Lot
1127 
Gay's Express From Boston, two black on yellow express label (Mosher GYSX-L10) uses, first tied by file crease with New York City address rewritten as "70 Wall" below label on Jan. 19th 1846 gray folded letter from Providence R.I. to New York City; second with label having address updated with "70" on label, used on Feb. 2nd 1846 gray folded letter from Wiscasset, Me. to New York City; some wear and soiling, F.-V.F. and scarce express label pair. Estimate $300 - 400.
This small express delivery company was founded by James Gay. Gay began his career in express delivery as an agent for Harnden's Express. In early 1840, he began his own express route, delivering packages between Boston and New York. Gay partnered with Warren Studley and Erastus Littlefield in New York. Gay acted as the messenger from Boston to New York, while Studley traveled in the opposite direction.
In 1845, his small express became Gay & Co., although the "Gay's Express" name was still used for some time afterward. In 1846, Gay & Co. expanded, adding a line to Rhode Island. Within a few years, the company was expanded again, becoming Gay, Kinsley & Co.
Realized: $280