VICTORIA, 1850, 3p Light Blue, Type II (3a; SG 7). Two singles, large margins to just in, tied by oval handstamps on J. Valentine Ocean Penny Postage propaganda cover, State 3 of the design which was the first with four ships at right removed to give additional room for the address, to London, England, red "Ship Letter Melbourne OC 9 1852" and London backstamps, endorsed "By Ship Marco Polo" at center, neat manuscript "8" due marking, some slight overall wear not mentioned on accompanying certificate

VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE EXAMPLE OF J. VALENTINE'S OCEAN PENNY POST PROPAGANDA ENVELOPE USED FROM AUSTRALIA TO ENGLAND, WITH ONE OF THE VICTORIA STAMPS AFFIXED OVER THE ALLEGORICAL FIGURE OF PEACE AT LEFT ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE AS THIS WAS CARRIED ON THE CLIPPER SHIP MARCO POLO ON THE FIRST TRIP BACK TO LIVERPOOL.

According to http://www.new-brunswick.net/marcopolo/historic.html , the Marco Polo, built as a cargo ship, was launched near St. John in New Brunswick in April 1851. She was the longest ship built in New Brunswick, with three decks, and at her launch promptly got stuck in the sand and keeled over to one side. After two weeks she was freed and began her maiden voyage. In June of 1852 the Marco Polo was bought by James Baines of Liverpool for the Black Ball Line of Australian packets. She was refitted to carry passengers. She made her first trip to Australia in 76 days, landing at Port Phillips Head on September 18. An epidemic of measles among the children aboard caused 52 deaths during the voyage. After three weeks she returned to London in another 76 days, arriving on Boxing Day. This was the first recorded round trip in less than six months. This cover was carried on the return trip, and it is likely the blank propaganda envelope was carried by a passenger on the outbound voyage.

Accompanied by another example of the Ocean Penny Postage cover, State 5a, addressed to Hobart Town in Van Diemen's Land with manuscript "pr Derwent 5/6/52" and carried privately. The two covers, one from and one to Australia, make an outstanding exhibition pair.

First ex Haas and Risvold and with 1974 and 2010 B.P.A. certificates.

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables