United States Rarities continued...

VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO RUNNING PONY HANDSTAMP ON THE FIRST EASTBOUND TRIP OF THE THIRD RATE PERIOD.

According to the Frajola-Kramer-Walske book on Pony Express mails, the Third Rate period commenced on April 15, 1861. At this point Wells, Fargo & Co. offices throughout California began gathering mail to be carried by Pony Express. The first eastbound trip under the new $2.00 per half-ounce rate departed San Francisco on Wednesday, April 17, arriving in St. Joseph on April 30. Three covers are recorded for this trip, including one with the oval handstamp struck in red and two struck in blue.

Pony Express Census No. E68. Ex Hall. With 1973 P.F. certificate (Image)

AN ATTRACTIVE PONY EXPRESS COVER BEARING THE $1.00 RED STAMP ISSUED BY WELLS, FARGO & COMPANY FOR THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACT PERIOD BEGINNING IN JULY 1861.

Commencing July 1, 1861, the Pony Express was authorized by Congress to carry mail at the rate of $1.00 per half ounce. An additional fee was charged by Wells, Fargo & Co. to carry mail from San Francisco to the western terminus at Placerville, which is represented by the printed frank on this entire. The contract also stipulated the mandatory U.S. postage charge of 10c per half ounce. This cover beautifully combines all three postage elements. Although the Scott Catalogue lists the July 1861 issue Pony Express stamps (143L3-143L6) with other private post issues, we wish to emphasize that these stamps were issued under the terms of a government mail contract, therefore, they have semi-official status.

Pony Express Census No. E151. Ex Meroni. With 1966 P.F. certificate (Image)