Nichols & Co.'s Express, Paid., fancy illustrated printed frank on cover to San Francisco, franked with manuscript canceled 1857, 3¢ dull red additionally tied by red "Nichols & Co's Express, San Francisco" oval handstamp; minor tone spots, Very Fine, a very rare Nichols & Co.'s Express usage with only a few known bearing their San Francisco handstamp. Estimate  $750 - 1,000. C. P. Nichols and Edward Ludlow started their express in the spring of 1858, carrying mail between San Francisco and San Jose, and eventually expanding their routes northward; their distinctive express frank pictures a dog guarding a safe, sailing schooner, steam vessel and railroad train, and it was printed on plain envelopes and on 3¢ entires. Nichols & Co. eventually sold out to American Express, who adopted the same woodcut frank. $0 (Image)