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 edgewear

VERY 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"

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