Sale 1223 — U.S. Postal History and U.S. Gold Coins
Sale Date — Thursday-Friday, 4-5 June, 2020
Category — California and Western Mails
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
8412
"Moons Ranch Cal. Feb. 8th 1855". Manuscript postmark with matching "Paid 6" on cover to Springfield Ill. with "Rocking the Cradle" illustrated miner's design depicting miners working with "Long Toms", Hutchings imprint at left, "Anthony & Baker SC" engraver's imprint at bottom of design, blue manuscript docketing, slightly reduced at right, some edgewear, Very Fine and rare design which, according to Kutz, was first used by miners from Georgia, ex Knapp
E. 500-750
800
8413
Murphy's Cal. Aug. 28. Bold strike of circular datestamp with "Paid 6" in oval handstamp on buff cover to Wilmurt N.Y., with "Mining Scene" illustration of miner panning for gold, Hutchings imprint, some wear and soiling, still Very Fine and attractive design
E. 500-750
425
Back to Top8414
Sacramento City Cal. Jul. 15. Neat strike of circular datestamp with "10" rate handstamp on buff cover to Fort Madison Iowa with "Prospecting Miners" illustrated blue cameo corner card, no imprint but probably produced by Eaves of New York City, some wear including sealed tear at left not affecting design, Fine, a very rare design, ex Dr. H. K. Thompson (Paige auction of Dec. 6, 1957) and our 1980 auction Sale 556
E. 500-750
325
Back to Top8415
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Horizontal pair, huge margins to in at top and left, tied by "New-York Ship Jul. 12" circular datestamp on buff cover from San Francisco to Brunswick, Me., well-struck blue "Forwarded via Nicaragua From Noisy Carriers Publishing Hall, San Francisco" framed handstamp, Very Fine, attractive and scarce use, a remarkably clear strike of the large framed Noisy Carriers marking
E. 750-1,000
1,800
Back to Top8416
Via Nicaragua Line, In Advance of the Mail. Perfectly struck oval handstamp applied in New York City on brown cover to San Francisco, sender's directive "Nicaragua route" and tiny manuscript "Paid March 4" in another hand, small sealed tear at top, still Extremely Fine, a choice strike of this rare Via Nicaragua handstamp, examples of westbound mail carried by the Accessory Transit Co. are much scarcer than eastbound, ex Lyons
E. 500-750
500
Back to Top8417
10c Green, Ty. V (35). Straight edge at left, tied by "Sacramento City Cal. Feb. 3" circular datestamp on light red "Putt's Overland Envelope" with small illustrations of stagecoaches to Brooklyn N.Y., barely reduced at left, recipient and address crossed out, Fine and scarce use, the different “Putt’s Overland Envelopes” were published to promote the cause of building a railroad to replace the stagecoach mail route, all of the text on front and back is a sarcastic celebration of “Uncle Sam’s Great Mule Railroad.”, ex William West
E. 300-400
425
Back to Top8418
1c Blue, Ty. V (24). Horizontal strip of three, tied by "Napa City Cal. Feb. 13" datestamps on blue "Overland Mail via Los Angeles" illustrated 4-horse stagecoach cover to San Francisco, 1861 docketing on back, route crossed out in pen which has been lightened, slightly reduced at left, otherwise Very Fine, extremely rare design and an even rarer use with 1c stamps, ex Bailar, illustrated in Brookman on p. 197
E. 300-400
475
Back to Top8419
1861 Issue from San Francisco to France. Two covers, first with 30c Orange (71), 12c Black (69) and 3c Rose (65) tied by cogwheels, "San Francisco Cal. Jul. 25, 1862" circular datestamp on blue folded cover to Potensac, France, sender's endorsement "pr Overland Mail", appropriate transits, 3c small perf faults, second with 10c Green (68), pair of 1c Blue (63) and 3c Rose (65) tied by cogwheels, "San Francisco Mar. 23, 1863" double-circle datestamp on blue folded letter to Bordeaux, France, sender's endorsement "pr. Steamer Constitution", bottom 1c affected by horizontal file fold and some age bleach spots, Very Fine and colorful pair of covers, the overland cover took 25 days to get to N.Y., the one sent via Panama took 22 days, ex Risvold
E. 400-500
1,100
Back to Top8420
"P. Adams & Co's Express", Sonora. Three matching 1853 folded letters with manuscript express designations at top left, Mar. 30 with bold blue "Adams & Co's Express Sonora" double-line oval datestamp (Thomas ADA-101) and "Paid" in octagon, May 17 with bold red "Adams & Co. Sonora May 17" oval and "Paid" in octagon, Sep. 14 with greenish-blue "Adams & Co. Sonora Sep. 14" oval with "Paid" in octagon, each addressed to Augustin W. Hale in San Francisco, horizontal file folds, fresh and Extremely Fine trio, perfect for exhibition, ex Lyons
