Wells Fargo & Co Express Horse Blanket, c1898. Blankets were used to protect valuable race horses in transit, as well as company horses on their “rounds” in cold weather. This all-wool blanket is marked twice. The straps and buckles were removed long ago. It measures seven-by-seven-feet. Its edges are frayed, and a few holes do not detract. This blanket is shown in “Company Property . . .” on page eight and in color on page fourteen.
$ 4,000. (Currently On Hold)
Wells Fargo & Co. Express Standing Reward Poster, 1912. Standing rewards of $300 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of highwaymen were offered as early as 1877. Three hundred dollars in 1877 were worth about $16,000 in today’s dollars. Standing rewards drastically reduced the need to print reward posters for individual highwaymen. The poster is in its original frame (but over-painted in gold) and original wood backing. Install hanging eyelets and wire and hang on the wall in your den. Note the stain at the lower corner. This is the poster that is pictured in “Company Property . . .” on page 107. $ 1,000.
Wells Fargo & Co. Express Standing Reward Poster, 1912. Standing rewards of $300 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of highwaymen were offered as early as 1877. Three hundred dollars in 1877 were worth about $16,000 in today’s dollars. Standing rewards drastically reduced the need to print reward posters for individual highwaymen. The poster is in its original black frame, wood backing, and hanging wire. $ 900.
Wells Fargo & Co. Express Howe 60-lb Counter Scale, c1890. The scale shows wear, but is in good working order. The two company markings are prominent and in good condition. The “O-ring” that contains the pointer has broken off, but a good bonding agent can re-attach it. This scale is pictured in “Company Property . . .” on page 120.
SOLD
Small Display Case, c1930. One glass shelf and two mirrored non-locking access doors in the rear. The top glass has been replaced. Minor wear to wood base. Perfect for displaying small items at home or at a show. Measures 10” tall, 11” wide, and 35” long. $400. Arrange for pick up or delivery.
Wells & Co. Receipt, 1849. This was the year of the “Forty-Niners.” Three years before Samuel P. Carter journeyed to California to launch Wells Fargo & Co.’s Express, he was the express agent for Henry Wells in Albany, New York. Henry Wells was the agent on Wall Street, and Henry Fonda was the agent at Rome. Unfortunately, this receipt is NOT signed by Carter. However, since Carter was only in California for one year, anything with his name on it is extremely rare. Very fine condition. $50
Wells, Fargo & Co. Collection Order, early 1850’s. Office forms in the early 1850’s were printed on light blue paper. Very few of these have survived. This one has an ugly stain from a drink of some kind, some foxing, and a small portion of the corner torn off. This Collection Order is pictured in “Company Property . . .” on page 64. $50.
Wells, Fargo & Co’s Treasure Receipt, 1855. Bailey East sends $800 to San Francisco in the company treasure box. He pays an $8.00 fee. If the shipment is robbed, the company will make good the loss. In today’s money, the shipment is about $16,000. The form indicates principal (exchange) offices in New York and Paris. This receipt is pictured in “Company Property . . .” on page 109.
SOLD
Wells, Fargo & Co’s Express Receipt, 1869. C. C. Bush sends $500 in coin from Shasta, California to John Syme in French Gulch. He pays a one-dollar fee, which is much lower than the one-percent charge in 1852. If the shipment is robbed, the company will make good the loss, in accordance with all the printed caveats. In today’s money, the shipment is worth about $10,000. This receipt is pictured in “Company Property . . .” on page 108. $50.
Wells, Fargo & Co’s Express Tariff Poster, 1881. John J. Valentine is the General Superintendent. Money and Freight Instructions for 1882 are printed on the reverse. Freight Instruction #18 states that the charge for transporting a corpse is one-and-one-half times the fare for a first class passenger. The poster is made of heavy card stock, and measures 14” x 18”. Major foxing on both sides, and one small corner missing. This is the first and only one of these that I have ever seen. $500.
“Wells Fargo” Movie Poster, 1958. This is the re-release poster, and NOT the original 1937 release. Measures 27” x 41”, in excellent condition, and is framed with UV Plexiglas. Includes two 11” x 14” colored “Lobby cards.” Also included are three 8” x 10” studio-issued black-and-white “stills,” one of Joel McCrea dated 1937. $250.
Wells Fargo & Co. Express Pencil, c1918. Complete with unmarked cast iron pen-and-pencil rack, and an unmarked seal-and-stamp carousel in good working order. The pencil is pictured in “Company Property . . .” on page 97, never used, and in mint condition. $ 200.
American Express & Railway Express Agency Sealing Wax. One box of four mint-condition sticks marked “Dennison #2, American Express” are still wrapped in their original tissue paper. Three-plus other broken sticks of wax are marked “Railway Express Agency,” along with an unmarked box. If you collect wax seals, you can USE the pieces and save the Am Ex sticks for your collection. $ 150.
