Lot
3397 
Dietz & Nelson's Express, B.C. & V., blue double-circle handstamp ties British Columbia, 3d blue (7) right wing margin pair on U.S. 3¢ pink (U59) buff entire cancelled by blue "Wells Fargo & Co. Express, Victoria" oval handstamp to Victoria, British Columbia, Dietz sharp "Collect" oval handstamp with manuscript "100" express rating for forwarding to French Creek; restored at right edge, Very Fine appearance, ex Dale-Lichtenstein. Thomas No. DIE-100. Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
A SCARCE CONJUNCTIVE DIETZ & NELSON'S AND WELLS FARGO & CO. EXPRESS USE TO VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA FORWARDED TO FRENCH CREEK.
George Dietz and Hugh Nelson purchased Ballou Express in October 1862, and operated over two established routes that ran from Victoria B.C. to Yale and Victoria B.C. to Lillooet Flat. They formed a merger with Barnard's Cariboo Express in March 1863 for distribution of express material north. They also connected with Wells Fargo in Victoria for mail entering or leaving the Colony. Operating solely as the center piece of an express pipe line, they found that they could not generate funds beyond break even and Barnard acquired complete control of their operation in December 1867.
Realized: $2,800