E. 400-500
350
Back to Top8421
Adams & Co. Georgetown, Aug. 26. Light but readable strike of red oval datestamp (Thomas ADA-101d) with matching "Paid" straightline on ca. 1854 buff cover to San Francisco, missing half of backflap, Very Fine and rare, this is the only example recorded by Lyons and in Thomas with this datestamp and straightline, ex Clifford and Lyons
E. 200-300
190
Back to Top8422
Alta Express Co. Jamestown. Oval handstamp on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10) with printed "Alta Express Co. Paid" high mountain and steamboat frank (Thomas ALT-001), addressed to San Francisco, Extremely Fine, a choice cover and very scarce with the Jamestown handstamp, Lyons records only this single example, with 2009 P.F. certificate
E. 300-400
550
Back to Top8423
American Express. Paid. Printed frank (Thomas AME-004, with periods after "Express" and "Paid") on 3c Red on White Nesbitt entire (U9) to San Francisco, no other express markings (none of the recorded covers have handstamps), couple inconsequential edge tears, Very Fine, a choice example of this scarce and appealing frank depicting a dog guarding a safe, sailing schooner, steam vessel and railroad train, American Express consolidated with Nichols Express in late 1858 or 1859, this distinctive frank was used by both companies, ex Dale-Lichtenstein and Lyons
E. 300-400
325
Back to Top8424
J. Bamber & Cos. Express, Bacon & Hardy, Oakland Office. Printed frank (Thomas BAM-005) on 3c Pink on White entire (U34), paste-up use to San Francisco (address on other side), two strikes of blue "J. Bamber & Cos. Express S.F. Mar. 22" receiving datestamp, franked entire faintly toned along edges and small hole, other cover a bit roughly opened, still Very Fine, a scarce frank with the Oakland agents' names, ex Dale-Lichtenstein and Lyons
E. 200-300
250
Back to Top8425
Bamber & Co.'s Express S.F. Two strikes of blue double-circle datestamp (Thomas BAM-102) dated the 17th but month unclear (ca. 1858?), on buff cover without any postage (contravening regulations), addressed to San Francisco, McKay correspondence, small edge tear at top left, Very Fine, an early Bamber cover before the widely known printed franks, ex Lyons
E. 100-150
60
Back to Top8426
Berford & Cos. Express Paid. Double-line oval handstamp (Thomas BER-103a) with manuscript "With 250.00 Free" endorsement on brown cover to San Francisco, minor wrinkling, Very Fine, ex Dale-Lichtenstein and Lyons
E. 150-200
150
Back to Top8427
Buckley's Express Paid. Blue framed handstamped frank (Thomas BUK-100) on 3c Green entire (U82), usual conjunctive use with black printed Wells, Fargo & Co. frank to San Francisco, minor opening fault at top left and missing part of backflap, otherwise Very Fine, scarce frank from this small express that ran between Bakersfield and Kernsville Cal. (connecting with Wells Fargo), only approximately ten are recorded, nearly all from the William Willis correspondence, another example in the same hand as the cover offered here originated in Darwin Cal., ex Lyons
E. 200-300
275
Back to Top8428
Eureka Express Co. Printed frank (Thomas EUR-002) on legal-size 6c Red on White entire (U181) to San Francisco, usual conjunctive use with blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Nevada, Cal. Jul. 6" oval datestamp, small opening tears at top, still Very Fine, this frank is extremely rare on the 6c entire, especially in used condition (Lyons records only two examples)
E. 100-150
100
Back to Top8429
Everts, Davis & Co. Daily Express Paid. Printed frank (Thomas EVD-001) on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10) addressed to San Francisco, paste-up conjunctive use, cover pasted to other side handstamped with blue "Pacific Express Co. Marysville Jun. 12" oval datestamp, to San Francisco, couple edge flaws on paste-up, some overall wrinkling and soiling, otherwise Fine, ex Lyons, Frank Darwin Everts was involved in a string of partnerships over his long career as an expressman, from May 1855 until sometime in 1856 he operated as Everts, Davis & Co., they connected with Pacific Express at Marysville, examples of this frank are scarce and particularly desirable showing the Pacific conjunctive use
E. 300-400
190
Back to Top8430
