United States of America continued...

Angiers’ North San Juan and Humbug Express, elaborate printed frank on 3c pink postal stationery cover, cancelled in pen and postmarked with North San Juan, California c.d.s. (20 Nov), to Sacramento, the odd small toning spot mentioned for strict accuracy, reduced at right, just clear of indicia, an exceptional cover from this elusive express company; ex Lichtenstein, Clifford, Haas, and Edwards, illustrated in "Letters of Gold" (Page 171).
Angiers Express was a one-man express that operated from Humbug to North San Juan in Nevada County between 1861 and 1864, with mail being conveyed to North San Juan, as in the case of the cover offered here, or relayed to Wells, Fargo & Co.   

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Bannack City Express, A.J. Oliver & Co., cover franked with 3c red brown, cancelled with rosette fancy cancel in black, alongside "Cleveland O / May / 27" c.d.s., fair strike of "BANNACK CITY / EXPRESS" tombstone, reduced on three sides, resealed at top, overall wear, to Bannock City, Idaho; this portion of the Idaho Territory became part of Montana Territory on May 26, rare.
A.J. Oliver & Co operated the Bannack City Express from 1862-66, running from Bannack to the Utah Territory.

Coon Creek, California, Overland via Los Angeles, circa 1860, stage coach illustrated cover with route directive, franked with 10c green, tied in manuscript "Coon Creek Cala / Dec 5th / " to West Mills, Franklin County, Maine, no backstamps light wrinkles, fine and scarce.

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Coon Creek] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

F. Rumrill & Co.Northern Express, Connecting with Wells Fargo & Co, blue four-line handstamp on undated cover, noted “Paid 6” and “Collect $1.00” in manuscript, postmarked with neatly-struck Bennington VT c.d.s. (3 Nov), printed address of William R. Morgan, Foster’s Bar, Yuba County, partially crossed-out and readdressed “St. Louis, Sears Diggins”, California, slightly reduced at left, else scarce and fine; illustrated in “Letters of Gold” (pg. 214).

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Langton's Express, cover franked with strip of three 1c blue, margins close to into design, tied by oval "Langtons Express Downieville / Jul 14" datestamp, to the Enterprise Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons in Yuba, California, with enclosed contents from Minnesota Lodge, cover endorsed in manuscript "entered on black book" and in pencil at upper left "Due Langtons / Express 25c", reverse with red double-oval "Langton's / Pioneer Express / Eureka City", piece torn from back flap, scarce and attractive.

Wells, Fargo, & Co, Newspaper Stamp, (undenominated) blue, tied to wrapper to Poway, California by blue oval "Wells, Fargo & Co / San Diego Cal" datestamp in blue, the odd lightly toned perf, some disturbances to reverse from prior mounting, a rare franking, 1982 Philatelic Foundation certificate no longer accompanies; ex Kuphal.

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Wells, Fargo & Co Express, San Francisco, c. 1854, very fine blue octagonal strike on 6c postal stationery cover, indicia cancelled "New-York / Apr / 4", to Albany, some hinge remnants on reverse, reduced at right, yet an indeal example of this Wells Fargo marking; ex Knapp, Barkhausen.

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Wells] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Wells, Fargo & Co Express, San Francisco, cover franked with 10c green, tied by blue "Wells, Fargo & Co Express / S.F.RCo / 1 Jun" double-circle c.d.s., to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, smudged "BLOOD'S PENNY POST / Jun 25 / 10 1/2AM / PHILDA" double-circle c.d.s, adjacent "BLOOD'S DESPATCH / 2 CTS" handstamp, both in black, manuscript endorsement at lower left, the odd light bit of toning including to adhesive perfs, slightly reduced at left, else a fine and scarce example of Wells Fargo's use of Blood's for local delivery.

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Wells, Fargo & Co Express, San Francisco, 10c Nesbitt entire to D.B. Stacey in Philadelphia, with two red Wells, Fargo & Co. printed franks overtop green "Freeman & Co's" ribbon frank, indicia cancelled by blue circular "Wells, Fargo & Co Express / S.Frco / ? / Jul" datestamp alongside, "BLOOD'S PENNY POST / Aug 3 / 10 1/2AM / PHILDA" double-circle c.d.s, below, further struck with "BLOOD’S DESPATCH / 2 CTS" handstamp, both in black, small adhesion remnants on reverse, trivial light edge toning, else a very fine and desirable conjunctive use of Wells Fargo conveying mail to Blood’s Despatch for local delivery, further enhanced by the scarce use of overprinted Freeman & Co stationery, rare and most attractive.

