Items for Sale - Blockade-Run Mail

Item# 20659

New 2-25-23

Price: $2,000

Outgoing blockade-run use from Savannah Ga. to Rome (Italy) via Charleston and Nassau. Mar. 19, 1863, origin date on cover to Mrs. John Lorenzo Locke in Rome, in care of Baring Brothers (bankers), entered British Mails with red "Nassau Paid MR 27 63" circular datestamp, 12p double 6p packet rate paid in cash, red crayon "10" credit (2p retained by Bahamas P.O.), red London (May 4) transit datestamp, May 11, 1863 receipt docketing, minor edgewear, Very Fine. Carried by blockade-runner Gertrude, dep. Charleston Mar. 23, 1863, arr. Nassau Mar 27 (last voyage before its capture); in Nassau forwarder prepaid double 6p packet rate to G.B. (just before increase to 1sh on Apr. 1, 1863); forwarded under cover to Rome with no further markings; carried on Cunarder British Queen, dep. Nassau Apr. 12, arr. New York Apr. 16 (last sailing on this route); then Cunarder Africa, dep. New York Apr. 22, arr. Queenstown May 3; the Gertrude was active Feb. 1863 to Apr. 1864, 2 for 3 in successful trips; captured by U.S.S. Vanderbilt, flagship of the Flying Squadron, on Apr. 16, 1863, near the Bahamas, but well away from the Confederate coastline. Ex Steven Walske (his penciled routing on verso) and Ralph Swap. Colorful outgoing blockade-run use. $2,000.

To Top