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

Lot 3404    

Forwarded by Peterson's Lower California Express from "La Paz", black on gray label with blue manuscript town designation, tied by sharp "San Francisco, Cal, Mar 9, 1862" double-circle datestamp, additional strike at bottom left and matching "SHIP.12" due rating handstamp on buff cover to Peacham Vt.; minor ton spot upper right, reduced slightly at right, Extremely Fine and choice.
Thomas No. PET-401    Estimate $20,000 - 30,000.

A STUNNING COVER. ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PETERSON'S LOWER CALIFORNIA EXPRESS LABEL USED ON COVER.

The three recorded examples are:
1. PET-401 Label with pencil "San Francisco" origin, tied by red "Espreso de la Baja Cala." oval to La Paz, Mexico, blue Wells Fargo San Francisco double-circle, ex-Knapp, Grant, Hass, Forster and "Baja".
2. PET-401 Label with blue ms. "La Paz" origin, tied by San Francisco Cal. cds to Peacham Vt., the example offered here.
3. PET-401 Label with ms. "San Lucas" origin, red "Estafeta De Baja California" oval cancel to San Francisco Cal., manuscript "Capo St Lucas Apl 11, 1863" docket at left, ex Dale-Lichtenstein, Walske.

Reference: Pictured in Nathan on p. 168.

Using coastal steamers, Charles M. Peterson ran a daily service between San Francisco and La Paz, Mexico. He established an office in Henry Payot's Book Store in San Francisco. He may have established a pony/mule service between Cape San Lucas and La Paz.

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Realized: $21,000

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Lot 3405    

Wells Fargo & Co, "Paid over our Mexican Coast and California Express -- 35 Cts.", printed frank in rare deep olive black shade on 10¢ brown (U89) entire cancelled by blue "Wells, Fargo & Co., San Francisco, Feb 25" oval datestamp to the David Turner, American Consul at La Paz, Lower California, Mexico, Extremely Fine and scarce use to Mexico.
Thomas No. WFM-009    Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.

Realized: $850

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Lot 3406    

Wells Fargo & Co, "Paid over our Mexican Coast and California Express -- 35 Cts.", printed frank on 10¢ brown (U91) entire cancelled by partial strike of blue "Wells, Fargo & Co., San Francisco, Sep 6" oval datestamp to Mexico, Very Fine and scarce use to Mexico.
Thomas No. WFM-009a    Estimate $600 - 800.

Realized: $725

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