Adams & Co., Over Our California and Coast Routes, Paid., octagon frank located at top right (ADA-001) of rebacked cover front to Los Angeles, Cal., with full clear strike of red "Adams & Co. Express, Monterey" oval handstamp (ADA-103a), Very Fine and choice appearance. Estimate  $3,000 - 4,000. ONE OF ONLY FOUR PRINTED FRANKS USED WHILE ADAMS & CO. WAS STILL IN OPERATION. This extremely rare printed frank was the very first express frank, used between very late 1854 and when Adams closed in February of 1855. Seven examples of this frank are known, however three where used after Adams had closed. Only three examples of the Adam's Monterey handstamp are known with this being the only one on a franked envelope.This cover is addressed to Pacificus Ord who was U.S. District Attorney at Los Angeles between December 1854 and August 1855. Pacificus was one of the framers of the California Constitution and, as most historians agree, that he along with his brothers are the illegitimate grandson of King George IV. Fort Ord is named after his brother Edward. $0 (Image)