Lot
36 
American Ranch, Col. Aug 1, blue cds and matching target cancel on 1860 3¢ pink on buff entire (used circa 1863) to Illinois, slightly reduced at left, Very Fine and rare, The only known cover from this office during its first period of operation. illustrated in Jarrett's Colorado book. Estimate $400 - 600.
American Ranch was a stage stop on the South Platte River 64 miles west of Julesburgh. The post office operated from February 9, 1863 until December 12, 1864, then reopened in May 1865 and operated until November 1867.
Realized: $1,150
Lot
37
American Ranch C.T. Aug 4/65, manuscript postmark on cover to Vermont franked with pair of 1861-66 2¢ Black Jacks with tied through perfs by cork killer cancel, overpaying postage rate by one cent, cover with minor trace of foxing, Very Fine& a rare Black Jack usage, This is from American Ranch's second period of operation, after being closed due to Indian depredations, illustrated in Jarrett's Colorado book. Estimate $500 - 750.
The Indian uprisings of 1864 and 1865 interrupted transportation and mail services in old Weld County. The Post Office at American Ranch was closed from December 1864 to the first of May in 1865 due to these uprisings. The stage station and the Post Office were housed in an adobe structure, as were many of the town's other buildings. Many of these buildings had walls two to three feet thick which served as effective fortresses during the Indian raids.
Realized: $1,150
Lot
38
Beaver Creek C.T. Sept. 27/70, manuscript postmark on cover addressed to Golden City, Colorado, franked with 3¢ Bank Note with manuscript cancel, stain affects postmark and cover opened roughly at right, Fine and rare, The only recorded cover from this small office. Estimate $150 - 200.
Realized: $750
Lot
39
Bent Canon Oct 10/75, manuscript postmark (rather faint) on cover franked with 3¢ Bank Note with light manuscript cancel, cover stained at edges and address partly faded, reduced at left, Fine and rare, The only recorded territorial cover from this small ranching town. Estimate $100 - 150.
Realized: $160
Lot
40
Black Hawk Col Jul 13 [1875], black cds reflecting name change, on cover with corner card for the Colorado Hotel to Ohio, franked with 3¢ Bank Note tied by four ring target cancel, original enclosure & clipping from July 10 Rocky Mountain News discussing wet weather and flooding, reduced at right, Very Fine and attractive. Estimate $50 - 75.
Realized: $325
Lot
41
Black Hawk Point CT, Feb 16th/63, manuscript postmark and cancel on 1860 3¢ Postal Stationery entire to New York, minor repaired tear and creasing at top very slightly affects postmark, F.-V.F. Estimate $300 - 400.
The Black Hawk Point post office, established December 6, 1862, was named for an early mining company which in turn was named for the famous Indian chief. The company operated a quartz mill on North Clear Creek in Gilpin County.
Realized: $475
Lot
42
Black Hawk Point C.T. Aug 31 1863, unusual "custom made" cds on neat cover with patriotic red and blue lines on reverse, franked with 1861 3¢ rose tied by cork cancel, Very Fine and scarce, This postmark was used for approximately 10 months in 1863. Estimate $300 - 400.
Realized: $650
Lot
43
Black Hawk Point Col. T. Feb 15, second type "custom" cds on buff cover franked with 1861 3¢ rose (well centered) with target cancel, original enclosure included, Very Fine and attractive. Estimate $200 - 300.
This postmark was used only in early 1864. The postmaster obtained these devices from private suppliers, rather than the Post Office Department in Washington.
Realized: $725
Lot
44
Black Hawk Point Col, Jul 21, 64, double circle postmark with duplex target cancel tying 1861 3¢ rose on neat cover to New Jersey, this postmark was used until 1867, Extremely Fine. Estimate $100 - 150.
Realized: $230
Lot
45
Black Hawk Point Col, Feb 15, black cds on circa 1868 cover to Rhode Island franked with 1867 3¢ rose grill tied by matching cork killer, flap replaced & repair at top left does not affect markings, stamp or address, F.-V.F. Estimate $100 - 150.
Realized: $50