Hunter & Cos. Express. Double oval handstamp with horse and rider at center (Thomas HUN-101), clearly struck on brown homemade envelope to William H. Ware in Sacramento, originated with "Spencersburg Mo. Nov. 25" manuscript postmark and "10" rate, manuscript "Big Bar Hill 1.35" $1.35 express charge and destination, additional currency notation of uncertain meaning, pencil "Greenwood Valy" on back, with original letter dated Nov. 24, 1851, from a father to his son, who is prospecting for gold in California, includes mention of mails and cautions son to be careful with his money around "strangers", some splits in letter, but the cover is in excellent condition

VERY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE DISTINCTIVE HORSE-AND-RIDER HANDSTAMP OF HUNTER & COMPANY'S EXPRESS ON A COVER TO A GOLD PROSPECTOR AT BIG BAR, CALIFORNIA.

Alexander Hunter started his semi-weekly express in May 1851 and served all forks of the American River, including Big Bar. Hunter sold his business to Wells, Fargo & Co. in July 1854 and became their Placerville agent. Approximately ten examples of this horse-and-rider marking are reported, this being among the more desirable in terms of use and quality.

From our Sale 375 of May 1970 and ex "New Helvetia". With 1988 P.F. certificate

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