Apr. 3) Key West, Floa., cover to East Haddam Ct. bearing 5¢ red brown (1) pair, large margins to just in, cancelled by manuscript "X", reddish "Key-West Florida Apl 8" oval postmark; some light cover soiling not mentioned on certificate, Very Fine; with 1985 P.F. certificate. Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
A SCARCE 1847 USAGE FROM KEY WEST, ONLY FIVE COVERS ARE LISTED IN THE ALEXANDER CENSUS.
Moses Cohen Mordecai of Charleston obtained a contract under the Foreign Mails Act of 1845 for a route connecting Charleston, Savannah, Key West and Havana, Cuba. Sailings using the steamship "Isabela" commenced on October 18th 1848 and continued to May 1861. This cover was transferred at Charleston to Route 3197 for New York and carried by the New York & Charleston Steam Ship Line "Southerner".
Realized: $3,750