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Wells] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Wells, Fargo & Co, Pony Express, 1863, 3c blue Virginia City, N.T. oval datestamp (3 Feb) on 10c green stationery cover, with Wells Fargo printed frank, to Griggsville, postmarked with neatly-struck black circle-of-wedges adjacent New York double-circle c.d.s. (28 Feb), trace of light cleaning and some small spots, else a fine example with crisp strikes, carried outside of the mails from Virginia City, then by post from New York to Illinois.

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Wells] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Central Overland California & Pike’s Peak, Pony Express, 1860 (September 6), way cover franked with 1857 3c dull red vertical pair, paying the double 3c letter rate, showing guideline at left, tied by two strikes of black "St. Joseph Mo. / Sep / 6 / 1860" c.d.s., reverse with fair strike of "Pony Express / St. Joseph / Sep 6" in carmine, manuscript "Ft. Bridger U.T. / August 31, 1860" origin notation at upper right, endorsed "Pony Express / Paid $7.50" at lower left, being the triple $2.50 rate, to Henry H. Cumming in Augusta, Georgia, slightly reduced along top and right, adhesives gum soaked, sensible professional repairs at bottom of envelope, a superb and rare cover of very fine appearance, unique with this franking. FKW Census E17.
This cover was carried on the eastward Pony Express journey that departed San Francisco on Wednesday, August 25, arriving in St. Joseph on September 6. It is one of two covers recorded from this trip. The use of carmine ink for the St. Joseph Running Pony is recorded for only a short period; Frajola, Walkse, and Kramer note its usage from only August 20 and September 12, 1860, being discontinued on eastbound mail after September 6. This cover is the one of only six and the latest recorded examples in carmine from the eastbound route.
This cover’s recipient, Henry H. Cumming, was a noted figure in Augusta. A plantation owner, he also led the city’s Canal Commission during construction of the Augusta Canal, the initial survey for which he personally financed. He was also a legal partner of George Crawford, who became Secretary of War of the United States. Cumming’s brother, Alfred, was Governor of Utah Territory from 1851-61, succeeding Brigham Young, and his son, also Alfred, was a General in the Confederate Army.

Central Overland California & Pikes Peak Express Company, printed "PAID / Central Overland Pony Express Company" frank on 10c Nesbitt green entire (U18), to Henry A. Lyons in Bayou Sara, Louisiana, indicia cancelled with circular black grid and blue oval "Pony Express / San Francisco / Nov 3", alongside very fine oval "The Central Overland California / & Pikes Peak / Express Company / St. Joseph / Nov 15" datestamp, "Saint Joseph MO / Nov / 16" double-circle c.d.s. at lower left, small professional repairs at upper corners, an extremely attractive and fresh cover; FWK Census E35.

Illustrated in the Western Express, October, 1960, 
This cover was carried on the eastbound mail of the Pony Express, which departed San Francisco on Saturday, November 3, 1860, arriving in St. Joseph, Missouri, twelve days later, on November 15, when it was cancelled with the Central Overland oval, having been carried by steamer to Sacramento and by rail to Folsom, onwards via pony. It was postmarked at the Saint Joseph post office the following day, to be carried onwards via the postal system to Bayou Sara. The PAID / Central Overland Pony Express Company printed franks are scarce; the Frajola-Walske-Kramer census records only eight examples.

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Wells, Fargo & Co, Pony Express, San Francisco, 10c green, on neatly re-backed cover front to Glasgow, Scotland, adhesive affixed overtop of hand-colored “Overland via Los Angeles” illustrated stagecoach directive, the “via Los Angeles” crossed-out, cancelled with blue grid and tied by neatly struck blue oval “Pony Express / San Francisco / Nov 7” Running Pony, second strike below, endorsed “Pony Express” in manuscript, black oval “The Central Overland California & Pikes Peak Express Company / St. Joseph Mo. / Nov 7” datestamp, entered the mails in Saint Joseph, with November 20 double-circle c.d.s. applied, black “N. York Am. Pkt / Nov 24” c.d.s., likely  carried via the North German Lloyd ship “Bremen”, arriving in Southampton on December 6, treated as unpaid and assessed 1sh due in manuscript, vertical fold, else very fine appearance, an exceptionally rare transatlantic Pony Express usage, one of just five recorded and the only example to Scotland, its scarcity enhanced by it being the only recorded example with an “Overland via Los Angeles” direction, among the most significant and visually striking Pony Express covers extant; with 2023 Philatelic Foundation certificate.  FKW Census #E38.

