Published: Friday, 15th March, 2002 00:00
Envelope may fetch £4,000
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A TATTERED envelope that passed through Greenock 139 years ago is expected to fetch a whopping £4,000 when it goes under the hammer.
Marked 'Greenock Ship Letter', the envelop began its journey in Newfoundland and arrived in Greenock before being taken by coach to its final destination in Devon.
Despite bearing a rare 'rose-lake' stamp, it is the unusual post mark that gives the envelope its value.
Nicholas Startup, Spink auctioneers stamp expert, explained: "It is unique. Letters from Newfoundland usually travelled south on boats to Liverpool and London on established mail carriers aboard the Cunard line.
"This letter arrived on the steamship 'Patrick', and we can tell it was just handed to someone onboard in the hope that it would be passed on to a mail carrier when the boat reached the UK."
"It was posted in 1863, and between 1857 and 1865 there were only 280 'rose-lake' stamps issued.
"There are only about six of these stamps still remaining, but with this one we can trace where it came from.
Mr Startup added that during the 19th century there was no direct mail service between Newfoundland and the UK, and letters would just be given to any passing ship.
"It is quite romantic to imagine how things worked in the bygone age this envelop comes from,” he said.
The stamp will be auctioned at Spink auctioneers in London on 22 March.
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