A cover dating to the early days of the American Revolution in 1775 has sold for $35,000 at Robert A Siegel in New York.
The sale took place on December 19, with the lot achieving an increase of 133% on a $15,000 estimate.
 The cover was sent in 1775 |
It was posted from Albany, New York to Montreal, Quebec, which was under occupation by American troops at the time, and features the date and the name of the sender clearly marked on the front of the envelope: "Albany 27 Dec. '75, Abr. Ten Broeck".
The cover is the only known example sent between the US and Canada during this period, making it exceptionally rare.
Its value is further increased by its connection to Admiral Ten Broeck, who was the former mayor of Albany and a colonel in the Albany county militia.
The continental army invaded Canada in 1775 in an attempt to neutralise British controlled Quebec and gain the support of French speaking Canadians - a plan which ultimately failed when they were forced to withdraw to New York State the following year.
Despite the failure of the primary mission, the action did delay the advance of the British until the following year.
A large collection of stampless US covers dating to the mid 1800s also performed well, selling for $16,500 - achieving a 312.5% increase on a $4,000 estimate.
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