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Wells, Fargo & Co, Pony Express, c. 1861, oval “Pony Express / St. Joseph” running horse datestamp (May 2), three strikes on piece, written in manuscript “5$ for ea. letter sent to San Francisco on this ex ERH”, reverse with four strikes of oval “The Central Overland California / & Pike’s Peak / Express Company / St. Joseph. MO.” (April 30), with manuscript notation “Stamp on tickets to Pike’s Peak “Denver City” (?) to go through in 7 - Price $100.00 - ERH”, file folds, unusual.

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Wells] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Wells, Fargo & Co Pony Express, St. Joseph, Missouri, December 6, 1860, clear strike of PONY EXPRESS / ST. JOSEPH / DEC 6 "Running Pony" oval datestamp, on back of free frank cover from Isaac I. Stevens, MC, to W.B. Gosnell, Olympia, Washington Territory, endorsed in Stevens’ hand "Pony Express" at upper left, e"$5.00" and "Paid / J.T.C." in another hand, denoting payment of the express fee, the free frank negating the need for postage to be paid, carried via the westbound Pony Express that departed St. Joseph on December 6 to California, where it was struck with crisp "San Francisco Cal. / Dec / 21 / 1860" c.d.s., partial offset Running Pony strike on front, skillful repair at top, not detracting from the tremendous appeal of this rare and historic cover, sent by a towering figure in the history of  Washington Territory; with 1996 Philatelic Foundation certificate; ex Gruys, Twigg-Smith.
(FKW Census W26. Trip WT-59).
Isaac Ingalls Stevens served as the first Governor of Washington Territory from 1853-7, and later as its Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from 1857-61. Having graduated at the top of his class from West Point in 1839, he served with distinction in the Mexican-American War, though his subsequent term as Governor was controversial. Following the First Battle of Bull Run, Stevens was appointed Colonel of the 79th New York Volunteers, later being promoted to General.  It was leading the 79th in pursuit retreating Confederate troops that he was killed in the Battle of Chantilly in September, 1862; contemporary newspaper reports recount that, when the General’s body was recovered, he was clenching the regimental flag, which he had recovered from a fallen color bearer earlier in the battle.
Westley B. Gosnell served as Indian Agent under Stevens, later being appointed as Special Indian Agent by President Buchanan. Moving to Olympia following his marriage, he lived on the Squaxon Indian Reservation. His career in public service was extensive and distinguished, with Gosnell having held further roles as a state legislator, Justice of the Peace, and school director. He died in 1897. 

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Wells] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Wells, Fargo & Co, Pony Express, $2.00 red, large  margins on three sides, clear at right, tied to 10c Nesbitt entire (U16) by crisp blue "Pony Express Sacramento / May 26" oval, endorsed "per Pony Express" in manuscript, carried to St. Joseph, Missouri, where it was struck with neat green "St. Joseph Mo. / Jun / 6" c.d.s., thence to Boston, without backstamps, an exceptionally fresh Pony Express cover; with 1981 Philatelic Foundation Certificate.  FKW Census E85.  This cover was carried on the May 25 departure from San Francisco, arriving in St. Joseph on June 6. It is one of three recorded examples conveyed on that journey.  

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Wells, Fargo & Co, Pony Express, $2.00 red, four good to large margins, on 10c Nesbitt entire (U18)  to Lucien Birdseye in New York, with two red Wells, Fargo & Co. printed franks overtop green "Freeman & Co's" ribbon frank, adhesive tied by blue oval "Wells, Fargo, & Co Nevada / Jun 24", blue "Pony Express / Sacramento / Jun 27" datestamp alongside, clear "St. Joseph Mo / Jul 8" c.d.s. in green, the stamp with horizontal crease, cover with pressed crease, a most attractive and rare Pony Express cover; ex Dale-Lichtenstein, with 2021 Philatelic Foundation certificate. FWK Census E106.
 
In 1859, Wells Fargo purchased the Freeman Express Company, and put their envelopes to good use by overprinting the green Freeman frank with the red Wells Fargo frank. Such examples are scarce, with only eight examples recorded, and only four of which bear a $2.00 red franking.  This cover was carried via the eastbound Pony Express trip departing San Francisco on Wednesday, June 26, arriving in St. Joseph twelve days later; it is one of only two covers recorded in the Frajola-Walske-Kramer census from this journey.  Lucien Birdseye, the recipient of this correspondence, was a prominent New York attorney, who served as a Justice of the New York Supreme Court.

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Wells, Fargo & Co, Pony Express, $1.00 red, mostly large to very large margins, clear at upper right, cancelled with crisp large part strike of blue oval "Pony Express / Sacramento / Jul 11", a choice single, very fine.

