Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

M.V "Celebes". 1953 (Apr 15) Window envelope with a Philadelphia meter mark and violet cachet "This Article Damaged by Fire / on board S.S CELEBES April 29/53 / Post Office, New York, N.Y.", minor edge singeing, the reverse with a USA Officially Sealed label tied by oval New York Foreign datestamp (June 17). The Dutch MV "Celebes" was en route from New Orleans to Sourabaya, Indonesia, via New York and Alexandria when she suffered a fire in the mail room at New York; this was extinguished but 25 mailbags were destroyed, 18 others damaged by fire, and many more by water. Photo on Page 48.
Suggested price: £ 130-150