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Quick Navigation by Category  Canada (11)   |  Great Britain and British Commonwealth (1)   |  United States (400)   |  Worldwide Stamps and Covers (5)   | 
 

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The George J. Kramer Collection of Western Trails and Routes continued...

Western Express - Nevada & Utah continued...
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
3381     WFE-211a imageWells, Fargo & Co., Surcharged "Paid 25 Cts.". Printed frank on 3¢ pink (U34) entire cancelled by blue "Wells Fargo & Co., Austin, N.T., Sep 6" oval datestamp from the Simon Sinsheimer correspondence to San Francisco Cal.; reduced slightly at right, Very Fine and choice.
Thomas No. WFE-211a; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.

The 25¢ surcharge pays the fee for the Virginia City Pony Express. They are scarce as most Virginia Pony covers are franked with adhesives. (Image1)		 Est. $1,000-1,500
CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction
3382       imageWells, Fargo & Co's Express from "Gold Hill NT". Black on orange illustrated label showing steam locomotive and steamboat with manuscript town designation, affixed on 3¢ pink (U35) buff entire with printed Wells Fargo & Co. frank to San Francisco Cal., Very Fine.
Estimate; $400 - 600. (Image1)		 Est. $400-600
SOLD for $650.00
Will close during Public Auction
3383       imageWells, Fargo & Co's Express from Virginia, Nev. Black on orange illustrated label showing steam locomotive, restored at left, affixed on legal-size orange cover to Carson City Nev., purple "T.W.W. Davies, Atty at Law. Carson City, Nev." return address backstamp, Fine appearance.
Estimate; $300 - 400. (Image1)		 Est. $300-400
SOLD for $325.00
Will close during Public Auction
3384       imageWells, Fargo & Co's Express from Winnemucca, Nev. Black on orange illustrated label showing steam locomotive, affixed over edge on N. Levy & Co., Dealers in General Merchandise, Winnemucca Nev. corner card cover to Red Bluff Cal., red manuscript "Value $30 00/100" docketing at left, manuscript "Paid" and pencil "filed May 29th 1872" docketing; reduced at top and left, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $600 - 800. (Image1)		 Est. $600-800
SOLD for $625.00
Will close during Public Auction
3385 *    RET-100 imageReticker's Poney Express. Bold strike of handstamp frank at left and conjunctive Wells Fargo & Co. printed frank at center on 3¢ green (U82) entire cancelled by bold "Wells, Fargo & Co., Salt Lake Cty. U.T., Mar 10" oval datestamp to San Francisco Cal., flap with blue "A.T. Green, San Francisco, Mar 13, 1871" double-circle arrival datestamp, Very Fine, ex Dale-Lichtenstein, with 2004 P.F. certificate.
Thomas No. RET-100; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.

ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE RETICKER'S PONEY EXPRESS FRANK HANDSTAMP, A REMARKABLE CONJUNCTIVE USE WITH WELLS FARGO & CO.

An express service by Charles Reticker that ran from the Salt Lake City area and connected with Wells Fargo at that point. (Image1)		 Est. $1,000-1,500
SOLD for $4,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
Western Express - Colorado & Kansas
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
3386       imageHinckley & Co.'s Express. Scroll frank on 3¢ red (U10) buff Nesbitt entire cancelled by grid cancel and "Philadelphia Pa., Nov 19, 1863" octagon datestamp addressed to Golden City, J.T. (Jefferson Territory), Very Fine.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

A CHOICE HINCKLEY & CO.'S EXPRESS USE INBOUND TO GOLDEN CITY, JEFFERSON TERRITORY.

An unofficial Jefferson Territory was established locally in October 1859, but it was never recognized by Congress. No postal markings of Jefferson Territory are known, although covers are known addressed to Jefferson Territory. The area was larger than what would be Colorado Territory. The sender was probably a regular correspondent and had a supply of prepaid Hinckley & Co. entires in Philadelphia. (Image1)		 Est. $1,000-1,500
CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction
3387       image"Care Hinckley's & Co., Express, St Joseph Mo.". Manuscript endorsement on cover bearing 3¢ dull red (26) tied by partial "Philadelphia Pa, May 12, 1861" octagon datestamp on buff cover "to Mountain City, J.T." (Jefferson Territory), F.-V.F.
Estimate; $100 - 150.