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Wells Fargo & Co. Express Semi-Centennial Medal, 1902. Struck from coin silver, the medal commemorates the 50-years since the founding of the company. The obverse depicts a messenger thwarting a highwayman attempting an early stage coach robbery. The reverse looks to the future improvements in communications and safety. About the size of a silver dollar, and in near-mint condition.
SOLD
Wells Fargo & Co. Express Five Years Service Button. Service buttons were introduced in 1915 as a way of recognizing years of “Faithful Service” to the company. They were fabricated by C. A. Winship at the Masonic Temple in Chicago and are sometimes hallmarked accordingly. This one is NOT hallmarked. The button is slightly smaller than a dime. A jeweler can attach a gold bezel and chain to convert this service button into an attractive gift for a spouse or sweetheart. $125.
Wells Fargo & Co. Express Ten Years Service Button. Service buttons were introduced in 1915 as a way of recognizing years of “Faithful Service” to the company. They were fabricated by C. A. Winship at the Masonic Temple in Chicago and are sometimes hallmarked accordingly. This button IS hallmarked. They are slightly smaller than a dime. A gold bezel and chain converts a service button into an attractive gift for a spouse or sweetheart. $150.
Wells Fargo & Co. Express Wire Sealer and Box of Seals. This Apex sealer leaves a clear “W F & CO EX” impression on the obverse side of the seal, and “4031” on the reverse. The sealer probably dates back to the late 1880’s. The identity of Messenger # 4031 is not known. The box of about 100 “lead and wire” seals were manufactured by E. J. Brooks Co, Newark, N. J. and are probably “modern.” $ 250.
Wells Fargo “Book” Banks, c1933 - 1934. Almost identical, these banks were issued by Wells Fargo Bank to encourage savings. They are both stamped “Bankers Utilities Co. San Francisco, Patented July 3, 1923, Made in U.S.A.” The one on the left shows more wear and the colors are not as vivid. One key fits both banks, but any good locksmith can duplicate it for you. The one on the right has “Member F.D.I.C.” on the spine and features a hole in the top for accepting dollar bills.
SOLD
Wells Fargo & Co. Express Messenger Magazines. This magazine was the “house organ” for the company during its final years. These issues were published monthly from September, 1912 through August, 1916 and are in near-mint condition. These two blue-grey binders and a June, 1918 issue (also included) are pictured in “Company Property . . .” on page 89. Each turn of a page reveals a wealth of information about the company and the property items that it used. For example, on page 1 of the first issue, the Semi-Centennial Medal is pictured and described. The magazines’ pages revealed dozens of property items for “Company Property . . .” Discover all of them yourself, and perhaps a few that we missed! Forty-nine issues total. $ 1,800.
Klondike Head Rub Card Sign, c1900. In full color and in near-perfect condition, this 8” x 11” advertising sign will enhance your barber shop or master bathroom grooming area. $ 100.
SOLD
Wells Fargo & Co Express Advertising Holiday Envelope with 3 Address Labels, and 2 Do Not Open Pasters,” was given free of charge to all customers. Some versions of this packet also contain two postcards and a small explanatory leaflet. (Wells Fargo Messenger, November, 1914).
This is the only complete set known, complete with the postcards and leaflet. It is pictured in “Company Property …” on page 56. It is in near-mint condition, except for some minor wear and tear on the envelope. $ 100.
Wells Fargo & Co Express Christmas Address Labels. Five in all, these labels were offered to customers free of charge. One “Do Not Open” sticker is included. $ 75.
1873 Circular regarding Cipher Books. This circular was issued by Superintendent John J. Valentine to end the practice of agents wiring money by telegraph without the use of an official cipher, or code book. Therefore, the circular announces that a Wells Fargo & Co. Express cipher book had been issued, a property item that has not yet surfaced among Wells Fargo collectors. $ 200.
1914 Single-Face Call-Card Enamel Sign. Listed as #20 in the company's 1914 Sign List, this sign hung flat against a wall, and was “for depots where No. 18 cannot be used.” An extremely rare sign, since most “Call-Card Design” enamel signs are Double-Faced. White paint (easily removed) covers a few “dings,” one of which is large, but none of which mar the beauty of the diamond logo. These signs are listed in the book, “Company Property …”, on pages 128-131. This sign, measuring 21” x 21”, probably hung on the north side of a depot for years, because no fading or sun damage is visible at all. The colors are crisp and beautiful! $ 1200.
Reverse. This sign probably hung on the north side of a depot for years, because no fading or sun damage is visible at all. The colors are crisp and beautiful.