Freeman & Co.'s Atlantic States and European Express. Printed frank (Thomas FRM-007) with "124 Montgomery Street" address on 10c Green on Buff Nesbitt entire (U16) to Athens N.Y., entered the government mails with "New-York Sep. 28, 1858" circular datestamp, small mended nick at top left corner clear of frank, backflap tears, otherwise Very Fine, after the failure of Adams & Co. in 1855, John M. Freeman (an agent for Adams) continued his long career as an expressman by opening his own Freeman & Co.'s Express with routes between the coasts, despite his success as a competitor with Wells, Fargo & Co., Freeman's Atlantic & European Express frank is very rare, Barkhausen had another from this correspondence, but it was carried by overland mail, a couple others with Boyd's ovals delivered locally in New York City are known, the Thomas book records only five in total of this frank, ex Poland, Kramer and Lyons
E. 300-400
275
Back to Top8431
Freeman & Co.'s Express. Two-part printed frank with list of national, international and California offices (Thomas FRM-008) on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10) to San Jose Cal., two manuscript X's thru frank but no postal markings or cancel on embossed stamp, therefore express use is likely but uncertain, in any case extremely rare, the Thomas book CD illustrates only three examples (both of the others with 1856 docketing), one is without an embossed stamp, the other is on a 3c entire with pen cancel and an edge tear, ex Lyons, with 2011 P.F. certificate as "genuine use"
E. 200-300
160
Back to Top8432
Gray's Cal Express. Superb strike of shield handstamp and manuscript "1.10" express fee on buff cover to "Sanfrancisco Californy", red "Oswego N.Y. Jul. 2" (1850) circular datestamp, matching "Paid" and manuscript "40" rate, couple small ink spots, slight wrinkling and edgewearVERY FINE. ONE OF FIVE REPORTED EXAMPLES OF THE SHORT-LIVED GRAY'S CALIFORNIA EXPRESS, WHICH OPERATED BETWEEN SACRAMENTO AND SAN FRANCISCO.
This cover was carried from New York to Chagres on the USMSC Georgia (depart July 13, arrive July 25), then by the PMSS California from Panama to San Francisco (depart August 3, arrive August 23). Gray's California Express carried mail between Sacramento and San Francisco. The few known examples are dated from 1850 through mid-1851, and the firm's offices were closed by May 1852. This cover was delivered by Gray's Express to the Sacramento mining camps.
Ex Vogel, Walske and "New Helvetia"
E. 750-1,000
900
Back to Top8433
Greenhood & Newbauer. Northern Express. Printed frank (Thomas GRH-001) on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10) to San Francisco, black "Greenhood & Newbauer's Express, Weaverville, Cal." double-line oval handstamp with manuscript cancel over embossed stamp, fresh and Extremely Fine, ex Lyons, Herman Greenhood and Joseph Newbauer started their express in 1856 from Weatherville Cal., consolidation and acquisitions gave them control over the express business in Trinity County and support from Wells, Fargo & Co., a separate banking operation at Weatherville failed in 1867, taking the express with it, the operation between Shasta and Marysville was taken over by Grant I. Taggert's stage, with the blessing of Wells, Fargo & Co. (Thomas p. 357)
E. 200-300
110
Back to Top8434
Greenhood & Newbauer. Northern Express. Printed frank with "baner" error (Thomas GRH-002) on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10) to San Francisco, clear strike of blue "Greenhood & Newbauer's Express, Weaverville, Cal." double-line oval handstamp with manuscript "Feb. 19" date, fresh and Extremely Fine and scarcer with the spelling error, ex Lyons, Herman Greenhood and Joseph Newbauer started their express in 1856 from Weatherville Cal., consolidation and acquisitions gave them control over the express business in Trinity County and support from Wells, Fargo & Co., a separate banking operation at Weatherville failed in 1867, taking the express with it, the operation between Shasta and Marysville was taken over by Grant I. Taggert's stage, with the blessing of Wells, Fargo & Co. (Thomas p. 357)
E. 200-300
0
Back to Top8435
Gregory's Express Marysville. Bold three-line handstamp (Thomas GRE-116a) on blue Jan. 7, 1852 folded letter from Marysville to San Francisco, sending $100.00 to be placed on credit, receipt docketing (1851 in error), filed folds including one thru handstamp, Very Fine and scarce, ex Lyons, only approximately five of this style handstamp are recorded
E. 200-300
160
Back to Top8436
