Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

S.S "Curlew". 1856 (Feb 15) Entire letter from Robert Tucker & Co in London to Bermuda with London and Liverpool lozenge datestamps and a black "5d" charge mark, carried from Liverpool to Halifax on the Cunard steamer "America", arriving on February 29th. It was then conveyed by the Cunard steamer "Curlew" which left Halifax on March 14th bound for Bermuda and St. Thomas; approaching Bermuda four days later it struck a reef east of the North Rock, filled with water and settled down stern first before breaking in two and becoming a total wreck. The crew and passengers escaped, seven of the nine mail bags floating free. These were recovered over the next two days, some over two miles from the wreck, and were taken to St. Georges. A little water wear at upper edge, otherwise fine, the only letter recorded from this wreck. Ex Ludington. Photo on Page 56.
Suggested price: £ 1,500-1,800