California Penny Post Co., 1855-59, 7¢ black. Printed frank on 1853-55 3¢ Nesbitt entire to San Francisco but with no street address specified, entire with "To The (California) Penny Post Co." printed address form with also with explanatory text listing nine cities and towns where service was offered printed on reverse, postmarked "Stockton, Cal., Oct 20" cds on the indicium, "Recd Oct 23d, 1855, in Box 65" docket so evidently delivered by the San Francisco Post Office, few inconspicuous pin holes, Very Fine and rare, ex-Barkhausen, Myerson. Scott No. 34LU11B  Estimate $1,000 - 1,500. The San Francisco Post Office began offering Post Office Box rentals as early as 1850. Post Office clerks delivered arriving mail into boxes. Box holders could pick up their mail without having to wait in line for general delivery (or separate ladies' delivery as the case might be). $0 (Image)

California Penny Post Co., 1855-59, 7¢ black. Printed frank on 1853-55 3¢ Nesbitt entire (U9) with clear strike of blue "Knight's Ferry Cal./July 23" in circle w printed address "To Agent of the Penny-Post Co. in San Francisco" and endorsed at bottom left "Iron Warehouse, Battery St.", some staining & wear, F.-V.F., very few Penny Post Co. entires known used from Knight's Ferry. Scott No. 34LU15; $2,500  Estimate $500 - 750. $0 (Image)