Gregory's Atlantic and Pacific Express. General Office, 280 Montgomery Street, San Francisco. Four-line handstamp in red (Thomas GRE-119) on brown cover to New York City street address, manuscript "S. Shuster Smith" ship designation and "Paid", backflap tear and some minor corner wear, Very Fine appearance, ex Lyons
E. 150-200
80
Back to Top8437
Gregory's Atlantic and Pacific Express, Forwarded by Thompson & Hitchcock, 149 Pearl St., N.Y. Mostly clear strike of four-line handstamp without "N.Y." (Thomas GRE-122) on folded letter to San Francisco from Scotland, Gibbs correspondence, datelined "Glasgow 16 April 1852", manuscript receipt in New York of May 1 and "No. 17 P. Gregory's Express", additional receipt docketing in San Francisco below dateline "Rec'd pr. Gregory's Express, pr Pacific June 27/52", Very Fine, ex Lyons
E. 200-300
0
Back to Top8438
Gregory’s Atlantic & Pacific Express, Central Office, Cor. Montgomery & Mercer Sts., San Francisco, California. Clear strike of five-line handstamp with “NOT PAID” in oval on buff cover to Carson’s Creek Cal., manuscript “150” ($1.50) due marking, some slight wear, Very Fine, routed by steamboat to Stockton, probably on an Aspinwall boat running Route 5062, then overland along the Calaveras Valley to Angel Camp and south to Carson’s Creek, ex Feldman
E. 200-300
110
Back to Top8439
Gregory's Atlantic and Pacific Express, Forwarded by Thompson & Hitchcock, 149 Pearl St., N.Y. Full clear strike of four-line handstamp (Thomas GRE-124) on back of folded letter to San Francisco from Scotland, Gibbs correspondence, datelined "Glasgow 12 September 1851", manuscript receipt "from Glasgow, rec'd pr Africa, 24 Sept" and "Orig. No. 78 pr. Gregory's Express", additional receipt docketing in San Francisco below dateline "Rec'd Gregory's Express, pr Panama, November 5/51", Very Fine, an outstanding strike of this Gregory's New York office handstamp, ex Dale-Lichtenstein and Lyons
E. 200-300
110
Back to Top8440
Hall & Allen's Express Dutch Flat. Clear strike of oval datestamp (Thomas HAL-100) on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10) with Wells, Fargo & Co. frank, addressed to San Francisco, overall dampstaining, repaired and silked, otherwise Fine, ex Lyons, a very rare handstamp with only approximately five recorded, Hall & Allen were bankers and gold assayers at Dutch Flat, their express lasted only a short period of time in 1864, they worked closely with or were agents for Wells, Fargo & Co.
E. 200-300
400
Back to Top8441
The Holladay Overland Mail and Express Company. Spectacular printed frank (Thomas HLY-001) with "Wells, Fargo & Co. Salt Lake City U.T. Mar. 31" Utah Territory (ca. 1867) oval datestamp on 3c Pink on White entire (U58) to San Francisco, small sealed tear at upper right, still Very Fine, the only frank with "Stagecoach King" Ben Holladay's name, used after he sold his entire business to Wells, Fargo & Co. in November 1866, examples of this frank are scarce (and typically used after Nov. 1866), but covers originating at Salt Lake City in Utah Territory are rare, this is the only example recorded by Lyons
E. 300-400
225
Back to Top8442
Langton's Pioneer Express Paid. Ornate printed frank (Thomas LAN-008) on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10) to San Francisco, blue Langton's "Moore's Flat" oval handstamp, conjunctive use with blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Express Nevada." oval and "May 17, 1853" straightline, manuscript "1853" at top, Very Fine, a rare conjunctive cover combining several better markings, ex Lyons, with 1983 P.F. certificate
E. 150-200
375
Back to Top8443
Latta's Mountain Express Paid. Printed frank in blue with ornaments at sides (Thomas LAT-002) on 3c Pink on White entire (U58), paste-up conjunctive use with blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Nevada Jan. 3" oval datestamp and docketing "Thos. Legg", paste-up remnants on back, pristine and Extremely Fine, a very scarce frank from this express that operated along English's old route from Nevada City to Eureka and through Aloha, Omega and Washington Cal., connecting with Wells, Fargo & Co., only six of Latta's franks (combining this style and the style with stagecoaches at sides) are recorded in Thomas, ex Dale-Lichtenstein and Lyons
E. 400-500
300
Back to Top8444
