- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
Peter Benchley Collection
Lot 295:
Description
Sea Films, Inc. commemorative philatelic cover documenting a deep-sea expedition on the DSRV Alvin. The envelope is addressed in professional black calligraphy to Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Benchley at their former Princeton, New Jersey residence. A printed cachet on the left side illustrates the DSRV Alvin submersible with accompanying text for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Sea Films, Inc. A handwritten dive log grid records Dive 894 on February 19, 1979, at a depth of 2457 meters in the Galapagos Rift. Log entries identify pilot D.S. Foster, co-pilot and photographer Emory Kristof, and observer Peter Benchley.
The envelope is franked with three Ecuadorian airmail stamps, including two 1975 Eucharistic Congress issues and one coat of arms issue, all bearing purple circular postal cancellations from Puerto Ayora and the Province of Galapagos. A blind-embossed seal in the upper left corner depicts an eagle in flight over a film strip. The piece is professionally mounted in a navy blue mat with a gold-toned inner border.
Marked on the face Sea Films, Inc. Mat: 8" H x 13 3/4" W. Envelope: 4 1/8" H x 9 3/4" W.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Condition report:
Envelope exhibits minor paper toning and remains in good overall condition with no visible tears or creases. The navy blue mat shows visible foxing and water staining on the right side and along the lower margin. Handwritten text, postal cancellations, and stamps remain clear and well-preserved.
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