Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

S.S "West Kebar". 1940 (Dec 21) Cover from Monrovia to New York bearing three Liberia stamps, extensively stained by oil and water damaged, handstamped "Received in bad condition at" with a N.Y Wall St. c.d.s of January 22nd alongside, and an accompanying explanatory notice "The accompanying letter is one of a large number received from Monrovia, Liberia, per S.S West Kebar via Boston. The oil soaked condition of the letter was evidently caused by its having come into contact with a damaged parcel or cargo aboard the vessel, Respectfully, Albert Goldman, Postmaster". The "West Kebar" encountered a severe storm 400 miles east of New York on 13th January 1941, took on water and sent out an SOS, but was able to reach Boston unaided on the 15th, with extensive deck damage and a wrecked superstructure. Storm water entered the hold and evidently contaminated the mails and damaged the cargo. The only cover recorded from this incident. Photo on Page 46.
Suggested price: £ 200-250