Pacific Express Co. Martinez. Mostly clear strike of large red oval handstamp with blank middle (Thomas PAC-103i) on oatmeal cover to San Francisco, enclosure no longer accompanies but noted an origination in Angels Camp, Dec. 30, 1856, Very Fine and rare, the Thomas book records only two examples (this is a third example), ex Lyons, with 2011 P.F. certificate
E. 150-200
0
Back to Top8445
Pacific Express Co. Watsonville. Oval handstamp with blank middle (Thomas PAC-103a) on buff cover to San Francisco street address, "Oct. 20" (ca. 1855) manuscript date inside handstamp with matching "Paid" at top, Very Fine, a scarce Pacific Express Watsonville handstamp with only a handful known, ex Lyons, with 2011 P.F. certificate
E. 150-200
90
Back to Top8446
Pacific Express Co. Nevada, Jan. 15. Blue oval handstamp on 3c on Buff entire (U10) with illustrated Pacific Express Co. imprint to San Francisco, slightly reduced at left, some slight edgewear, otherwise Very Fine, ex Twigg-Smith and LeBow
E. 200-300
150
Back to Top8447
Pacific Union Express Co. Three 1869 covers, each with red ribbon-style printed frank (Thomas PAU-001) on 3c Pink on White entire (U58) to San Francisco, two with Pacific Union Express Co. double-circle datestamps, one Santa Clara and the other Gilroy, third with manuscript Apr. 1869 from Napa, one with small corner repair, another with slight toning spots and small edge tear, overall Very Fine appearing group, ex Lyons
E. 100-150
225
Back to Top8448
W. E. Singer & Co's Feather River Express. Double-line oval handstamp (Thomas SIN-101a) with "Free" in circle on cover to San Francisco, conjunctive use with blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Express Marysville" oval handstamp, Very Fine, this Singer handstamp is much scarcer than the one that contains "Connecting with Wells, Fargo" (only four examples recorded in Thomas book), ex Knapp, Dale-Lichtenstein and Lyons
E. 200-300
140
Back to Top8449
Thomes & Skadden's Express. Printed/embossed frank with "Susanville & Reno, Connecting with Wells, Fargo & Co." and "Skaden" spelling (Thomas TAG-009) on 3c Green entire (U82) to San Francisco, partly visible strike of "Thomes & Skaddens Express Susanville Cal." large double-circle datestamp, conjunctive use with blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Reno Sep. 8" oval datestamp, pencil docketing Sep. 7, 1871, slightly reduced at right, Very Fine and scarce frank, from 1870 to 1874 Thomes & Skadden operated their express between Susanville (whose first residents thought they were in Utah, then Nevada) and Reno, connecting with Wells, Fargo & Co., ex Kramer and Lyons
E. 300-400
180
Back to Top8450
Thompson & Co.'s & Wells, Fargo & Co.'s California Routes. Printed frank (Thomas THM-001) on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10) to David McKay in San Francisco, blurry "Thompson & Cos. Express Healdsburg" oval handstamp (in Wells, Fargo & Co. style), red pencil street address, some flap faults (possibly a paste-up)VERY FINE. ONE OF ONLY FOUR RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE THOMPSON & COMPANY FRANK.
As the frank clearly states, Thompson & Co. operated in close conjunction with Wells, Fargo & Company (circa 1857). Four franked entires are recorded in the Thomas book (p. 747) and illustrated in the CD, with one other reported from the Wiltsee collection, but without any additional information. All but one are addressed to David McKay in San Francisco. Three have Thompson Santa Rosa ovals -- two of these also with a Wells, Fargo Petaluma oval. The cover offered here has only the Thompson Healdsburg oval.
Illustrated in Letters of Gold. Ex Pearce, Haas, Edwards and Lyons. With 2011 P.F. certificate
E. 750-1,000
1,100
Back to Top8451
Tinnin & Owen's Weaverville & Shasta Express. Printed frank (Thomas TIN-001) on 3c Pink on Buff entire (U59) to San Francisco street address, clear strike of blue "Tinnin & Owens Weaverville Feb. 29" (Leap Year 1868) double-circle datestamp, slightly reduced at right, lightly soiled and minor wearVERY FINE APPEARANCE. ARGUABLY THE FINEST OF THE THREE RECORDED USED EXAMPLES OF TINNIN & OWEN'S EXPRESS FRANK. A GREAT RARITY.
W. J. Tinnin and John W. Owens began an express service through their general merchandise store in Weatherville Cal. at the end of 1867 or early 1868. The express did not last long, and a notice of discontinuance was published on May 1, 1868. Only three used covers are recorded, dated Feb. 29 (the example offered here), March 24 and April 16, 1868 -- along with an undated and uncancelled addressed cover (Thomas p. 753).
Illustrated in Nathan. Ex Hertz, Edwards and Lyons.
