GB 1795 Pre-Stamp - Hastings S1 Ship Letter

Stock Code: P223015328

1795 Maritime Mail. Very interesting entire from a brother in Paris to his sister in East Malling, Kent. Written on the 23rd May during the last Jacobin rebellion, a dangerous time for all Parisiens especially if you were English, Britain having been at war with France since 1793. Probably carried privately to Calais then by neutral ship to Hastings where a black 'HASTINGS/SHIP LRE' handstamp was applied (Robertson type S1), London arrival Bishp mark on reverse for JU.3.1795. Up to 1797 all letters had to go via London and were charged twice for the mileage to and from London. The act of 1784 complicated matters by adding a 1d surcharge it the combined journey was under 150 miles and 2d if over that distance. This letter is rated originally '5' (1d Ship, 3d inland plus 1d surcharge) the surcharge noted by a manuscript '1' at right. Both of these rate markings subsequently cancelled and re-rated '8' (original 5d plus additional 3d inland charge to East Malling). Interesting contents which allude to his intended flight and the gentleman that is accompanying him waiting for his passport, with unsurprisingly no specific information supplied presumably incase the letter was intercepted. A very unusual and superb letter postdating the latest recorded usage by Robertson and Tabeart by 9 years. Ex Wallas.

$1,084.04*

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GB 1795 Pre-Stamp - Hastings S1 Ship Letter - $1,084.04*

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