Lot 704
Coupe's Express, printed oval frank (COU-100) on uncancelled 1870, 3¢ green entire addressed to New York City, Very Fine and choice, ex-H. Deats & Barkhausen.Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
A GREAT WASHINGTON TERRITORIAL EXPRESS RARITY. THIS IS ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE COUPE'S EXPRESS FRANK.
This one-man express was operated by Thomas Coupe in the Puget Sound area. Coupe operated a small steamer vessel, the "Success", as a ferry between Port Townsend and Ebey's Landing on Whibey Island during the life of his express. A cover carried by Wells, Fargo & Co. from San Francisco to Port Townsend via Victoria is known bearing an endorsement "In Care of Capt Coupe".
Realized: $1,500