Wells, Fargo & Co. Pony Express, $1.00 Red (143L3). Ample margins to slightly in at bottom, deep rich color, tied by blue "Pony Express San Francisco Aug. 3" (1861) Running Pony oval datestamp on 10c Green on Buff Star Die entire (U33) with Wells, Fargo & Co. red printed frank, addressed to Westfield Mass., entered regular mails with "New-York Aug. 18" circular datestamp, forwarded to Saratoga Springs N.Y. with 3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26), grid cancel and "Westfield Ms. Aug. 20, 1861" circular datestamp, manuscript July 21 receipt on back, inconsequential horizontal file bend does not affect stamps or markings

EXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING EASTBOUND PONY EXPRESS COVER WITH THE $1.00 RED HORSE & RIDER STAMP AND 3-CENT 1857 ISSUE FOR FORWARDING POSTAGE, IN EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE CONDITION.

Commencing July 1, 1861, the Pony Express was authorized by Congress to carry mail at the rate of $1.00 per half ounce. An additional fee was charged by Wells, Fargo & Co. to carry mail from San Francisco to the western terminus at Placerville, which is represented by their red printed frank on this entire. The contract also stipulated the mandatory U.S. postage charge of 10c per half ounce. This cover combines all three postage elements plus the additional element of a 3c 1857 stamp for forwarding postage. It was carried on the August 3, 1861 eastbound Pony Express trip after the new rates and stamps were introduced.

Although the Scott Catalogue lists the July 1861 issue Pony Express stamps (143L3-143L6) with other private post issues, we wish to emphasize that these stamps were issued under the terms of a government mail contract; therefore, they have semi-official status.

FKW Census E133. Trip ET-123. Ex Dale-Lichtenstein and Walske. With 2006 P.F. certificate

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables