1836 Stampless Cover to Hardwick MA Red Brooklyn NY Postmark and Rate Marking

This is an original 1836 stampless folded letter sent from Stephen Newton to his father, Silas Newton II in Hardwick, Massachusetts. Stephen, who was likely working or traveling, provides updates on his journey and local business conditions in his letter. The cover features a striking red circular “BROOKLYN NY” postmark dated September 5 and a bold red “18¾” rate marking denoting the postage due. These elements are highly collectible for enthusiasts of early U.S. postal history.

Key Details:

• Date: September 4th, 1836
• To: Silas Newton II, Hardwick, MA
• From: Stephen Newton (his son)
• Postmark: Clear red circular “BROOKLYN NY” dated Sept 5 (1836), highly legible
• Rate Marking: Large red “18¾”, indicating the postage due (18¾ cents) based on distance and postal rates of the period
• Content: A family letter providing a window into daily life and business communications in 1836.Stephen discusses his travels, working conditions, wages, and local economic prospects.
• Size: 9.75″ tall by 15″ wide when fully opened, 2.75″ tall by 5″ wide when folded for mailing

Historical and Philatelic Significance:
This cover represents a classic example of pre-stamp postal history, where markings and rates were manually applied. The red Brooklyn postmark and bold red rate are desirable features for postal history collectors. Hardwick, MA, mail from this era is scarce, making this a valuable addition to any New England stampless cover or postal history collection.

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