1c Blue, Type IV (9). Positions 73-75R1L and 48-50R1L, two horizontal strips of three, large to huge margins including part of adjoining stamps at bottom of one strip, stamps creased prior to use, left strip small tear at bottom left not mentioned on certificate, tied by blue "Baltimore Md. Jun. 27” circular datestamps on inbound ship cover, carried by vessel to Baltimore where it entered post office, stamps cancelled on arrival, manuscript "Due 2” ship captain’s fee, addressed to a member of the U.S. Coast Survey at Jacksonville Fla., sender’s manuscript directive "Per Steamer Hugh Jenkins” under stamps (Eastern Steamboat Co. vessel), additional manuscript "Schr. Guthrie, U.S. Coast Survey” at bottom left

VERY FINE. A MOST UNUSUAL 1851 ISSUE COVER CARRIED BY NON-CONTRACT VESSEL INTO BALTIMORE AND THEN TO U.S. COAST SURVEY MEMBER AT JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA.

The origin of this intriguing cover is unknown, but it might have originated at Annapolis, which was on the Eastern Steamboat Co. route. It was received from the Hugh Jenkins as a non-contract ship letter at the Baltimore post office, with 6c postage for a double-weight letter. The 2c ship fee was collected from the addressee.

Ex Krug, Ishikawa and Cipolla, and from our 2006 Rarities sale. Described in Ashbrook’s Special Service (No. 276) and with his notes on back. With 2002 P.F. certificate.

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