Early advertisements proudly proclaiming "Hinckley's Express Company of Jefferson Territory" gave evidence of commercial backing of the group favoring the name, Jefferson, over Colorado for the new territory. Hinckley's promotional effort certainly had some effect since covers to a number of mining camps are known with "J.T." addresses. (Image1)		 Est. $100-150
SOLD for $140.00
Will close during Public Auction
3388       imageForwarded by Eldridge Brothers' Kansas Express, Collect "25". Black on green printed label with manuscript collect rating, used on cover addressed to Leavenworth Kans., endorsed "(Eldridge Co's Ex.)" at lower left and additional "Collect 25" at upper right; label torn, upper right corner faulty, Very Fine and choice, ex-Eggen.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

THE ONLY KNOWN EXAMPLE OF THIS ELDRIDGE BROTHERS' KANSAS EXPRESS LABEL, AND THE ONLY COVER CARRIED BY THIS EXPRESS.

In 1857, the Eldridge Brothers inaugurated the first stage line in Kansas Territory. The Kansas Express initially operated between Wyandotte and Lawrence. It was expanded to Topeka by way of LeCompton and also served the towns of Leavenworth City and Osawatomie. Three covers are recorded associated with this rare two-year express company, two of which have different all-over advertising on the reverse. This is the only known cover actually carried by the company before it was sold to the Western Stage Company in 1859.

Shalor Winchell Eldridge, the founder, was one of the most prominent Kansas and an avid free-state advocate. He was owner of the Free-State Hotel in Lawrence. As the site of the printing office of the "Kansas Free States" newspaper, the hotel was destroyed in 1856 by Sheriff Jones and his posse, a band of proslavery outlaws claiming to act under authority of the United States. The hotel was later rebuilt in 1857 as the Eldridge House. (Image1)		 Est. $3,000-4,000
SOLD for $4,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
British Columbia and Vancouver Island
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
3389       image1867 (Jun.) Williams Creek, British Columbia to Aylmer, Canada West. Cover bearing Vancouver Island, 5c rose (5) and 10c blue (6) pair tied by Williams Creek "10" numeral grid cancels, bold strike of blue "General Post Office, British Columbia, 26 Jun 1867" double-circle datestamp on right side flap, entered U.S. mails with bold "San Francisco, Cal, Jul 1" double-circle datestamp and 10¢ green (68) tied by cogwheel fancy cancel; backflap torn, Very Fine, ex-Wellburn.
Estimate; $4,000 - 6,000.

A RARE VANCOUVER ISLAND AND UNITED STATES COMBINATION COVER FROM WILLIAMS CREEK TO CANADA WEST VIA THE UNITED STATES.

The Cariboo region's Williams Creek post office began operation in June 1864. It used the numeral "10" cancel. (Image1)		 Est. $4,000-6,000
SOLD for $3,750.00
Will close during Public Auction
3390       image1866 (Mar. 2) New Westminster, British Columbia to Bowmanville, Canada West via San Francisco. Blue cover bearing British Columbia, 5d blue (7) singles tied by bold "New Westminster, British Columbia, Post Office" double-oval postmark on blue cover, reverse with black "General Post Office, British Columbian, 2 Mar 1866" double-circle backstamp, endorsed U.S. mails with U.S. 10¢ green (68) vertical pair tied by bold strikes of four-ring cancel duplexed with "San Francisco, Cal. Mar 9" double-circle datestamp, reverse with "Bowmanville, U.C., 3 AP" arrival backstamp; reduced slightly at right, trivial stamp flaws, Very Fine, ex-Wellburn.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

A REMARKABLE DOUBLE-RATE USE FROM NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA TO CANADA WEST VIA THE UNITED STATES. (Image1)		 Est. $3,000-4,000
SOLD for $6,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
3391       image1862 (February) Victoria, Vancouver Island to Yorkville, Canada West via San Francisco. Cover with "Post Office, Victoria V.I." crown oval handstamp indicating British Columbia postage 2½d (5¢) paid in cash, entered mails with "San Francisco, Cal. Feb 27 1862" cds and two 1¢ blue (63) singles, 3¢ rose pink (64b), and 10¢ green (68), all cancelled and tied by cogwheel fancy cancels, "Chicago Ill, Paid 15" circular exchange handstamp, partial Yorkville, AP 3, 62" arrival backstamp; no flap, 1¢ and 3¢ small stamp flaws at top from edge placement, Very Fine, ex Dale-Lichtenstein.
Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.

A BEAUTIFUL THREE-COLOR 1861 ISSUE FRANKING FOR THE 15¢ RATE FROM VANCOUVER ISLAND TO CANADA WEST.

It appears this cover was originally franked with a pair of the 10¢ green, the left stamp was mostly removed leaving the top eight beneath the 3¢ rose pink.

