Sale 79: The George J. Kramer Collection of Western Trails and Routes

Lot 3359    

M. Fettis's Oro Fino Express -- Paid., printed frank on unused 6¢ pink (U63) entire, 1870 file docketing; edge flaws and flap creased, Fine and rare, this frank is not known used. Thomas No. MFE-001.
Estimate    $100 - 150.

Matthew Fettis operated an express service between Lewiston, Oro Fino and Pierre City, Idaho. He took over this express from E.E. Davidson. By 1872, he was the proprietor of the Lewiston and Walla Walla Stage Line that was carrying the U.S. mails and express articles for Wells Fargo.

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Lot 3360    

J.S. Ramey & Co's Express "Paid - 50 Cts.", ribbon frank on 3¢ pink (U58) entire cancelled by "Lewiston I T, 'Jany 22' " cds and manuscript dating to Oswego Or., blue "ADVERTISED" straightline and "Aug, 3" handstamps, entire restored at right, Very Fine appearance, WC4800, ex Dale-Lichtenstein.
Thomas No. JSR-001    Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.

THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE J.S. RAMEY & CO'S EXPRESS FRANK.

J.S. Ramey and Al Ripson ran an express operation between Lewiston and Florence, Idaho by way of Elk City. It is believed that this was a stage/express service. This run was over the same route that had been established by the Dwight Brothers. In May 1865, the operation was sold to Rigg & Kinn.

Realized: $6,250

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Lot 3361    

Rockfellow & Co's Express "Paid 75c.", fancy printed frank at lower left, on 3¢ pink (U35) buff entire cancelled by bold "Atchison Kas, Sep 1 '63" cds in blue addressed to Three Oaks Mich., manuscript "Due 6¢" rating, reduced at left with repaired tear, F.-V.F. and scarce frank, WC6383.
Thomas No. ROC-002    Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.

William Hurst Rockfellow established a route from Walla Walla, Washington Territory over the Blue Mountains into the Boise Basin in Idaho Territory. This route extended to Boise City. He connected with Wells Fargo at Wall Walla and was entrusted with Wells Fargo deliveries into the basin when Wells Fargo withdrew from the route in May 1863. After a few months, Wells Fargo reentered the area and he sold his express routes to them in September or October 1863.

Realized: $950

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Lot 3362    

(Tracy & Co.) Salmon River & Nez Perces Express, Paid 50 Cents, boxed frank on fresh 3¢ pink (U34) entire to Yreka, Cal., additional Wells, Fargo & Co. printed frank at top center, "Sept 15, 1862" receipt docketing; faint stain, otherwise Very Fine, Thomas WC9460.
Thomas No. TRA-601    Estimate $150 - 200.

Realized: $280

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Lot 3363    

Tracy & Co., Oregon Express "Boise Express. Paid 50 Cts.", ribbon frank with printed two-line Boise Express at bottom left, on 3¢ pink (U35) buff entire cancelled by blue "Wells Fargo & Co., Bannock City I.T., May 5" oval and additional strike over Tracy & Co. frank; reduced slightly at right, Very Fine and choice, ex Dale-Lichtenstein.
Thomas No. TRA-007, TRA-600    Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.

On November 16, 1863, The Oregonian reported: "Tracy & co. have disposed of their express business between Portland and the Idaho mines to Wells Fargo & Co. for the sum of $3,000, conditioned that T & Co. not establish another line for six months…" The Bannock City oval handstamp on both the frank and the entire confirm that Wells Fargo was in total possession of this former Tracy line.

Realized: $2,100

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Lot 3364    

Wells Fargo & Co., "Boise Mines - Paid 50 Cts.", red printed frank on 3¢ pink (U34) entire bearing 3¢ rose (65), nat. s.e., tied by blue "Wells, Fargo & Co., Portland, Jun 3" oval datestamp to San Francisco Cal., Very Fine and rare use from Boise Mines, WC9836.
Thomas No. WFE-210a    Estimate $750 - 1,000.

Realized: $1,250

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