Lot 3350
Oregon & California R.R. Express, Portland "James McCraken, Portland, Oregon", turquoise double-circle with manuscript endorsement, on 3¢ green (U84) cream entire cancelled by "Portland Ore., Jul 11" cds duplexed with cork cancel to San Francisco Cal., Very Fine, ex Dale-Lichtenstein.Thomas No. ORC-600 Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED USE EXAMPLES OF THE OREGON & CALIFORNIA R.R. EXPRESS DOUBLE-CIRCLE HANDSTAMP, THE OTHER IS CONTAINED IN THE WILTSEE COLLECTION.
Virtually nothing is known about this express. Construction of the Oregon & Railroad began 1870-71, and it is thought that its rails were completed between Portland and Roseburg by 1873. James McCraken was a well-known Portland merchant.