Lot
1743 
1863, 2¢ black, tied by New York circular mail circle of wedges cancel on blue 1865 folded James T. Abbott & Co printed circular datelined "St. Thomas, 21st November, 1865" and with "Per U.S.M.S. 'Havana' " directive to Baltimore Md., carried as endorsed by USBMSC Havana on the first northbound return voyage departing St. Thomas Nov. 22nd to New York arriving Dec. 1st, entered mails upon arrival; 2¢ small flaws from edge placement, Very Fine. Scott No. 73 Estimate $4,000 - 6,000.
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF MAIL CARRIED ON THE FIRST VOYAGE OF THE US BRAZIL MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY.
The United States and Brazil Mail Steamship Company was the first American steam passenger line to South America. Opened in November 1865, it was by far the largest carrier of mail and passengers to South America until its closing in 1875. This is the earliest recorded use of the 1866 2¢ Black Jack on DWI mails.