Rules and Instructions for Wagonmen. This 57-page soft-cover book of instructions was a separate printing from the complete 1914 Book of Instructions, which was considered too cumbersome for daily use by wagonmen. “Wagonmen” is synonymous with “messengers,” as distinct from Drivers and Helpers. Rules are stated for all manner of conducting the company’s business, including general conduct, use of Cap Badges, wax and lead Seals, Franks, care of Horses, accepting and delivery of Money, and the care of Firearms. Reading this booklet from cover to cover gives one the basic knowledge of how the express business was transacted. This is the only one that has surfaced.
SOLD
1873 Annual Frank. Pictured on page 67 of “Company Property … ,” this frank was not issued, but is the earliest one that has surfaced, and the only one that addresses “Agents or Messengers.” A superb example of a very early frank.
SOLD
1879 Annual Frank. Pictured on page 68 of “Company Property … ,” A excellent example of an early issued frank. $ 200.
1888 Annual Frank. An early issued frank in excellent condition. $ 150.
1889 Annual Frank. An early issued frank, colorful and ready for mounting and framing. $ 150.
1890 Annual Frank. Pictured on page 69 of “Company Property … ,” this frank is colorful, and would look great mounted and framed on the wall. A fine example of an early frank. $ 200.
1865 Stereograph. This Lawrence & Houseworth stereograph was taken in front of the company office in Virginia City, Nevada. This same photograph appears in the Harlow, Beebe, and Time-Life books, as well as on Loomis’ dust jacket. This one is shown in "Company Property . . ." on page 150.
$2,000.
1884 Book of Instructions. These hardbound books were issued to Agents and Messengers and detailed how the express business was to be conducted. From the earliest days of the company to the very last, very little need was found to change these rules. This one is shown in “Company Property …” on page 32. Well-used, but in extra fine condition.
SOLD
Wagon Photograph, c1915. Two Wells Fargo drivers atop their “5 th Wheel” Double Wagon pause near midday for a photograph. The beautiful white American Draft horses are perfectly matched, following a well-known company directive and tradition. The fifth wheel underneath the driver allowed for a much smaller turning radius. This photograph is shown on page 141 in “Company Property …” The 5” x 7” photograph is mounted in its original 8” x 10” matt. $1,200.
Vegetable Crate Label. These labels were used by Wells Fargo & Co. of Arizona, a subsidiary of the main company that was NOT consolidated into the American Railway Express Company in 1918. Probably used in the 1940’s. Very rare -- only one known to exist. Note the adaptation of the Call Card logo. This label is in mint condition, and it deserves to be professionally mounted, framed, and added to an exquisite Wells Fargo collection. This one is shown in "Company Property . . ." on page 149. $ 1,000.
1894 Personal Property Book. Contains prolific cost and descriptive entries of all manner of office, stable, personal, and miscellaneous company property purchased by the Wells Fargo & Co’s Express agent at Ardmore, I. T. between 1894 and 1918. This book inspired the publication of “Company Property …,” and its entries were used almost verbatim. Only one known to exist. It is shown in "Company Property . . ." on page 36.
SOLD
1908 Official Conference Minutes. A soft bound book of studies and discussions that upper management, Route Agents, and Superintendents of Supply Departments held on standardizing property and procedures, such as handling money packages, procuring firearms and shot guns. Twelve committees were established, and the discussions give a clear picture of how the express business was being transacted. This book is 117 pages in near-mint condition. This copy belonged to one Louie W. Fisher, who signed it on the cover. $ 400. Another unsigned copy is available, same near-mint condition, for $ 400.
1916 Official Directory. One of the last issued, this book lists thousands of office locations, and is an excellent reference in determining if an office seal existed for a particular location. Also lists hundreds of railroads and steamship lines serving the offices. A directory is a “must” for a serious Wells Fargo collector.
SOLD
1914 Official Directory. This book is pictured in “Company Property … “ on page 56. One of the last issued, this book lists thousands of office locations, and is an excellent reference in determining if an office seal existed for a particular location. Also lists hundreds of railroads and steamship lines serving the offices. A directory is a “must” for a serious Wells Fargo collector. Shows some wear. $ 500.
1870 Letter signed by Washburn. R. W. Washburn established the first Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco in 1852. He worked there well into his eighties. Any framed Washburn paper item is a great addition to a Wells Fargo collection. Very rare. It is shown in "Company Property . . ." on page 29.
$ 500.
$200
American Express Co. Ticket Folder, c1915. This handsome hard-cover folder contained the railroad and steamship tickets of one George D. Ricker. The express companies of old did not issue tickets in cheap paper folders like the airlines do today! Class act! Measures 4-1/2" x 6".
References to European, Egyptian(!), and Oriental American Express Co. offices are inside, along with a small pocket for the tickets. Excellent condition.
