SS Conte Biancamano First-Class Ticket (1927): A Luxurious Transatlantic Voyage from New York to Genoa

📌 Explore a rare 1927 first-class ticket from the SS Conte Biancamano, revealing the luxury, costs, and regulations of transatlantic travel aboard Lloyd Sabaudo’s premier Italian liner. 🇺🇸➡️🇮🇹 This document is a crucial resource for historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts.

Passenger's Copy, Lloyd Sabaudo First Class Ticket for Passage on the SS Conte Biancamano, Departing from New York to Genoa Dated 30 June 1927. GGA Image ID # 1eb1efef9b

🚢 SS Conte Biancamano First-Class Ticket (1927): A Luxury Voyage from New York to Genoa 🇺🇸➡️🇮🇹

The Lloyd Sabaudo First-Class Ticket for the SS Conte Biancamano, dated June 30, 1927, is a rare and valuable historical document that provides a glimpse into high-end transatlantic travel during the golden age of ocean liners. This first-class passage, reserved for Frank Pinto, his wife Emma, and their two young children, offers insights into elite ocean travel, ticketing policies, and the luxurious experience aboard one of Italy’s premier steamships.

For historians, genealogists, educators, and students, this passenger contract offers a window into the upper-class transatlantic experience, including fare pricing, onboard accommodations, and the legal framework governing ocean travel in the 1920s.

Lloyd Sabaudo
Societa' Anonima per Azioni - Sede in Genova
General Agency for U.S. and Canada
3 State Street, New York City

No. 74277
First Class Ticket
Cabin 136 & Bath, Berth All

From New York to Genoa Per Steamer Conte Biancamano Sailing 30 June 1927 at Noon.

• Mr. Frank Pinto, Adult
• Mrs. Emma Pinto, Adult
• Master John Pinto, Age 6
• Miss Evelyn Pinto, Age 4

2 Full Fares, 2 Half Fares

• Price Paid: $618.75
• US Revenue Tax: $20.00
• Total: $638.75 ($10,800 Stated in 2022 Dollars)

Genoa Landing Tax $12.00 Collected

City and Date: New York 8 June 1927

Contract Terms, First Class Ticket on the SS Conte Biancamano of the Lloyd Sabaudo Line, 8 June 1927. GGA Image ID # 1eb1ff079e

It Is mutually agreed by and between LLOYD SABAUDO and the passenger herein mentioned as follows:

1. This ticket Is personal and only good for the person or persons therein mentioned and for the vessel therein named.

2. The passenger is required to be on board at least one-half hour before the time set for the steamer's departure. Should the passenger arrive too late or should he decide not to sail after having fixed the passage, he loses all rights on the amount of passage money paid for.

3. The LLOYD SABAUDO, in Issuing this ticket, reserves the right to transfer passengers from one steamer to another when transhipments occur, and all expenses relative to such transhipments are at the passenger's expense.

4. The passenger has a right to interrupt his voyage at intermediate fixed ports of the line and take a following steamer. The duration of the ticket cannot exceed more than one month for the Mediterranean Lines and not more than three months for the Transatlantic Lines. The passenger on reembarkation must be satisfied with the accommodations then at the ship's disposal.

5. In all cases where passengers avail themselves of these concessions as well as of those of transfers from one steamer to another, they must obtain from the ship's Captain or Purser a special ticket, which before reembarkation must be signed by the agents of the respective ports.

6. Passengers are held responsible towards the Company for all penalties, etc., which by their fault can be applied by the respective Authorities of Customs, Health, etc.

7. Passengers can only occupy those berths and cabins that have been assigned to them by the Agents or Captain.

8. In all cases where delays are occasioned by the local Sanitary Authorities for quarantine purposes, passengers will have to pay for their maintenance.

9. Neither the vessel, its owners, nor the agents of either, shall be responsible for loss or delay of, or injury to, any passenger or his baggage or property arising from the act of God or the public enemy or perils of the sea or rivers, fire or barratry of the master or crew or negligence in navigation of the steamer or of any other vessel, from robbers, arrest or restraint of princes, rulers or people, riots, strikes or stoppage of labor; from explosion, bursting of boilers, breakage of shafts or any latent defect in hull, machinery or appurtenances o the vessel though existing at the time of shipment or sailing of the voyage or thereafter arising, provided the owners have exercised due diligence to make the vessel seaworthy; nor for any loss or damage arising from the nature of the goods or insufficiency of packages nor from error, insufficiency or absence of marks, address or description nor from any loss or damage caused by the prolongation of the voyage, nor from the unseaworthiness of the vessel provided the owners have exercised due diligence to make the vessel seaworthy.