E. 1,000-1,500
1,000
Back to Top8452
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Horizontal strip of three, large margins to in, stamps with flaws, tied by blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Express, Sonora" oval handstamp, second strike at right, on buff cover to San Francisco, missing flaps, soiling, otherwise Fine, unusual use of 1c 1851, carried entirely outside of the mails by Wells Fargo, but postal regulations required postage regardless, 3c embossed envelopes were used far more often than stamps, and 1c stamps are much rarer than 3c stamps, ex Neinken, Wagshal and "Golden Oak"
E. 300-400
450
Back to Top8453
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Bottom left corner sheet margins, full to ample other sides, cancelled by double-struck blue "Free" handstamps, matching "Wells Fargo Express Sacramento" oval on illustrated Winfield Scott campaign corner card cover to San Francisco, design depicts a raccoon fighting with a chicken on its back, minor corner wear not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Very Fine, we did not dig extensively to determine the meaning of this design, but Scott was known as "Old Fuss and Feathers", with 2020 P.F. certificate
E. 750-1,000
2,300
Back to Top8454
5c Red Brown (12). Rich color, top right corner cut off and repaired, tied by blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Express San Francisco" oval handstamp, struck four additional times on legal-size buff cover with Wells, Fargo & Co. black printed frank, used as a paste-up and docketed "Recd Properly Sealed June 8 1857 Wm. Smith DepClk", corners clipped and restored, presentable, one of two recorded Wells Fargo & Co. uses of the 5c 1856 Issue, ex Mayer
E. 750-1,000
450
Back to Top8455
10c Yellow Green (68). Tied by large blue "Wells, Fargo & Cos. Express, SFrco. 11 Jan." double-circle datestamp on cover to New York, red Wells, Fargo & Co. printed frank, 1862 docketing on back, stamp with tear at top, minor wear, Very Fine and unusual, most printed franks were on entires, however the Star Dies had run out of stock on the West Coast and Wells Fargo needed additional red franked transcontinental envelopes, the postal convention stated that expresses had to print their franks on entires, this is a case where the rules were broken and they were printed on plain envelopes which then had 10c stamps affixed and were sold as if they were entires, making these "provisionals", only seven are recorded
E. 200-300
450
Back to Top8456
10c Yellow Green (68). Intense shade and impression, tied by blue "Wells, Fargo & Co., S. Frco. ? Dec." double-circle datestamp, matching "Paid" oval on cover to Boston, endorsed "Via Panama", "Boston Mass. Dec. 29" receiving double-circle datestamp, reduced at right, Very Fine, carried from San Francisco to Boston outside the mails by Wells, Fargo & Co., posted there as a drop letter but correctly prepaid 10c
E. 150-200
250
Back to Top8457
"Union Pacific R.R. Dec. 17". Two strikes of circular datestamp with black printed Wells Fargo frank on 3c Pink entire (U59) to Stratford, Canada, blue "Paid" in oval handstamp applied by Wells, Fargo & Co., target cancel, 1869 docketing on back, minor wear along top edge and embossed design oxidized, otherwise Very Fine, ex Dr. Robertson
E. 100-150
60
Back to Top8458
Wells, Fargo & Co. "Paid 25 Cts." Surcharge Frank. Black printed frank with separately printed surcharge rate (Thomas WFE-211a) on 3c Pink on White entire (U34) to S. Sinsheimer in San Francisco, blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Express Mariposa" oval datestamp, "Novbr 28/63" pencil docketing at lower left, parts of blue oval strengthened, otherwise Very Fine, Gamett and Thomas record approximately 20 of these "Paid 25 Cts." surcharged entires from Nevada Territory, this is the only recorded example from Mariposa, ex Lyons
E. 200-300
225
Back to Top8459
Wells, Fargo & Co. San Francisco Oct. 12. Blue oval datestamp on 3c Pink on White entire (U58) with Wells Fargo & Co. printed frank to Metropolitan Hotel in New York, "Boyd's City Post, 39 Fulton St., Nov. 23 1864" circular datestamp applied by Boyd's for local delivery, corner nick at top right, still Very Fine, scarce conjunctive use carried entirely outside the mails, Boyd's had a business arrangement with Wells Fargo to deliver letters in New York, ex Lyons
E. 150-200
130
Back to Top8460
Wells, Fargo & Co. "Mexican Coast and California Express.--$1.40" Printed surcharge frank (Haller WF-M6b) on legal-size 12c Plum entire (U93) to Chillicothe Ohio, unsealed and no markings but apparently used, Extremely Fine, this $1.40 Mexican Coast frank is extremely rare
E. 100-150
150
Back to Top8461
5c Yellow Brown (205). Block of 20, natural s.e. at left and few perf separations, rich color, tied by cork cancels, "Benson Ariz. Feb. 6, 1887" circular datestamp on legal-size 20c Mexico entire with printed Wells Fargo & Co. Mexico green frank, uprated entire with 35 centavos handstamp and 25c rate crossed out, used as a paste-up (the addressed cover is no longer present but was probably addressed to the Compagnie du Boleo in Paris), purple oval "Express Wells, Fargo y Ca., Guaymas, Mexico Feb. 4 1887" datestamp, New York duplex datestamp, Very Fine, impressive and rare franking, without question one of the most outstanding 5c Garfield covers extant, ex "Andromeda"
