Lot
3244 
Todd & Co., Express, clear sharp strike of shield handstamp on blue cover with red "Boston Mass., Nov 23" cds and matching bold "40" rating to Carsons Creek, Calaveras County, Cal., endorsed "Todd & Cos Express From San Francisco", additional "A" handstamp may indicated advertised, pencil "2.00" express rate at center; some minor edge restoration, Very Fine. Thomas No. TOC-100 Estimate $400 - 600.
Alexander H. Todd began operating in late July 1849 as a one man express service between San Francisco and Stockton and from there into the southern mines. Benjamin L. Bryan joined as a partner in December 1850 and E.W. Colt as a silent partner shortly thereafter. After Bryan's departure in July 1850, Todd and Colt formed Todd and Company's Express. E.W. Colt operated out of Stockton and serviced the southern mines through merchant agents, while A.H. Todd anchored the operation in San Francisco. In San Francisco they connected with Adams & Co. and in Sacramento Hawley & Co.
Realized: $475