Overland via Los Angeles. Three-line imprint in black on 3c Red Nesbitt entire (U10) to Downieville Cal., clearly struck "San Francisco Cal. Jul. 14, 1859" circular datestamp, backflap removed and faults affecting a couple of letters of imprint, still Fine and exhibit-worthy; beginning in Sep. 1858 the Overland Mail Co. started regular semi-weekly stagecoach service along the so-called "Butterfield Route" between San Francisco and St. Louis via Los Angeles; a variety of markings, printed and handstamped, were used on mail to designate this route; this "Overland via Los Angeles" three-line imprint is found on 3c and 10c Nesbitt entires, in red or black, with or without the Wells, Fargo & Company's frank, and one plain envelope; a census quickly compiled from our Levi records and other sources counts 17 entires in total (excluding the plain envelope with a 10c adhesive)

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