Victoria, Vancouver Island was a most important port. It became a supply center and jumping off point for the Fraser Gold Rush of 1858, and was incorporated as the city of Victoria in 1862. Virtually all mail to and from British Columbia travelled through Victoria. (Image1)		 Est. $2,000-3,000
SOLD for $1,600.00
Will close during Public Auction
3392       image1864 (Oct.) Victoria, Vancouver Island to London, England via San Francisco and New York. Red Wells Fargo & Co. printed frank and light strike of "Post Office, Victoria V.I." crown oval handstamp indicating British Columbia postage 2½d (5¢) paid in cash on 10¢ green (U40) entire, blue "Wells, Fargo & Cos Express, S.Frco., 25 Oct" double-circle datestamp, entered mails with sharp red "N.York Br. Pkt. 'Paid 19' Nov 19" credit exchange cds bearing U.S. 10¢ green (68) vertical pair cancelled by NYFM star in circle fancy cancel, additional strike cancels indicia; cleaned and minor edge strengthening, couple small 10¢ flaws, Very Fine appearance.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

Beginning January 1862, all ship mail (closed bags) between Victoria and San Francisco was either handled by the Consul or Wells Fargo & Co. The three other Victoria banking institutions mostly utilized Wells Fargo to carry their mail and treasure because it was often faster and always safer. (Image1)		 Est. $1,000-1,500
SOLD for $2,800.00
Will close during Public Auction
3393       image1865 (May 25) Melbourne, Australia to Victoria, Vancouver Island. Mourning cover bearing Victoria, 1s blue tied by "Melbourne, MY-25 65" duplex addressed to Hudson Bay Company, endorsed "Via Marseilles", red London Paid (7.17), then transatlantic by Inman Line City of New York II from Liverpool Jul. 19th to New York arriving Jul. 31, closed mail via Panama to San Francisco, docketed "Recd - 16 Sepr. 1865"; 1s creased from edge placement, which has been extended for appearances, Fine, an around the world use taking 114 days.
Estimate; $200 - 300.

Victoria, Vancouver Island served as the hub for most incoming and outgoing mail to the entire region. (Image1)		 Est. $200-300
SOLD for $750.00
Will close during Public Auction
3394       imageBarnard's Cariboo Express. Paid. Black on orange express label affixed on orange envelope addressed to Stamford, Canada West, pasted on reverse of 3¢ pink (U35) buff entire with printed Wells Fargo frank, bold strike of "Post Office, Victoria V.I." crown oval handstamp indicating British Columbia postage 2½d paid in cash, cancelled by "Atchison Kas, Jun 27 '64" duplex and bearing 12¢ black (69) tied by matching four-rings cancel, transits of "Windsor, JU 30, 1864" and "G.W.R. East, JY 1, 64", Stamford arrival cds; opened out for display and some edge wear, Very Fine, ex-Haas, with 1967 P.F. certificate.
Estimate; $10,000 - 15,000.

A STUNNING BARNARD'S CARIBOO EXPRESS USE VIA WELLS FARGO TO STAMFORD, CANADA EAST. (Image1)		 Est. $10,000-15,000
SOLD for $9,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
3395       imageBarnard's Cariboo Express. Black oval handstamp ties Canada 3¢ small queen (37) on U.S. 3¢ green entire with printed Wells Fargo Co. paid frank to China Store, New Westminster B.C., matching "Collect" oval handstamps and blue crayon "10¢", Chinese character docketing at left, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $500 - 750. (Image1)		 Est. $500-750
SOLD for $400.00
Will close during Public Auction
3396       imageBarnard's Cariboo Express, Paid. Black on green label affixed on 3¢ pink (U35) buff entire with printed Wheeler's Express (WHE-001) scroll frank and cancelled by "Wells Fargo & Co., Marysville" double-oval datestamp with matching blue "Paid" double-oval to William Roberts at Williams Creek, Cariboo, endorsed "W.B." and "150" express rating; some minor edge restoration, Very Fine appearance, ex Dale-Lichtenstein.
Estimate; $5,000 - 7,500.

A REMARKABLE TRIPLE-CONJUNCTIVE USE VIA WHEELER'S, WELLS FARGO & CO. AND BANARD'S CARIBOO EXPRESS.

When on August 17, 1862, prospector Billy Barker struck major gold deposits at the head of Williams Creek, he culminated probes of others who had come to the area as early as 1859. The 50 miles surrounding what would become Barkerville contained the greatest and richest gold deposits in the history of British Columbia. Thus began the "Cariboo" gold rush. The Cariboo gold region was 400 miles beyond the head of navigation on the Fraser River. It was located northeast of Fort Hope / Yale area, which was the scene of the "Fraser River" gold rush of a few years prior.

