Lot
4304 
(Route 4801) Sultana, complete strike of red intaglio circular handstamp on circa 1848 buff cover addressed to St. Louis Mo., red "Steam 10" straightline (10 struck off cover) and manuscript "20" rating for double weight letter; some cover faults, backflap taped, Fine, a rare marking, ex-"Antoine". Milgram No. 1329 Estimate $300 - 400.
The "Sultana" of 824 tons was built in 1848 at Cincinnati and ran New Orleans to Louisville in 5 days 12 hours, a record at that time.
In 1842, the first Louisville to New Orleans route was contracted at $15,000 per year for 3 trips a week. In 1848, the Postmasters at the termini were instructed to contract by the trip at $85 per round trip.
Realized: $250