10. The vessel shall have the liberty to proceed without pilots, to tow and assist vessels in all situations, to put back, or into any port at the discretion of the commander, to deviate from the direct or customary course, and if prevented from proceeding In the ordinary course to tranship the passengers and their luggage by any other steamer bound for the port of destination or other usual means of transportation thereto whether belonging to the Company or not, and such transshipment shall be at the risk of the passenger, provided reasonable care is exercised in the selection of such means of transshipment.

11. Ten cubic feet of baggage for each adult passenger, but not exceeding the total value of $50, shall be carried without additional charge, but neither said carrier nor the vessel nor its owners, nor the agents of either shall be liable for loss or detention of, or injury to any baggage or property of passenger whether occasioned by the negligence of said carrier of the vessel or Its owners or of the officers, agents or employees of either or by other cause until delivered Into the custody of said carrier at its wharf, and then only when caused by negligence of said carrier or the vessel or Its owners or of the officers, agents or employees of either and not to an amount exceeding said total of $50, for each adult passenger which is hereby agreed upon as the value thereof, unless the same shall be accepted and shipped as freight upon payment of an additional charge under a special agreement.

12. Gold and silverware, watches, jewelry, and other valuables, also money in excess of $5.00 shall not be carried as baggage but must be specially delivered to the captain of the steamer for safekeeping: until that is done neither said carrier nor the vessel nor its owners nor the agents of either shall be liable for any loss or detention of, or-Injury to, the same.

13. All suits against the said carrier or the vessel or its owners or the agents of cither for the recovery of baggage or property or damage for loss or delay of, or injury to, the same or for personal Injury to or detention of any passenger shall not be maintained thereafter notwithstanding any provision of the law of any shall be commenced within ninety days after the termination of the voyage, and country to the contrary.

14. All baggage must be properly and legibly marked with the name and address of the owner, and In case of failure to do so, any loss or detention of, or injury to, the same shall be conclusively deemed to be the fault of the passenger.

15. Passengers are subject to the laws and regulations of the Governments of the countries through which they travel.

16. In case of sickness upon the voyage, passengers are entitled to medical attendance and medicines furnished by the carrier through the ship's surgeon free of charge, but the carrier does not assume any responsibility for consequences of medical or surgical treatment.

17. Passengers arriving at the port of embarkation without having reserved room in advance do so at their own risk and responsibility. If passengers do not travel by » the vessel on which room has boon reserved without notifying the carrier to this effect. In time (8 days), this contract becomes void, and the amount paid for same is forfeited.

Relative Value of a U.S. Dollar from 1927

In 2022, the relative values of $638.75 from 1927 ranges from $8,700.00 to $169,000.00.

A simple Purchasing Power Calculator would say the relative value is $10,800.00. This answer is obtained by multiplying $638.75 by the percentage increase in the CPI from 1927 to 2022.

This may not be the best answer.

The best measure of the relative value over time depends on if you are interested in comparing the cost or value of a Commodity , Income or Wealth , or a Project.

If you want to compare the value of a $638.75 Commodity in 1927 there are three choices. In 2022 the relative:

• real price of that commodity is $10,800.00
• labor value of that commodity is $39,300.00 (using the unskilled wage) or $43,000.00 (using production worker compensation)
• income value of that commodity is $60,200.00
• economic share of that commodity is $169,000.00

If you want to compare the value of a $638.75 Income or Wealth , in 1927 there are four choices. In 2022 the relative:

• real wage or real wealth value of that income or wealth is $10,800.00
• relative labor earnings of that commodity are $39,300.00 (using the unskilled wage) or $43,000.00 (using production worker compensation)
• relative income or wealth value of that income or wealth is $60,200.00
• relative output value of that income or wealth is $169,000.00

If you want to compare the value of a $638.75 Project in 1927 there are three choices. In 2022 the relative:

• real cost of that project is $8,700.00
• labor cost of that project is $39,300.00 (using the unskilled wage) or $43,000.00 (using production worker compensation)
• relative cost of that project is $60,200.00
• economy cost of that project is $169,000.00

 

Samuel H. Williamson, "Seven Ways to Compute the Relative Value of a U.S. Dollar Amount, 1790 to present," MeasuringWorth, 2023. URL: www.measuringworth.com/uscompare/

📜 Key Themes & Takeaways

1️⃣ The SS Conte Biancamano & Lloyd Sabaudo: Icons of Italian Ocean Travel 🇮🇹

🔹 Lloyd Sabaudo, an Italian steamship company, was one of the premier carriers of first-class passengers across the Atlantic.

🔹 SS Conte Biancamano (1925) was a state-of-the-art liner that catered to wealthy travelers, diplomats, and celebrities seeking comfort and elegance on their journey between the U.S. and Italy.

🔹 Unlike steerage-class tickets of the late 19th century, which were primarily used by immigrants, first-class passage was an indicator of wealth, status, and luxury.

2️⃣ The Cost of Luxury Travel in 1927 💰

🔹 The total cost of the ticket was $638.75, equivalent to $10,800 in 2022 dollars.