In 1862, Francis Jones Barnard established a one-horse pony express with himself as sole rider, serving the Cariboo from Yale, where he met with Dietz & Nelson Express that provided services between New Westminster and Yale. $1 per letter carrier or delivered.

Beginning in December 1863, Samuel and Simeon Wheeler operated this express for several months. They ran between the Gibsonville Cal. mining camps and Marysville where they connected with Wells Fargo. (Image1)		 Est. $5,000-7,500
SOLD for $9,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
3397       imageDietz & Nelson's Express, B.C. & V. Blue double-circle handstamp ties British Columbia, 3d blue (7) right wing margin pair on U.S. 3¢ pink (U59) buff entire cancelled by blue "Wells Fargo & Co. Express, Victoria" oval handstamp to Victoria, British Columbia, Dietz sharp "Collect" oval handstamp with manuscript "100" express rating for forwarding to French Creek; restored at right edge, Very Fine appearance, ex Dale-Lichtenstein. Thomas No. DIE-100.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

A SCARCE CONJUNCTIVE DIETZ & NELSON'S AND WELLS FARGO & CO. EXPRESS USE TO VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA FORWARDED TO FRENCH CREEK.

George Dietz and Hugh Nelson purchased Ballou Express in October 1862, and operated over two established routes that ran from Victoria B.C. to Yale and Victoria B.C. to Lillooet Flat. They formed a merger with Barnard's Cariboo Express in March 1863 for distribution of express material north. They also connected with Wells Fargo in Victoria for mail entering or leaving the Colony. Operating solely as the center piece of an express pipe line, they found that they could not generate funds beyond break even and Barnard acquired complete control of their operation in December 1867. (Image1)		 Est. $3,000-4,000
SOLD for $2,800.00
Will close during Public Auction
3398       imageDietz & Nelson's British Columbia & Victoria Express. Printed ribbon frank at left along with conjunctive Wells Fargo & Co. printed frank on 3¢ pink (U59) buff entire to San Francisco Cal. bearing uncancelled British Columbia, 3d blue (7) in conjunction with U.S. 2¢ black (73), 5¢ brown (76) and 10¢ green (68), latter tied by unlisted blue negative Wells Fargo & Co Express circular handstamps, reverse with appearance of paste-up being attached, Very Fine, ex Dale-Lichtenstein. Thomas No. DIE-001.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

A RARE CONJUNCTIVE BARNARD'S AND WELLS FARGO EXPRESS USE TO SAN FRANCISCO BEARING THREE-COLOR U.S. FRANKING. (Image1)		 Est. $3,000-4,000
SOLD for $3,250.00
Will close during Public Auction
3399       imageFreeman & Co.'s California, Atlantic States and European Express. Printed paid frank on 3¢ red (U10) buff Nesbitt entire cancelled by "Freeman & Co's Express, Victoria" oval handstamp (FRM-105) to San Francisco Cal., clear strike of negative "Customs, Vancouver Island" crown seal handstamp; small top edge mend slightly affecting handstamp, no back flap, otherwise Very Fine, ex-Wilkinson, Walske. Thomas No. FRM-006.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

Reference: Illustrated in Gold Fever by Ken Kutz on page 126.

The "Customs, Vancouver Island" crown seal handstamp indicated payment of the 5¢ Colonial postage (used July 1858 to June 1859). Freeman & Co. was active in British Columbia from April to November 1859. (Image1)		 Est. $3,000-4,000
SOLD for $4,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
Hawaii
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
3400       image1850 (Oct. 17) "Ship Cincinnati, Lahaina Maui, Sandwich Islands" to Mansfield Center, Conn. Datelined blue folded letter addressed to Orwell S. Chuffee, Mansfield Center Conn., in care of the Ship Betsey Williams, Stonington, carried as endorsed by the American Whale Ship Betsy Williams from Lahaina Oct. 28th to Stonington arriving Apr. 6th, entered mails with "Stonington Con., Apr 7" cds and matching "Ship" straightline and manuscript "7" rating for 5¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee, letter started earlier datelined "At Sea Oct the 9 1850" with some interesting whaling content "…we have been to the Arctic Ocean to get whales and got 17…" and "…They are called Bowheads or Polar Whales…As quick as they are struck they will go down and run about a mile and then come up and lay still, but when thou do run you have to ty your heads on. I have struck 8 and saved 7. The first one I struck run under the ice and then we had to cut the line…", left flap with drawing of whale spraying water captioned "Polar Whale"; some wear and stains, Fine.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000.

Before there was an official American Route, all mail, and then certain mail, between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans was given to the Captain of a ship which was bound around Cape Horn for one coast or the other. (Image1)		 Est. $750-1,000
SOLD for $2,300.00
Will close during Public Auction

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