E. 300-400
475
Back to Top8462
5c Yellow Brown (205). Blocks of four and six, rich color, cancelled or tied by cork cancels on legal-size 20c Mexico entire with Wells, Fargo & Co. Mexico green frank, purple "Express Wells, Fargo v Ca., Guaymas, Mexico Nov. 20, 1888" oval datestamp, New York transit duplex and blue Paris receiving datestamp, tied by small string to oversized envelope with "Benson Ariz. Nov. ??, 1888" circular datestamp at left and printed address to Paris, France, larger envelope a bit toned and creased, one stamp with small faults, still Fine, an impressive and rare franking used from Mexico to France via Benson Arizona (while still a Territory) and New York City, addressed to the Compagnie du Boleo in France, the largest producer of copper in Mexico, ex "Andromeda"
E. 200-300
450
Back to Top8463
Whiting & Co.'s Feather River Express. Printed frank (Thomas WHI-002) on 3c Red on White Nesbitt entire (U9) to Harrison Eastman "Designer & Engraver" at San Francisco street address (Golden Era Building), Extremely Fine, according to the UC Berkeley Library website "Harrison Eastman ranks as one of the important artists of gold rush California. He arrived in San Francisco by ship in February of 1849 and secured a position as a clerk in the post office. During 1849 he painted a portrait of James Marshall. He also worked with William Keith and the Nahl brothers. The sketchbook is open to a drawing entitled, 'Steamer Day, Calif. Post Office.'" -- ex Dale-Lichtenstein and Lyons
E. 400-500
0
Back to Top8464
Western Express Entires. Group of nine 3c entires (U58 or U59) with Western Express company banners, including Wells, Fargo & Co. (four), Pacific Union, Greenhood & Newbauer, Truman & Co's. to Mexico, Truman & Co's illustrated train, Bamber & Co., appropriate postal markings as well as some company handstamps, a few small flaws but overall a fresh and Very Fine group, see our website PDF for a complete scan
View PDF of contents of this lot
E. 400-500
650
Back to Top8465
California Penny Post Co., San Francisco, 5c Black on Buff Entire (34LU9). Unused, bright and fresh, hinge mounting remnants on back corners, Extremely Fine, Scott value $150.00
E. 75-100
40
Back to Top8466
California Penny Post Co., San Francisco, 5c Black on 3c Red on Buff Entire (34LU3a). To local San Francisco street address, without any express or postal markings, original enclosure datelined "Sacramento July 25 1855" regarding an order for wagons, faint toning, Very Fine, this style of entire was used early in the Penny Post's operation, ex Ackerman and Hall, with 2001 P.S.E. certificate
E. 400-500
450
Back to Top8467
California Penny Post Co., San Francisco, 7c Black on 3c Red on White entire (34LU10a; Frajola Type 3D). Mostly clear strike of "Oroville/Cal." two-line handstamp with manuscript "June 2" (1856) date, addressed to "Peney Post" with San Francisco street address, expertly cleaned and some minor cosmetic improvements, Very Fine appearance, late use of this scarce entire, the California Penny Post was started on June 25, 1855, and lasted approximately one year -- this is the only example of any Penny Post Co. entire in the Frajola census with the Oroville straightline, ex Lyons, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate stating "cleaned and restored" but the are no paper additions or sealed tears except on the backflap
E. 750-1,000
550
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California Penny Post Co., San Francisco (unlisted; Frajola Type 6C). Interior envelope, "Penny Post Co. San Francisco" double-line circle handstamp lightly but legibly struck on printed entire with printed instructions at top and "Care of the Penny-Post Co." directive at bottom, San Francisco street address, 50mm sealed tear at right, otherwise Fine, this is the only recorded example in Frajola census, ex Knapp, Hertz, Golden and Lyons
E. 500-750
325
Back to Top8469
San Francisco City Letter Express. Two-line framed handstamp in greenish blue with matching strike of seldom-seen "Rec'd... M" framed time-stamp on yellow cover to local street address, pencil "Valentine" at left, repaired flap tear which extends into top of cover, Very Fine appearance, the "Rec'd" marking is proof that the San Francisco Letter Express prepared envelopes for patrons, presumably the purpose of this ancillary marking was to record the time the letter was received by the post -- we do not know of another example, this local post was operated by William E. Loomis (who later purchased Carnes City Letter Express) from 1860-61, ex Hahn and Lyons
E. 500-750
500
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San Francisco City Letter Express. Ornately framed rectangular handstamp struck in blue on yellow cover addressed in ink to "Col., Warren, Mason & Pacific" and with pencil street address, extensive docketing on back, small tears at top from opening, Very Fine strike of this scarce San Francisco local, ex Haas, with 2006 P.F. certificate
