Gems of Philately

**Free Franks**
LotNo.	Symbol	CatNo.	Lot Description
1			Aaron Burr (1756-1836), Third Vice President of the United States 1801-1805. Manuscript free frank "Free A. Burr" signature as U.S. Senator from New York on 1796 folded letter sheet to New York City, postmarked "4/Ma" Franklin mark with matching straight line "Free" handstamp, docketed "May 4, 1796" on back flap, Extremely Fine and choice. Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000. Aaron Burr Jr. was an influential American politician, businessman, lawyer, and Founding Father. He served as the third vice president of the United States from 1801 to 1805 during Thomas Jefferson's first term. Burr is perhaps best known for his notorious rivalry with Alexander Hamilton, which culminated in the deadly duel in Weehawken, New Jersey, on July 11, 1804, where Burr fatally wounded Hamilton, who succumbed to his injuries the next day. (Image1)	Est. $1,500-2,000 Selling for...$750.00 Will close during Public Auction
2			Henry Clay (1777-1852), Secretary of State 1825-29. Manuscript "Free H. Clay" free frank on folded cover datelined "Lebanon, 18th July, 1825", written and signed entirely in Clay's hand addressed to John H. James, Counselor at Law, Cincinnati, postmarked bold fancy "Lebanon, Ohio" serrated oval with manuscript July 24 date, with straight line "Free", small cover tear at top, two light vert. file folds, Very Fine. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500. AN OUTSTANDING AUTOGRAPHED LETTER SIGNED FREE FRANK, WHICH IS THOUGHT TO BE THE FINEST KNOWN. Henry Clay, Sr. was an American lawyer, politician, and skilled orator who represented Kentucky in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives. He served three different terms as Speaker of the House of Representatives and was also Secretary of State from 1825 to 1829. He lost his campaigns for president in 1824, 1832 and 1844. Henry Clay generally did not indicate his office when franking mail as required by regulations. (Image1) (Image2)	Est. $1,000-1,500 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
3			David Crockett (1786-1836), Representative from Tennessee 1827-31 & 1833-35, Killed at the Battle of the Alamo. Free frank "Free, D. Crockett" on folded cover addressed fully in his hand (with different pen) to George Williamson in Cincinnati, Ohio, postmarked red "City of Washington Jan. 24" cds and matching "Free" handstamp, small "1834" docketing at top left, Very Fine, one of the finest known Crockett free franks, as they often are defective or fronts. Estimate; $10,000 - 15,000. A RARE CONGRESSIONAL FREE FRANK BY DAVY CROCKETT, THE LEGENDARY AMERICAN FRONTIERSMAN AND TEXAS WAR HERO WHO WAS KILLED IN THE BATTLE OF THE ALAMO. David "Davy" Crockett served as a U.S. Representative for Tennessee, participated in the Texas Revolution, and met his end at the Battle of the Alamo. This iconic figure's signature is exceptionally rare in any format, especially as a free frank. Inside of folded letter sheet is pencil notation, "Autograph Frank of David Crockett, Purchased from Dr. A.H. Holl (?), Feb. 24, 1912". (Image1)	Est. $10,000-15,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
4			J.C. Fremont, Free. Free franked signature as Senator from California on ca. 1851 cover to Washington D.C., neat "San Francisco, Cal." cds, Very Fine. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500. On November 13, 1849, General Bennet C. Riley, without Washington approval, called for a state election to ratify the new California State constitution. On December 20, the California legislature voted to seat two senators to represent the state in the Senate. The front-runner was Fremont, a Free Soil Democrat, known for being a western hero. By random draw of straws, Gwin won the longer Senate term while Fremont won the shorter Senate term. (Image1)	Est. $1,000-1,500 Selling for...$475.00 Will close during Public Auction
5			Ulysses S. Grant (1822-85), 18th President of the United States 1869-77. Free frank signature "U. S. Grant" as President on official "Executive Mansion, Secretary" imprint cover with "Secretary" crossed out by Grant, addressed in his hand to "Hon. H. Fisk, Secretary of State", probably carried privately outside of the mails, fresh & Very Fine. Estimate; $750 - 1,000. Grant served in the Mexican War but made his mark in the Civil War. He won the first significant Union victory at Fort Donelson. At Shiloh, he took heavy losses but won and in July 1863, forced Vicksburg to surrender. He fought Lee throughout Virginia, including the Wilderness and Petersburg, and accepted his surrender at Appomattox. He won the 1868 Presidential election, and in office continued Reconstruction, signed a gold currency law, and saw the Panic of 1873. His administration was affected by several scandals though Grant was never involved. He was bankrupt in business but finished his memoirs a week before he died. (Image1)	Est. $750-1,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
