1c Blue, Type II (7). Three large margins to in at top, tied by "San Francisco Cal. Sep. 3?" circular datestamp on Aug. 20, 1857 "The San Francisco News Letter" illustrated newspaper depicting eagle, steamship, train etc., addressed to New Orleans, printed "P.M.S.S. Per California Sept. 5" at upper left, complete contents with headline "Summary of Events from the 20th of August to the 5th September, 1857", includes a short notice that the commencement of the Nicaragua steamship route is imminent, stamp with slight crease and tiny margin nick at top from placement near edge

VERY FINE. ONE OF FIVE RECORDED ILLUSTRATED SAN FRANCISCO NEWSLETTERS WITH THE ONE-CENT 1851 ISSUE.

The San Francisco News Letter was published by Frederick Marriott and served to advance his intertwining financial and political interests, to level attacks against his foes, and to extort money from public figures who he threatened with the prospect of scandalous news reports. Each publication date was tied to an outbound Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company sailing to Panama and was sold by all Wells, Fargo & Co. agents throughout California.

If the printed circular had a written message, the 10c transcontinental rate applied; if not, 1c was sufficient for the printed matter rate. Five examples of the illustrated lettersheet have 1c 1851 stamps (see Scott R. Trepel, "The San Francisco News Letter 1856-1858,” Western Express 266, December 2017).

Ex Beals

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables