Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

S.S "Cienfuegos". 1895 (Jan 21) Cover from the French P.O in Tripoli, Syria, to the USA bearing French P.O 1pi on 25c, handstamped blue triangular framed "T" and "COLLECT / POSTAGE / 10 CENTS", the reverse bearing a cyclostyled label "Post Office, New York, N.Y. / February 12, 1895 / This piece of mail matter / was damaged in the wreck of / S.S Cienfuegos on Feb. 14, 1895 / Charles W. Dayton / Postmaster", tied by a Worcester arrival c.d.s, a New York F.D (Feb 14) c.d.s alongside. The "Cienfuegos" sailed from New York to Cienfuegos in Cuba via Nassau, but became stranded on a reef near Harbour Island in the Bahamas, and became a total wreck; all passengers and mail were landed safely. Piece torn away from right edge upon opening, otherwise fine and very rare, just two covers recorded from this wreck. Photo on Page 44.
Suggested price: £ 800-1,200