6			Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804), 1st Secretary of the Treasury 1789-95. Manuscript free frank "Free A. Hamilton" as Secretary of the Treasury on 1792 folded cover addressed in his hand to the "William Webb Esq., Collector, Bath, Massachusetts", postmarked neat brown "22/IY" (July 22) Franklin mark with "FREE" handstamp, vert. file fold with small bit of re-enforced splitting at top, otherwise Very Fine. Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000. A LOVELY EXAMPLE OF THIS IMPORTANT FREE FRANK. Alexander Hamilton was born circa January 11, 1755 on the island of Nevis, British West Indies. In 1777, Hamilton became General George Washington's assistant. In 1788, he convinced New Yorkers to agree to ratify the U.S Constitution. He then served as the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, from 1789 to 1795. On July 12, 1804, in New York City, Hamilton died of a gunshot wound that he sustained during a duel with Aaron Burr. (Image1)	Est. $1,500-2,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
7			Anna Harrison (1775-1864), Wife of William Henry Harrison, 9th President of the U.S. Manuscript "Free, Anna Harrison" free frank as Presidential Widow on folded cover addressed in her hand to George Mendenhall in Cleveland Oh., red "Cleves, O, Jue 3" straightline with blue manuscript day, Very Fine and choice. Estimate; $500 - 750. A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF ONE OF THE SCARCEST PRESIDENTIAL WIDOW FREE FRANKS. Anna Harrison was widowed on April 4, 1841 and was granted free franking privilege September 9th. Although she had the free franking privilege for over 23 years until her death in 1864, it is still one of the scarcest widow free franks. (Image1)	Est. $500-750 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
8			Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) 7th President of the United States, 1829-1837. Large bold manuscript free frank "Free Andrew Jackson" as President on folded cover to "Henry Toland Esq., Philadelphia", postmarked red "City of Washington May 3" cds and matching "Free" handstamp, docketed "Genl Jackson, May 2^nd, Ans^d 3^rd" on flap, couple small mended tears at top (not affecting frank), otherwise Very Fine. Estimate; $750 - 1,000. Andrew Jackson was an American lawyer, planter, general, and statesman who served as the seventh president of the United States from 1829 to 1837. Prior to his presidency, he gained recognition as a general in the U.S. Army and held roles in both houses of Congress. While he is often celebrated as a champion of the common man and a unifier of the nation, Jackson has also faced significant criticism for his racial policies, particularly in his treatment of Native Americans. (Image1)	Est. $750-1,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
9			James K. Polk (1775-1849), 11th President 1845-49. Manuscript free frank "Free, J. K. Polk" folded cover addressed in his hand to Major John W. Childress in Murfreesborough, Tenn., postmarked red White Sul^r Spr^s Jul 18 cds, cover lightly cleaned with some restoration & re-enforcements, Very Fine appearance. Estimate; $750 - 1,000. Polk was a Congressman 1825-39 and House Speaker 1835-39, but resigned to become Governor of Tennessee. Nominated by the Democrats against the heavily favored Clay, he won because he favored the annexation of Texas. This, however, led to war with Mexico, after which America acquired much of the Southwest. Polk also acquired Oregon and Washington from England and reduced tariff rates. He declined to run for a second term and died three months after leaving office. (Image1)	Est. $750-1,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
10			William T. Sherman (1820-1891). Manuscript free frank "W.T. Sherman, General" on 1870 cover addressed Sherman's hand to "Genl. J. Meredith Read, U.S. Consul Genl., Paris France" with "Headquarters Army of the United States, Official Business" imprint at top right, franked with 10¢ Bank Note (small perf. faults) tied by cork cancel with Washington, D.C. postmark alongside, numerous marking including red New York cds & blue French entry marking, Very Fine and rare. Estimate; $500 - 750. William Tecumseh Sherman was an American soldier, businessman, educator, and author. He served as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861-65), earning acclaim for his exceptional military strategy while also facing criticism for the severity of his "scorched earth" tactics in waging total war against the Confederate States. Genl. Read was the Adjutant General of New York in 1861 and the first U. S. Consul General for France and Algeria from 1869 to 1873 and from 1870 to 1872. (Image1)	Est. $500-750 Selling for...$240.00 Will close during Public Auction
