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United States Postal History continued...

California Postal History - 1847 Cannon Ball & Big Pine continued...
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
581       imageBig Pine, June 12th, 1874 (Inyo). Manuscript postmark (INY-140, R5) only used during the first period of this post office, on cover to Merced, Cal. franked with manuscript canceled 3¢ Banknote; cover reduction at right, Very Fine, rare with only a few examples are known.
Estimate; $150 - 200. (Image1)

Est. $150-200
SOLD for $170.00
Will close during Public Auction
John Drew Collection of Coloma - Town Markings
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
582       image(Culoma) "Suters Mill, June 13th 1849". Datelined on folded miner's letter that entered mails with "San Francisco" straightline postmark with magenta "July 2" dating and "40" rating to Keokuk, Iowa, from miner discussing the high prices, reads in part "…We arrived here this evening at Suters Mill where the gold was first discovered…Everything extraordinary high-for example sas pork one doller per pound-flour the same…There can be a good deal of money to be made by the men that are industrious, the trouble that we anticipated from robbers and ruffians are all a fudge…they have had some trouble with the indians, but it has subsided in a measure and the indians left. We will commence mining probably day after tomorrow. We shall probably go about 12 miles from here on the Middle American Fork where, it is thought, the best diggins are at present…", some staining and faults, Fine.
Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.

THE FIRST RECORDED LETTER FROM THE AREA THAT WOULD BECOME COLOMA, THE EARLIEST MINING TOWN.

In the latter part of 1847, John A. Sutter, founder of "New Helvetia", later Sacramento, sent James W. Marshall to find a suitable site for a sawmill. Marshall chose a spot 45 miles Northeast of Sutter's Fort on the South fork of the American River, where Coloma, the earliest of all mining towns in California was founded the following year. Sutter's Mill was finished in March 1848, but on Janaury 24, 1848 Marshall discovered gold in the tailrace. The mill site was a Maidu Indian village named "Ko-Lo-Ma" and became the Miner's Cullomah. The post office began officially Nov. 8th 1849. The post office handstamps were Culloma-Alta California. The name was changed to Coloma Jan. 13th 1851 but the Culloma Post Office cancel continued until 1856. The Indians were forced out of Coloma by Jun 1849. Coloma became the hub of the Northern Mining region and became county seat when the County of El Dorado was created in 1850. (Image1) (Image2)

image

Est. $1,500-2,000
SOLD for $2,600.00
Will close during Public Auction
583       image"Culloma, ac (Alta California), Oct 23" (ELD-390). Red manuscript postmark and matching "40" rating on gray folded letter to Brushy Prairie, Indiana, letter from a recently-arrived miner is headed "Sacramento City Sept 30th 1849" and speaks of being ill after arriving in California and "…I no longer look for the large fortune I anticipated when I left the states. I find these large fortunes are the result of accident and but few are so fortunate. We think we will do about… 2 or 3 thousand a piece for the time we think of staying. If we had that now we would soon start for home."; minor splitting at the folds, address panel fly specked and toned, Fine and rare, The earliest recorded postmark from Coloma.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

The discovery of gold at Culloma in 1848 led to the California gold rush. The Culloma Post Office was one of seven offices established by the Postmaster General's second Special Postal Agent in California, R. T. P. Allen, beginning in June of 1849. The early spelling of the town name persisted into the 1850's.

This folded letter is the basis for the October 20, 1849, listing in Williams of the earliest and only known Culloma manuscript postmark. However, the date of the postmark is actually October 23 rather than October 20.

References: Illustrated in Coburn's Letters of Gold on page 36. (Image1)

Est. $300-400
SOLD for $325.00
Will close during Public Auction
584       imageCulloma, Alta Cal., 11 Dec (ELD-410). Black cds with matching "Paid" in arc and "12½" rating handstamps on circa 1849 cover front with partial flaps to Sacramento City Cal.; file fold with small split, otherwise Very Fine and scarce.
Estimate; $150 - 200. (Image1)

Est. $150-200
SOLD for $140.00
Will close during Public Auction
585       imageCulloma, Alta Cal. "Mar 26" (ELD-400). Red double-ring datestamp with magenta ms. dating and red "40" handstamped rating on 1850 orange cover to Boston Mass., cover with original miner's enclosure included describing the town of Culloma and mining in the area, "…We started up on the fifth of February and stopped at Weaver's Creek three weeks where we made expenses in the intervals of fair weather; but the constant rains swelled the Creek and drove us out, which induced us to come up here - This is the place where the gold was first discovered, formerly called Sutter's Mills; it is a place of some five hundred inhabitants and is the general depot for the supply of the adjacent mining region…we intent to strike tent and leave for better "diggings"…", Very Fine and choice.
Estimate; $500 - 750. (Image1)

Est. $500-750
SOLD for $500.00
Will close during Public Auction
586       imageCulloma, Alta Cal. "Apr 13" (ELD-400). Red double-ring datestamp with magenta manuscript dating and matching "12½" rating on circa 1850 folded cover to Sacramento City Cal.; bottom flap missing, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $150 - 200.

