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Sale 41: Western Postal History

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Ephemera - Express Documents, Correspondence & Ephemera

Lots 34-43 Lots 44-46

Lot 34

(Ephemera) 1850's U.S. Government Railroad Survey Book Prints of Views. Extraordinary assemblage of about 50 colored lithographs primarily of Western scenes of California from Klamath to Mission San Diego,the Sierras, Oregon, Mt. Hood, some Colorado, etc; included are 4 featuring Indians; condition generally VF, a few with a bit of foxing or other flaws, a terrific opportunity for the eBayer or print dealer, please inspect.
Estimate    $500 - 750.

Realized: $290

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Lot 35

(Ephemera) 1853 Leavitt's Farmer's Almanac and Miscellaneous Year Book. Fascinating publication, including a new map of California; containing 46 pages, cover with aging and some repair, reinforced spine, Fine and scarce.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Realized: $90

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Lot 36

(Ephemera) 1889 Coles (Siskiyou County) Hotel, California, Ephemera Group. Neat group of items, including vintage photo, Cole's Hotel Meal Ticket, photo of Rufus Coles (who was also postmaster and received $37.33 compensation in 1889 its first year as P.O.), several covers with Coles, Cal. postmarks (1889, 1892) and 2 1990 color photos of the present day building and historical marker; outstanding collateral items.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $725

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Lot 37

(Ephemera) Lincoln & Johnson National Union Ticket. Ticket for the 1864 Presidential campaign and California State ticket for the third district, reverse with Liberty & Flag design in red, Extremely Fine.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Realized: $270

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Lot 38

(Ephemera) Russian-American Company 50k "Sealskin" Note. Ca. 1816-32, clear strong printing on front and reverse with manuscript serial number, natural horizontal bend just affecting top of printing, Very Fine and the only known example recorded by us, a wonderful example of this rare Russian American Company scrip, with an estimated 150 to 200 total pieces are believed to have survived, with many of the survivors housed in museums around the world leaving very few pieces available to private collectors.
Estimate    $5,000 - 7,500.

Russian American Company banknotes have been called "walrus or sealskin money" as some were printed on walrus skins, although most issues are found on parchment, issued from about 1816 until 1832. These tokens were issued at Baranov suggestion, "in order to facilitate settling accounts with the hunters, the board of directors sent the colonies parchment tokens{marki} with the governments permission. They were to take the place of money and were distinguished in color and shape according to their value-1, 5, 10 or 25 paper rubles, and 10, 25, or 50 kopeks. Baranov was ordered to pay the salary of each employee in the colonies with these tokens. Goods and supplies in the companies stores were to be sold in exchange for the tokens, with certain restrictions on alcoholic beverages (the sale of which was rationed) and luxury articles. On payday, when the tokens were distributed, company stores were to return the tokens they had received during that period. Forgers of the tokens were to be treated as criminals. The notes, known as "Kozhanye", circulated as far south as Fort Ross, which is just north of present day San Francisco.

Realized: $9,500

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Lot 39

(Express) 1850's Adams Express & Gregory's Express Ephemera. Including 1850 Gregory's United States & California Express receipt for Placer Gold shipment to N.Y. (fragile); and seven 1850's Adams & Co. Express sight drafts, on San Francisco, Baltimore, Boston offices (several duplicates), all with elaborate illustrations of mining scenes, railroad trains, sailing ships; somewhat mixed condition (no photo).
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $220

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Lot 40

(Express) 1856 Wells Fargo & Co's Express Treasure Receipt. Datelined Coloma, April 22, 1856, receipt for Bag Coin with value of Thirty-Three Hundred Dollars, signed Geo. Searle, Agt; quite rare, excellent condition.
Estimate    $200 - 300.

Realized: $300

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Lot 41

(Express) 1870's-1903 Wells Fargo & Co. Express Ephemera. Variety of items, including elaborate letterhead, package labels, bank drafts, several commissions, several bullion receipts, including 1889 at Virginia, Nev., for 14 bars value $52,600; several rare circulars; 1900 free package express pass; and other documents; condition generally Fine, please inspect (no photo).
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $200

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Lot 42

(Express) Cram, Rodgers & Co.'s Notice. Printed notice datelined "Shasta, March 27, 1855" regarding the change of office and business under the name of the Pacific Express Company, mentions the failure of Adams & Co. "(which has disarranged our business connections)"; staining at top and bottom, Fine.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $280

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Lot 43

(Express) Gregory's Express Pocket Letter Book (Used). Rare written book datelined "Nevada City, California, September the 28, 1851", written by a father to his child and mentions the letter book…you say that you want me to send you a little book like Sarah's that is a pleasure for me to donow Rhoda this little book i want that you should take and keep to remember that you have a father that loves you…; cover scuffs and some slight page staining, otherwise Fine.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $290

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Lots 34-43 Lots 44-46

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