E. 500-750
375
Back to Top8471
California Letter Express Co. (Hoogs & Madison), San Francisco, Black Printed Frank. Four-line inscription and "PAID" handstamp, unaddressed, Very Fine, this is the only recorded example of this style printed frank -- a small number of private posts operated in San Francisco during the 1862 to 1867 period, including Frey's Valentine Express, Appleton's Valentine Express, Hoogs & Madison, Robinson & Co., George A. Carnes, William E. Loomis, Gahagan & Howe and the San Francisco City Letter Express (under different owners); stamps and franked envelopes were issued by these local posts -- the distinctive horse-and-rider design is the better known of the California Letter Express Co. franked envelopes with only four recorded by Lyons; this is the only recorded example of this style without the horse-and-rider design -- ex Lyons
E. 750-1,000
400
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Private Post Office, San Francisco, 15c Blue on 3c White entire (123LU2a on U58). Elaborately framed frank with letter mailing instructions on 3c Pink entire, blue "Private Post Office No. 5 Kearny St. S.F. June 3" double-circle datestamp cancels embossed stamp, second strike on back, to local address, some staining on front, Very Fine appearance, this is the only recorded used example of the San Francisco Private Post Office local printed frank printed on white -- according to research by John Bowman and Gordon Stimmell (see Penny Post Oct. 2005, pp. 24-25 and Chronicle No. 208, p. 271), the Private Post Office changed its name to the Public Letter Office -- or the other way around depending on one's interpretation of the dates and the evidence connecting the two from the back of a corner cut for the Private Post Office in Stimmell's collection -- before it was believed that the two operations were separate and this is the reason for the separate Scott Catalogue listings (123LU and 125LU) -- ex Dale-Lichtenstein and Lyons, Scott value $4,750.00
E. 750-1,000
650
Back to Top8473
Gahagan & Howe's City Express, San Francisco. Clearly struck grayish-blue double-line oval "City G. & H. Express/423 Washn St. S.E. Cor/Sansome St." on cover to local address, "F. Boilleau San Francisco" sender's red double oval handstamp, Very Fine, a scarce San Francisco local post handstamp, Dennis Gahagan and C.E.B. Howe bought Robinson's & Co. San Francisco Letter Express from John C. Robinson in 1864 and sold out to Loomis in early 1865, the office at 423 Washington was only two blocks from the Wells, Fargo office, ex Lyons, with 2011 P.F. certificate
E. 300-400
350
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By Telegraph. Office (California State Telegraph Company). Bold blue four-line notched corner rectangular handstamp continuing "No. 159 Clay St. San Francisco. Cal." on ca. 1854 buff cover to local addressee, Very Fine and scarce, ex Lyons, with 2012 P.F. certificate, 1993 ASCC No. 266, Rarity 7
E. 150-200
80
Back to Top8475
Bicycle Mail Route, Cal., 25c Brown Entire (12LU1). On 2c Green entire (U311) to Fresno Cal., Overman Wheel Co. handstamp, "Fresno Cal. Jul. 15 4:30PM 1894" datestamp and duplex oval grid cancel, backstamped with purple Jul. 15, 1894 "Victor Bicycle Messenger Service" Fresno office datestamp with bicycle illustration, accompanying certificate notes light toning and a light central file fold, both of which are utterly inconsequential, Extremely Fine and very rare, neither of the two Bicycle Mail Route entires are frequently seen, a review using Power Search located only one other example of both Scott 12LU1 and 12LU2 (on amber entire) outside of this sale, ex Geisler, with 2009 P.F. certificate, Scott value $1,750.00
E. 750-1,000
950
Back to Top8476
Bicycle Mail Route, Cal., 25c Brown Entire (12LU2). On 2c Green on Amber entire (U312) to San Francisco, Overman Wheel Co. handstamp, "Gilroy Cal. Jul 14 1894" circular datestamp and cork cancel over indicia, backstamped with purple Jul. 11, 1894 "Victor Bicycle Messenger Service" Fresno office datestamp with bicycle illustration, cover with tear at bottom right corner tear, still Very Fine and extremely rare, neither of the two Bicycle Mail Route entires are frequently seen, a review using Power Search located only one other example of both Scott 12LU1 and 12LU2 (on amber entire) outside of this sale, Scott Retail $1,750.00
E. 750-1,000
750
Back to Top8477
Bicycle Mail Route, Cal., 25c Brown Entire (12LU2). On 2c Green on Amber entire (U312), cancelled by parallel bars, 2c embossed stamp cancelled by grid, "Fresno Cal. Jul. 20 8:30 AM 1894" circular datestamp to local address, purple "Victor Bicycle Messenger Service" illustrated backstamp, fresh and Very Fine, scarce, Scott value $1,750.00
E. 750-1,000
800
Back to Top8478
Bicycle Mail Route, Cal., 25c Brown Entires (12LU1, 12LU2). One of each unused, on 2c Green entire (U311) and 2c Green on Amber entire (U312), fronts are pristine, narrow mounting tape remnants on backs, Very Fine
400
425
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