The Culloma Alta Cal. double-ring postmark is recorded by Williams from October 1849 to April 13th 1851. (Image1)

Est. $150-200
SOLD for $260.00
Will close during Public Auction
587       imageCulloma, Cal./Apr. 25/12½ (ELD-430 Var.). Rare integral-rate cds in red with "Alta" removed on 1850 blue folded letter to San Francisco, miner's letter which mentions, "We have done much better so far this month, than last, one hole we sunk, and got out considerable of the article, including one lump worth 33 Dollars…", transcription accompanies, Very Fine and choice, ex-Kutz, Newton, Tatham.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS UNLISTED CULLOMA INTEGRAL-RATE ALTERED CDS WITH "ALTA" REMOVED. (Image1)

Est. $300-400
SOLD for $300.00
Will close during Public Auction
588       imageCulloma. Alta Cal. '40' (ELD-420). Two different red cds orientations with integral "40" below date (Apr 26) and above date (29 July), used on orange buff covers to Liberty Mo. and Cleveland Oh. respectively; first with minor abrasion sightly affecting cds, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

The "Culloma. Alta Cal. 40" datestamps were recorded by Williams from 26 FEB 50 to 13 NOV 50. (Image1)

Est. $300-400
SOLD for $575.00
Will close during Public Auction
589       imageCulloma. Alta Cal. June 28 (ELD-420 var.). Red cds with integral "40" handstamp removed and struck as ratemarker at upper right of circa 1850 orange buff cover to Athens N.Y., some soiling, F.-V.F., The only recorded example of this state.
Estimate; $150 - 200. (Image1)

Est. $150-200
SOLD for $140.00
Will close during Public Auction
590       imageCulloma, Atla Cal. '40' Jul 13 (ELD-420). Red integral-rate cds with blue manuscript "64" uprating (40¢ per ½ oz. West/East coast rate plus 24¢ Bremen Treaty Rate) on blue 1850 folded letter to Herford, Westphalia, Germany, endorsed "Via Panama" at top, red "U.S. Pkt." straightline, carried by Collins Line Pacific from New York Aug. 24th to Liverpool arriving Sep. 4th, blue ms. rating along with "6" and "4", Herford (9.8) arrival cds, letter datelined "Birds, 18 June 1850" reading "…this letter comes from the snow-mountains of California between the sources of the North and Middle Forks of the American River, which flows into the Sacramento near Sacramento City, I am writing this in the tent of several acquaintances from Bremen, who, tired of gold mining have started a small business here. Up till now, we continued to dig for gold even though we could not take pleasure in any significant success…The canyon was given the name El Dorado Paradise), and the story went around that last fall two Swiss found a major amount of gold therein. When we, after the success of our work on this channel, would live here, then maybe this place would deserve its name, because usually everyone earned two ounces by evening. Our best day was with a 3-man team - one pound (of gold) and two dollars…", Very Fine and choice use.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000.

A RARE PRE-STATEHOOD CALIFORNIA LETTER TO GERMANY.

The "Birds" was a store north of Culloma between the North Fork and Middle Fork of the American River. (Image1)

Est. $750-1,000
SOLD for $700.00
Will close during Public Auction
591       imageCulloma. Alta Cal. '40' Oct 12 (ELD-420). Bold black strike on circa 1850 buff cover to Bartonsville Vt.; some staining, a Very Fine and exceptionally rare strike in black.
Estimate; $200 - 300. (Image1)

Est. $200-300
SOLD for $350.00
Will close during Public Auction
592       imageCulloma. Alta Cal, '80' Nov 12 (ELD-440). Reddish black cds with "80" rating struck in place and matching arc "Paid" handstamp adjacent on orange buff cover to New London Conn.; top edge tear, Very Fine appearance, The only Recorded Culloma 80¢ cds use struck in black.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

There is also 80¢ integral-cds strike in red dated Apr. 28th 1850 that we offered in Rumsey Sale 37 Lot 3. (Image1)

Est. $300-400
SOLD for $425.00
Will close during Public Auction
593       imageCulloma, Alta Cal., 12 Dec (ELD-410). Bold forwarding postmark on blue 1850 folded letter from Virginia with manuscript "Harpers Mills Va, Oct 11" postmark and matching "10" rating, New York bold "40" in circle due handstamp, upon arrival the cover was forwarded to San Jose with magenta manuscript "Fwd 12½" and totaled for 52½¢ due; light aging at edges and faint trace of owner's handstamp at bottom left, Very Fine, a wonderful exhibition item and a very rare black Culloma postmark.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000.

