Pony Express, San Francisco, Apr. 17 (1861). Mostly clear strike of blue Running Pony oval handstamp on 10c Green Star Die entire (U33) to Boston street address, green "St. Joseph Mo. Apr. 30" circular datestamp, addressee's last name and street number scratched out and redrawn

VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO RUNNING PONY HANDSTAMP ON THE FIRST EASTBOUND TRIP OF THE THIRD RATE PERIOD.

According to the Frajola-Kramer-Walske book on Pony Express mails, the Third Rate period commenced on April 15, 1861. At this point Wells, Fargo & Co. offices throughout California began gathering mail to be carried by Pony Express. The first eastbound trip under the new $2.00 per half-ounce rate departed San Francisco on Wednesday, April 17, arriving in St. Joseph on April 30. Three covers are recorded for this trip, including one with the oval handstamp struck in red and two struck in blue.

Pony Express Census No. E68. Ex Hall. With 1973 P.F. certificate

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Wells, Fargo & Co., $1.00 Red (143L3). Position R2, large margins to clear at upper left, rich color, tied by mostly clear blue "Pony Express San Francisco Aug. 31" (1861) Running Pony oval datestamp on 10c Green, Star Die Entire (U32) with red Wells, Fargo & Co. printed frank, original address scratched out and readdressed to a congressman in Washington D.C., "St. Joseph Mo. Sep. 14" circular datestamp cancels entire, sender's endorsement along top edge also scratched out

AN ATTRACTIVE PONY EXPRESS COVER BEARING THE $1.00 RED STAMP ISSUED BY WELLS, FARGO & COMPANY FOR THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACT PERIOD BEGINNING IN JULY 1861.

Commencing July 1, 1861, the Pony Express was authorized by Congress to carry mail at the rate of $1.00 per half ounce. An additional fee was charged by Wells, Fargo & Co. to carry mail from San Francisco to the western terminus at Placerville, which is represented by the printed frank on this entire. The contract also stipulated the mandatory U.S. postage charge of 10c per half ounce. This cover beautifully combines all three postage elements. Although the Scott Catalogue lists the July 1861 issue Pony Express stamps (143L3-143L6) with other private post issues, we wish to emphasize that these stamps were issued under the terms of a government mail contract; therefore, they have semi-official status.

Pony Express Census No. E151. Ex Meroni. With 1966 P.F. certificate

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