🔹 Compared to steerage fares, which were often under $100 per person, first-class tickets were reserved for the affluent.

The fare included:

🔹 A private cabin with a bath (Cabin 136 & Bath, Berth All)

🔹 Two full fares for adults and two half fares for children

🔹 A $20 U.S. Revenue Tax

🔹 A $12 Genoa Landing Tax

🔹 Fine dining, premium services, and top-tier accommodations

3️⃣ First-Class Experience: Traveling in Style & Comfort ✨

🔹 First-class passengers aboard the SS Conte Biancamano enjoyed spacious cabins, fine dining, and exclusive lounges.

🔹 The ship’s amenities included an opulent dining saloon, social clubs, promenade decks, and elegant staterooms—a far cry from the cramped conditions of third-class steerage.

🔹 Unlike third-class passengers, first-class travelers had significant flexibility:

🔹 They could interrupt their voyage at intermediate ports and rebook on a later ship within one month for Mediterranean routes and three months for transatlantic routes.

🔹 They had guaranteed accommodations upon re-embarkation, unlike lower-class passengers who had to take whatever space was available.

4️⃣ Passenger Rights & Travel Regulations ⚖️

First-class travelers had greater rights but were still bound by strict contractual obligations.

Key clauses in the ticket agreement included:

🔹 Mandatory check-in at least 30 minutes before departure—failure to do so resulted in forfeiting the ticket without a refund.

🔹 Transshipments could occur at the passenger’s expense, meaning if Lloyd Sabaudo had to transfer them to another ship, they had to cover additional fees.

🔹 Passengers were responsible for any customs, health, or legal violations, including penalties imposed by foreign authorities.

🔹 In the event of quarantine, first-class passengers had to pay for their maintenance (a cost typically covered for steerage-class travelers).

5️⃣ Risks & Liabilities of Ocean Travel 🌊

Despite the luxury experience, the ticket explicitly outlined the potential risks of transatlantic travel, which passengers had to accept.

Lloyd Sabaudo was not liable for losses due to:

🔹 Natural disasters (acts of God) 🌊

🔹 Fires, shipwrecks, or mechanical failures 🔥

🔹 Delays due to war, strikes, or government actions ⚖️

🔹 Piracy, theft, or criminal activities onboard ⚓

🔹 Baggage was limited to 10 cubic feet per adult, with a maximum liability of $50 per passenger unless insured separately.

6️⃣ Medical Care & Passenger Health 🏥

🔹 First-class passengers were entitled to free medical care from the ship’s surgeon.

🔹 However, Lloyd Sabaudo was not responsible for any complications arising from medical treatment.

🔹 Unlike steerage-class travelers, who often faced harsh quarantine measures, first-class travelers had more lenient medical screenings and better health accommodations.

📸 Noteworthy Images & Their Importance

1️⃣ Passenger’s Copy of the First-Class Ticket 📜

🔹 A rare and detailed example of an elite ocean liner ticket, showing names, cabin assignments, fare calculations, and taxes.

🔹 Vital for genealogists researching family migration, particularly for upper-class travelers in the 1920s.

2️⃣ Contract Terms of First-Class Passage 📄

🔹 A valuable legal document outlining the rights and responsibilities of transatlantic travelers.

🔹 Provides insights into maritime law, ticketing policies, and liability clauses.

🔹 Essential for historians studying the regulations governing early 20th-century luxury ocean travel.

🌍 Why This Document Matters for Historians, Educators & Genealogists

🔎 For Historians

🔹 Demonstrates the shift from immigration-based ocean travel to elite tourism in the 1920s.

🔹 Highlights the Italian shipping industry’s role in global transatlantic travel.

🔹 Provides insight into the legal framework of first-class maritime travel.

🧬 For Genealogists

🔹 Confirms the presence of a specific family on a specific voyage.

🔹 Includes names, birth years, and relationships—key data for tracking family history.

🔹 Offers details on passenger class, which can indicate socioeconomic status.

📚 For Educators & Students

🔹 Allows students to compare first-class travel with steerage-class migration experiences.

🔹 Demonstrates how global travel regulations evolved in the early 20th century.

🔹 Encourages discussion on luxury travel, social class, and economic history.

🏆 Final Thoughts: The Golden Age of Ocean Travel 🌊

The SS Conte Biancamano First-Class Ticket (1927) represents a fascinating chapter in transatlantic travel, marking the shift from mass immigration to high-end tourism. Unlike the steerage-class voyages of the late 19th century, first-class accommodations provided an opulent experience for wealthy travelers seeking comfort and prestige.

For historians and genealogists, this ticket serves as a detailed record of an elite travel experience, shedding light on the cost, amenities, and legal intricacies of first-class ocean travel in the interwar period. As ocean liners transitioned from immigrant ships to floating palaces, documents like this help us understand the evolution of maritime travel and its impact on global history. 🚢✨