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 wear

VERY 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.

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