1856 Transatlantic Maritime Cover - France to New York via Steamship Arago
Item Overview:
An exceptional and highly documented 1856 transatlantic maritime cover sent from Havre, France to Big Flatts, Chemung County, New York. This cover traveled via the New York and Havre Steam Navigation Company (Havre Line) aboard the historic steamer "Arago."
Historical and Postal Specifications:
- Ship: Arago
- Company: New York and Havre Steam Navigation Company (Havre Line)
- Departure Date: Havre, 4 June 1856
- Arrival Date: New York, 17 June 1856
- Franking: Prepaid 30 centimes outgoing ship letter rate using 1853-54 French Napoleon III imperforate stamps (10c yellowish-brown and 20c blue; Scott Nos. 14, 15).
- Cancellations: Clear, crisp numeric "1496" lozenge diamond grid cancels.
- Key Postal History Feature: Features a New York entry strike for the 20c incoming American packet rate. Because the initial New York strike was faint, the local postmaster at Big Flatts, NY physically intervened and marked a distinct black ink "Due 20" marking to ensure proper collection upon delivery.
Fascinating SS Arago Ship History:
- Built in New York in 1855 by Westervelt and Sons for 450,000 dollars to replace the mail ship "Humboldt."
- A state-of-the-art wooden-hull sidewheel paddle steamer measuring 295 feet, powered by giant 33-foot iron paddle wheels.
- Named in honor of the legendary French physicist and astronomer, Francois Arago.
- Specially constructed with cutting-edge oscillating engines, water-tight bulkheads, and wire bulwarks to protect it against heavy Atlantic storms.
- Famously chartered by the U.S. War Department just a few years later (1862-1865) to serve as a heavily armed transport ship during the American Civil War.
Included with Purchase:
The professional typed archival write-up card shown in the listing photos will be securely packaged and included with the cover.