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Wells, Fargo & Co, Pony Express, $1.00 red, complete sheet of forty, in two panes, 4x5, without gum as issued, showing the distinctive "Missing Hoof" flaw in position 9 of the right pane, the front leg of the horse being cut off at the end of the background shading, rather than extending nearly an additional 1mm towards the frameline, the sheet with overall bright and fresh appearance, a few trivial edge flaws including small tear near upper left, five hinge remnants on reverse almost entirely confined to margins, vertical fold between panes, pencil notation on reverse of lower left stamp, very faint CEC (Chapman) handstamp in lower margin, barely touching the two lower right stamps, not detracting from this exceptional and important multiple, showing this distinctive positional variety, one of the small number of complete sheets still extant; signed "Hugo Griebert" in pencil on reverse; ex Hall, Twigg-Smith.

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Wells, Fargo & Co, Pony Express, $4.00 black, mostly large margins all around, close but clear at lower left, crisp and fresh impression, paying the quadruple letter rate for a letter of 1.5 to 2 ounces, tied to legal-sized cover by blue oval "Pony Express San Francisco / Aug 10" Running Pony datestamp, manuscript "U.S. Consulate, Honolulu, Hawaii" manuscript origin notation at upper right, confirmed by large red embossed seal on reverse, handed to the trading firm of McRuer & Merill, with dual backstamps of their oval "Forwarded by / McRuer & Merrill / San Francisco", the cover then delivered to Wells Fargo, where it received their blue "Wells, Fargo & Cos Express / SFrco / 10 / Aug" double-circle c.d.s, carried to St. Joseph, Missouri, where it entered the United States mails and was struck with green "St. Joseph Mo. / Aug / 22" c.d.s., then carried onwards via the postal service to the "Hon. Fifth Auditor of The Treasury of the U.S., Washington, D.C." (John C. Underwood), to whom it was sent free of postage as official correspondence, hinge and adhesion remnants to back from prior mounting, some light soiling and wrinkling, ink on front somewhat faded, all of trivial importance given the significance of this rarity, one of only two $4.00 black covers extant, and one of the icons of United States philately; with 2000 Philatelic Foundation certificate, submitted by the Estate of John H. Hall Jr. FKW Census E141
 
Provenance:
via H.P. Atherton, cover docketed on reverse “H.P. Atherton, 1932, $400”
Dale-Lichtenstein, H.R. Harmer, May, 2004.
Thurston Twigg-Smith, Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, December 5, 2009, lot 36.
 
The postal history of the Pony Express can be divided into four rate periods, the dates covered under which varied between Eastbound and Westbound routes. During the Third Rate Period, in April, 1861, when Wells Fargo began to act as agent, two adhesive stamps were issued; a $2.00 green, and a $4.00 red, paying the single and double rate per half ounce respectively. Three months later, at the outset of the Fourth Rate Period, and due to the resulting rate reduction, three new adhesives were issued; a $1.00 red, $2.00 green, and $4.00 black, which paid the 1/2oz, 1oz, and 2oz rates. Interestingly, in addition to no United States postage being required, neither was it formally necessary to apply the $4.00 black adhesive; as Frajola, Kramer, and Walske note in The Pony Express: A Postal History “there were no Pony Express fees due since the postal contract specified that five pounds of government mail was entitled to go free on the pony. It is probable that the forwarder was not aware of the provision.”
The forwarder was the firm of McRuer & Merrill of San Francisco, who were extensively engaged in the Hawaiian trade of the period. An advertisement on the front-page of The Polynesian of Honolulu (26 July, 1862) describes them as “Agents of the Regular Dispatch Line of Honolulu Packets” with “particular attention paid to forwarding and transhipment of merchandise, sale of whalemen’s bills, and other exchange, insurance of merchandise or specie under open policies, supplying whaleships, chatering ships, etc.”  Their work as agents of the Regular Dispatch Line in that period was further cited in the “Hawaiian Annual for 1931” published by Thomas G. Thrum, which also noted that the agency was later assumed by J.C. Merrill & Co. Interestingly, Henry J. Crocker in his “Hawaiian Numerals” quotes from a 1864 letter from Hawaii’s Postmaster General David Kalakaua, writing to the government’s agent in New York regarding the printing of the 2c vermilion of 1864, noting that the stamps should “when finished, have put up in a case, tightly soldered, and addressed to the Postmaster, Honolulu, care of McRruer & Merrill, San Francisco…as we are nearly out of stamps, an early reply will oblige.”
 
McRuer & Merrill handled both of the known covers franked with the $4.00 black. In fact, both covers originated in Hawaii, bear cancellations of the same date, and are both addressed to the Hon. Fifth Auditor of the Treasury, though bear different coloured seals on reverse; the cover offered here in red, the other in green.  

 
 
 
 
 

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