References: Illustrated in Coburn's Letters of Gold. (Image1)

Est. $750-1,000
SOLD for $525.00
Will close during Public Auction
594       imageCulloma, Cal. Nov 26 (ELD-450). Blue cds with matching "5" rating on 1852 cover to Marysville Cal., blue "Evert Snell & Cos Express, Feaver River" double-oval and pencil "1.00" express fee rating to Brown's Valley Cal.; small edge flaws, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $400 - 600.

The Everts Snell & Co. oval without "S" is known used for only 6 months, dating this cover to 1852. (Image1)

Est. $400-600
SOLD for $525.00
Will close during Public Auction
595       imageColoma, Cal. Two stampless uses, first with "Coloma, Cal. Aug 2" cds with matching "Paid" handstamp and ms. "3" rating to Folsom Cal., repaired; second with "Coloma, Cal. Sep 20, 1858" cds with matching bold "Paid 10" in circle rating handstamp to Hon. J.W. Denver, Lecompton, Kansas Territory, reverse with Ashbrook notes, F.-V.F. and scarce pair.
Estimate; $150 - 200.

This Coloma Cal. cds (ELD-470) with year date was recorded by Williams used Aug. 4th 1858 to August 21st 1860. (Image1) (Image2)

image

Est. $150-200
SOLD for $210.00
Will close during Public Auction
596       imageColoma Express Company Receipts, 1852-58. Group of three comprising April 10, 1852 Adams & Co Express bill of exchange with manuscript "Coloma" town designation payable to Hunter & Co. signed by Freeman & Co., some faults and wear; 1856 Pacific Express Co. receipt from San Jose showing Coloma in the printed list of offices, and Dec. 27, 1858 Wells Fargo & Co's Express receipt from Coloma for $1100 package of coins from R.V. Clark to Sacramento, F.-V.F. and scarce group.
Estimate; $200 - 300. (Image1)

Get Market Data for [United States Collection] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Est. $200-300
SOLD for $160.00
Will close during Public Auction
597       imageColoma Collection, 1852-1900s. Collection of over 20 covers mounted on homemade pages starting with #11 pair with blue "Culloma, Cal. Jan 19" ELD-430 cds on cover to Paris Me.; 1852 blue "Culloma, Cal. Mar 27" blue ELD-430 cds and matching "10" handstamped stampless letter to St. Louis Mo.; 1854 "Culloma, Cal. Jul 14" ELD-450 cds legal-size cover to Canton Oh.; "Culloma, Cal. Dec 23" red cds and matching "Paid, 6cts" oval rating handstamp on small embossed lady's cover to Camden Mills Ill.; "Culloma, Cal. May 19" ELD-450 cds use with 10¢ #15 four margin, pen cancel cover to Sandwich Mass.; couoke more 10¢ imperf and perf uses, repaired Waving Flag Civil War patriotic #26 use, "Coloma, Cal, Apr 4" ELD-490 double-circle 3¢ #65 use; the unique "Coloma, Cal." straightline use with 2¢ #213 to Oakland (ex-Tatham), some 20th century covers, etc, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000. (Image1) (Image2)

image

Get Market Data for [United States Collection] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census

Est. $750-1,000
SOLD for $950.00
Will close during Public Auction
John Drew Collection of Coloma - Express Markings
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
598       image(Coloma) Adams & Co., Coloma, Nov 6. Red express oval on orange cover bearing pen precanceled 3¢ dull red (11A) to San Francisco Cal., money letter "$54.00" endorsement, Very Fine, ex-Lichtenstein.
Estimate; $300 - 400. (Image1)

Est. $300-400
SOLD for $550.00
Will close during Public Auction
599       image(Coloma) Adams & Cos. Express, Coloma. Blue express double-oval on 1852 folded cover to Mormon Island Cal. with black bold double oval handstamp of "Adams & Cos. Express, Mormon Island"; some water staining affecting Coloma marking, Fine and scarce use.
Estimate; $300 - 400. (Image1)

Est. $300-400
SOLD for $350.00
Will close during Public Auction
600       image(Coloma) Hunter & Co's Express, Coloma. Blue oval frank handstamp on 3¢ Nesbitt entire to Berford & Co. Express, San Francisco Cal., original Oct. 16th 1851 letter from Hunter & Co. concerning the forwarding the Incorporation Papers for the Placerville Canal Co. to the Sec. of State and return by Gregory's Express; sealed tears at top and back flap replaced, Very Fine appearance.
Estimate; $200 - 300. (Image1)

Est. $200-300
SOLD for $575.00
Will close during Public Auction

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