11			Washington, George (1732-1799) 1st President of the United States, 1789-1797. Manuscript free frank "Free G. Washington" folded lettersheet addressed in his hand to Mr. Mathew Carey in Philadelphia, postmarked neat "ALEX, AUG 4" straight line, docketed on reverse, "Mount Vernon, July 21, 1788", some edge & file fold splits which have been sensibly re-enforced, a Very Fine free frank. Estimate; $5,000 - 7,500. A WONDERFUL GEORGE WASHINGTON FREE FRANK FROM ONE OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE UNITED STATES. George Washington (February 22, 1732-December 14, 1799) was a Founding Father of the United States, a politician, military leader, and farmer who served as the nation's first president from 1789 to 1797. In 1775, he was appointed by the Second Continental Congress as the commander of the Continental Army, where he led the Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War. He also presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which produced the current U.S. Constitution. As a result of his pivotal contributions, Washington is often referred to as the "Father of His Country." According to Wikipedia, Mathew Carey (January 28, 1760-September 16, 1839) was an Irish-born American publisher and economist who lived and worked in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In Dublin, he had engaged in the cause of parliamentary reform, and in America, attracting the wrath of Federalists, retained his democratic sympathies. However, he broke with the emerging Democratic Party and its southern constituency by offering a defense of economic protectionism. (Image1)	Est. $5,000-7,500 Selling for...$2,400.00 Will close during Public Auction
12			Washington, George (1732-1799) 1st President of the United States, 1789-1797. Free frank "President U.S." as President on folded letter fully addresses in Washington's hand to Col. Burgess Ball, Leesburgh, Virginia, postmarked Philadelphia "24 FE" Franklin mark with matching "FREE" handstamp, docketed at right "24 Feb 794", small repair at top and some splits along folds, a Very Fine Presidential Signature. Estimate; $4,000 - 6,000. A CHOICE BOLD EXAMPLE GEORGE WASHINGTON'S "PRESIDENT U.S." FREE FRANK. The recipient, Burgess Ball (1749–1800) originally lived in Lancaster County, served in several Virginia regiments during the Revolution, and ended the war as a lieutenant colonel. After the war he lived for a time in Spotsylvania County, moving in 1791 to Loudoun County. Ball was married to Frances Washington (1763–1815), the sister of George Augustine Washington. (Image1)	Est. $4,000-6,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction

**California Postal History & Western Express Covers**
LotNo.	Symbol	CatNo.	Lot Description
13		29	Greenwood, Cal., Aug 30 (El Dorado). Red cds (ELD-1710) tying 1857, 5¢ red brown, type I, vertical pair (positions 13/23R1) with bottom stamp showing defective transfer to the right of portrait, on cover to Chateaugay, N.Y.; light cover soiling and minor edge wear, still Very Fine, a very rare usage of the 1857 5¢ type I defective transfer variety in pair, especially so from California, with 1994 G. Buhler certificate. Scott No. 29; Estimate $500 - 750. (Image1) Get Market Data for [United States 29] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census	Est. $500-750 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
14			Monoville P.O. Cal, July 8, 1861 (Mono). Manuscript cancel (MON-910) on fresh cover to Bodega, Cal., with matching "Paid 3" rating, Extremely Fine, another great California town rarity, with only two known in California period for a total of four or five covers known. Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000. Mono county was formed on April 24, 1861 from the counties of Calaveras, Fresno and Mariposa. At this time only Monoville post office was establish and it had previously been in Calaveras but was soon followed by Esmeralda/Aurora. Postmarks during this period are only known from August 27th to November 10th of 1861. (Image1)	Est. $2,000-3,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
