Lot 3367 *
"Collect Humboldt Express. 25 cts.", manuscript endorsement on 3¢ red (U27) buff Star die entire with printed Wells Fargo & Co. paid frank and cancelled by blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Express, Silver City, Utah" oval handstamp to Santa Cruz, Cal.; light soiling at bottom left, Very Fine; with 2003 P.F. certificate.Estimate $10,000 - 15,000.
THIS IS THE EARLIEST RECORDED HUMBOLDT EXPRESS USE, AND THE ONLY RECORDED MANUSCRIPT FRANKED EXAMPLE.
With the establishment of Unionville and Humboldt City in the spring of 1861 because of the discovery of major gold and silver deposits, Samuel Langton expanded his express business into the region. Langton connected with Wells, Fargo & Co. at Silver City for delivery to the California coast.
This cover is extensively discussed by Jim Gamett in Nevada Express, 2002, pp 83-87.
Realized: $13,500