door For the serious philatelist, there is nothing more fascinating than a piece of postal history that transcends borders—both literally and metaphorically. Paquebot envelopes are precisely such a piece of history. These letters, dispatched from ships drifting on the high seas, not only have a captivating past but also offer a rare combination of maritime and postal adventure. In this article, we shall delve into the intriguing world of Paquebot mail and examine a particularly remarkable series of envelopes created by a distinguished collector. These envelopes not only serve as exemplars of Paquebot mail but also narrate a story of voyages, seas, and an unwavering passion for philately.
What Are Paquebot Envelopes?
The term Paquebot, derived from the French word meaning “mail boat” or “packet ship,” refers to mail dispatched from aboard a ship. In an era when air mail was not yet common, ships played a pivotal role in international communication. Vessels travelling great distances, often for weeks or months on end, not only transported goods and passengers but also carried mail. Yet, what were the means available to a passenger or crew member wishing to send a letter during the voyage?
This challenge was addressed through the establishment of the Paquebot system. The system allowed passengers and crew to post letters while aboard a ship, whether it was on the high seas or in a foreign port. According to the regulations of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), established in 1891, any letter dispatched from a ship had to bear postage stamps from the country in which the ship was registered. Thus, a letter posted from a Dutch ship, for instance, required Dutch postage stamps, irrespective of where the ship was located at the time. These letters were then stamped upon arrival at a port or by the nearest postal office that handled the post.
What makes Paquebot mail so captivating for collectors is the unique combination of stamps and postmarks from various countries. A letter dispatched from a Dutch ship in a Turkish port, for example, might feature both a Dutch stamp and a Turkish postmark. Each Paquebot envelope, therefore, becomes a unique historical document, a tangible reminder of a time when the world was connected through the oceans.
A Distinguished Paquebot Cover Collector: Birger Steiner
A well-known name in philately, and specifically within the realm of Paquebot mail, is that of Birger Steiner. Steiner, a dedicated collector, left an indelible mark on this field—quite literally. The envelopes under examination in this article are not merely random finds from old archives; rather, they all originate from Steiner’s personal collection, a man who not only collected Paquebot mail but also produced his own postal masterpieces.
Residing in Sweden, Steiner was not content with merely acquiring Paquebot mail. He took matters further by creating his own series of Paquebot envelopes, each bearing his address, Dutch postage stamps, and the names of various ships and shipping lines. He then entrusted these envelopes to captains or ship officers, who would ensure that they were posted from different foreign ports. The result is a series of unique letters that not only pay homage to the world of maritime post but also to the creativity and passion of a devoted collector.
Examining the Envelopes
Let us now turn our attention to some of the Paquebot envelopes from Birger Steiner’s collection. What immediately stands out is the consistency in design: each envelope bears Dutch postage stamps, always neatly postmarked in the port where the ship arrived. However, it is the variety in the postmarks and the senders that make each envelope a unique collector’s item.
1. Paquebot Dubrovnik
This envelope, originating from the port of Dubrovnik, Croatia, perfectly illustrates how international postal services were applied in practice. The letter is affixed with a Dutch postage stamp valued at €0.57 and bears a postmark from Dubrovnik, indicating that the letter was posted in this harbour. The term “NAVIRE” is clearly visible on the envelope, signifying that the letter was dispatched from a vessel. The logo of Holland America Line in the top left corner suggests the vessel’s origin. The combination of the Dutch stamp, Croatian postmark, and maritime logo makes this a textbook example of Paquebot mail.
2. Paquebot Kusadasi
Another delightful envelope in the collection was posted from Kusadasi, Turkey. The Dutch postage stamps—one valued at €0.54 and an additional five-eurocent stamp—once again demonstrate that the vessel sailed under the Dutch flag. The postmarks from Kusadasi confirm the letter’s international voyage. The “PAQUEBOT” stamp marks the letter as ship-post. Here again, the Holland America Line logo in the corner suggests that one of their ships carried the letter.
3. Paquebot Malta
This envelope, originating from Malta, is another fine example of Paquebot mail. As with the other envelopes, the Dutch stamp valued at €0.54 is clearly present, yet what sets this envelope apart is the Paquebot postmark from Malta. This beautifully illustrates how a letter from Dutch waters could travel the globe, only to be posted in a foreign port. The combination of the Dutch stamp, Maltese postmark, and the mention of the ship ms Westerdam makes this envelope a treasured item for collectors.
4. Paquebot Västervik
A particularly interesting envelope from Steiner’s collection was posted from the Swedish port of Västervik. The blue “PAQUE BOT” stamp and the handwritten note “Posted on high seas” make it abundantly clear that this letter was posted at sea. The Dutch postage stamps of 55 cents and two additional 10-cent stamps indicate once again that the vessel was of Dutch origin. The fact that this envelope originates from Sweden, where Steiner himself resided, suggests that Steiner may have personally handed the letters to a crew member or captain to be posted from the port.
5. Paquebot Venezia
One of the most charming examples is undoubtedly the envelope posted from the iconic port of Venice, Italy. The €0.54 Dutch postage stamp, alongside the Italian Paquebot postmarks, creates a delightful blend of maritime and Italian flair. The fact that the envelope originates from the ms Westerdam, a vessel of Holland America Line, adds further appeal to this captivating collector’s item.
Conclusion
Paquebot envelopes represent a unique niche within philately, a crossroads where maritime and postal history meet. For collectors like Birger Steiner, these envelopes offer a window into a bygone era when ships played an essential role in global communication. The fact that Steiner created his own series of Paquebot envelopes not only demonstrates his passion for this field but also his determination to preserve a piece of postal history.
His collection is far more than a mere assortment of random postal items. Each piece tells a story of voyages, of international cooperation, and of the extraordinary logistics required to deliver a simple letter from one continent to another. These Paquebot envelopes remind us of how much the world has changed—but also how much there remains to explore within the world of postal collecting.
So, the next time you hold an envelope bearing a Paquebot postmark, imagine the oceans it has crossed, the ports it has visited, and the collector who values not only the stamp but the stories that come with it from all around the world.