15			San Francisco, Cal., Sep 1 (San Francisco). Blue cds (Williams SAF-360) with matching "Paid" and "5" rate handstamps on 1852 Macondray & Co. printed circular giving ship arrival and departure schedule from July 30th to August 30th, to Boston, Mass., Very Fine and choice, with only 4 or 5 examples known of this 5¢ printed matter rate. Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500. A VERY RARE 5¢ CIRCULAR RATE FROM THE WEST COAST USED ON THE LAST MONTH OF THIS RATE. (Image1)	Est. $1,000-1,500 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
16			(Kenson's Owens River Express). On ca. 1863 cover to San Francisco, Cal. with bold sharp strike of Kenson's "San Carlos Dist., Inyo." circular handstamp (KNS-100), entered the mails with "Visalia, Cal., Jul 30" cds and franked with 1861, 3¢ rose (65) canceled by matching circle of V's; cover missing small portion of backflap, Very Fine, this being one of eight recorded usages from this short-lived express, ex-K. Greenberg. Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000. The Kenson's San Carlos Dist. mark was used on the companies southern route though Visalia. All examples of this very rare hand stamp are known dating to the 1863-64 period. (Image1)	Est. $2,000-3,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
17			Noisy Carrier's Mail., 77 Long Wharf S.F. Cal. Bold ornamental boxed handstamp on 1853, 3¢ Nesbitt entire to Ann Arbor, Mich., uprated with 1851, 1¢ blue, type IV (large margins all around) + 3¢ dull red, horizontal pair (9+11A) tied by neat "San Francisco, Cal., Feb 20" cds's; slight entire edge wear and a few flaws in right 3¢, still Very Fine, ex-Neinken. Estimate; $750 - 1,000. Noisy Carriers operated by Charles P. Kimball (1821-1894) acted as a forwarder in San Francisco and sent mails to the east by both the Panama and Nicaragua routes. (Image1)	Est. $750-1,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
18			Raum's Ruby Hill, Schellburn and Rubyville Express. Printed frank in ornamental frame (RAU-002), conjunctive use with Wells, Fargo & Co. black frank (Haller FR3) on 3¢ Green entire to Deputy Postmaster at San Jose Cal., Very Fine, an extremely rare combination frank with only two examples recorded in Thomas, ex-Jessup & Pearce, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate. Estimate; $750 - 1,000. Complete images including certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (3.0MB). (Image1)	Est. $750-1,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
19		OVM-404	Southern Overland Mail and Express Co., Barlow & Sanderson Proprietors, Principal Office, Pueblo, Col. Corner card on cover with illustrated design showing Six-Horse Stage on Mountain Road, Stage with "Overland U.S. Mail, B. & S." imprint, bearing 3¢ green (207) tied by quartered cork, matching "Kansas City, Mo. Dec 31" cds at right; cover reduced at right slightly into illustration, otherwise Very Fine and scarce westward use, ex-Risvold. Thomas No. OVM-404; Estimate $500 - 750. Barlow and Sanderson was a dominant express company in southern Colorado and the San Juan Mountain region. It eventually gave way to the advancing railroads. (Image1) Get Market Data for [United States OVM-404] Visual Pricing Guide Sample Census	Est. $500-750 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction
20			Tracy & Co. Express, Roseburg. Bold oval handstamp on 3¢ pink entire to San Francisco and forwarded to back to Roseburg, Ore. with large blue "Wells, Fargo & Co., S. Frco., Aug 16" double circle handstamp and black printed frank at top, Extremely Fine and choice, a stunning cover in near perfect condition. Estimate; $750 - 1,000. Edward W. Tracy arrived in Portland Ore. on July 8, 1859 as Wells Fargo's General Agent for the Washington and Oregon Territories. He established the Wells Fargo office and as early as July 22nd formed a partnership with E. Norton Jr. and E.L. James to operate his own express service throughout the interior of Oregon. At first this service ran tri-weekly from Portland through the Willamette Valley to Eugene City Ore. It extended overland from this point to Roseburg, Winchester and Oakland Ore. This southern route would eventually connect with Beckman's Express at Jacksonville and Wells Fargo at Portland. A second route would soon follow based out of Portland following the Columbia River to The Dalles, then up river to Walla Walla Wash. From Walla Walla it ran overland to service the mines in the eastern Washington area. When gold was discovered in Idaho Terr., a route from Walla Walla was pushed into Lewiston where the mining activity along the Clearwater and Salmon Rivers were supported. In March 1862, the partial with Norton and James dissolved, and Tracy sold his Portland to Idaho express service to Wells Fargo. (Image1)	Est. $750-1,000 Selling for...$0.00 Will close during Public Auction