Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

S.S "Kestrel". 1849 (July 5) Cover prepaid 2/- in cash, from G.B. to St. Johns, Newfoundland with "SHEEPSHEAD" undated circle and blue Loughborough c.d.s, red London Paid and Liverpool lozenge datestamps, backstamped at St. Johns (July 26). Carried on Cunard Line S.S "Kestrel" which left Liverpool on July 6th, arriving at Halifax on the 19th and Sydney, Nova Scotia on the 21st, but was wrecked on the following day on the western head of the Bay of St. Shott’s, Newfoundland, striking rocks when travelling at 10 knots. All passengers and mail were saved by being hauled up a cliff. The only item recorded from this wreck, discovered since the publication of "Maritime Disaster Mail" and therefore unlisted in that book. Photo on Page 51.
Suggested price: £ 500-600