Lot
980 
G.H. Wines & Co.'s Express California, PAID, black printed frank with elaborate eagle, scroll and shield design (WIE-001) on 1853-55 3¢ Nesbitt entire (U10) to Sacramento City, Very Fine and rare, one of only two examples of this printed frank known used without any other express or postal markings., ex-Barkhausen.Scott No. U10 Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
A RARE AND BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF WINES FANCY PRINTED FRANK ILLUSTRATING THE EAGLE ON SHIELD WITH RIBBON.
G. H. Wines Express was formed in New York City in Jun, 1855 with their San Francisco office being established Jul, 1855. Gilbert H. Wines and Charles A. Whitney were the proprietors. They initially connected with Rhodes & Whitney's Express at Sacramento, but by Oct, 1855 had expanded to cover the Northern Mines, Stockton and the Southern Mines themselves. They connected with Leland's Express for San Jose, Santa Clara, etc. and with Gilbert & Hedges for Monterey, San Diego, Los Angeles, etc. They transported their express matter bound for the east coast via Nicaragua. Wines Express went out of business in Apr, 1857 due to absentee management, turmoil in Nicaragua, and the increasing domination of Wells, Fargo & Co.
Realized: $2,600