$50
Leather Bar-Dice Cup & Six Dice. These bar-dice were bought at a gun show about ten years ago in California or Nevada. The dice are in good shape, and measure slightly less than 3/8” on each side. The cup is heavy leather and appears to be old, but is not marked by the manufacturer. It measures 3" in diameter, by 3-1/2" high.
Five of the dice are identical, with spots for numbers one through six. However, the sixth die has spots for numbers one through three only, which would prevent a Crap-shooter from rolling a ten, eleven, or twelve. Perhaps this die is used in a special game of some kind.
$50
Express Poster Stamps. In 1914, Wells Fargo & Co. Express began “The Fargo Way” advertising campaign. As part of that promotion, these colorful “Poster Stamps” were given freely to all customers to promote business. The stamps were first introduced in the May, 1914 issue of their company magazine, the “Wells Fargo Messenger.” These beautiful stamps are frequently seen separately, but VERY SELDOM IN A FULL SHEET! One of the most colorful W. F. & Co. Express items – begs to be matted and framed! The sheet measures 5-1/2" x 6-1/2", and IS SIMILAR to the one shown in Company Property, on page 133. $100
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$400
Wells Fargo & Co. Express $300 Standing Reward Poster in Original Frame. This Form 543 poster was issued on December 1, 1912 in this original black wood frame with characteristic wood backing. The poster and frame are similar to the one pictured in Company Property, on page 107.
A "standing reward" of $300 was issued as far back as March 1, 1877, which was worth about $6,000 in today's dollars. Standing reward posters drastically reduced the need to print posters for each individual robbery. The frame measures about 18" x 14".
SOLD
Book banks were issued by almost all banks between 1910 and 1950 to encourage savings. The hole in the top of the bank is for bills. Made by Bankers Utilities Co. of San Francisco. This bank has NO key, but any locksmith worth his salt can make one for you. VERY FEW banks come with the ORIGINAL BOX! RARE!
$55
Railroad Dining Car China Documents In the 1970's, Stephen S. Sandknop was a Catholic priest and pastor of a college in Canton, Missouri. His passion was railroading, especially collecting dining car china. Known to collectors as “Father Steve,” he is the first known collector to begin a reference guide for railroad dining car china. He passed away in 1976.
Fr. Steve’s book, NOTHING COULD BE FINER, was neither dated nor copyrighted, but his reference to The Railroadiana Express dates this edition as late 1974 or early 1975. This was his first BOUND edition, and the first edition where his mimeographed hand drawings were replaced by actual photographs. A few pencil marks, and the binding is loose, but repairable.
“Nothing Could Be Finer” -- First Edition 74 pages, Soft Cover:
$100
Fr. Steve’s FIRST EFFORT at coding and naming 114 railroad china patterns was a series of hand drawings and descriptions. He mimeographed them on 27 loose-leaf pages of “RAILROAD DINING CAR CHINA PATTERNS.” He provided manufacturers’ codes, alongside brief discussions of the usage and colors of each pattern. The pages present the railroad patterns in no apparent order, and no “end” indicated.
Railroad Dining Car China Patterns, c1973. 27 Pages, Loose Leaf:
$40
Locks and Keys, Lamps and Lanterns, Depot dater dies and clocks, Keys & Sounders, Advertising Signs and Drumheads, Wax Sealers and Shotguns, were frequent treasures offered with prolific regularity. Scott's descriptions alone are a college-level course in the history of these great companies, and the ways in which these artifacts were used in the day-to-day businesses. Antiques of this quality are seldom EVER seen at shows or auctions!
The lists were printed in various colors, usually eight legal-size pages each, sometimes with letter-size attachments. Contents included typewritten descriptions, many hand drawings, prices, and bid results. These relics reside today in major collections and museums around the country.
"Railroad Dispatch" Lists, 1972 . Fourteen lists, 112 pages: $ 30.
"Railroad Dispatch" Lists, 1973-1974. Eight lists, 64 pages: $ 18.
"Railroad Dispatch" Lists, 1974. Twelve lists, 96 pages: $ 26.
"Railroad Dispatch" Lists, 1975. Eleven lists, 88 pages: $ 24.
"Railroad Dispatch" Lists, 1976. Twelve lists, 96 pages: $ 26.
"Railroad Dispatch" Lists, 1977. Nine lists, 72 pages: $ 20.
"Railroad Dispatch" Lists, 1978-1979. Thirteen lists, 104 pages: $ 28.
"Railroad Dispatch" Lists, 1980-1981. Ten lists, 80 pages: $ 22.
"Railroad Dispatch" Lists, 1982-1984. Nine lists, about 80 pages: $ 20.
Sounds of 1401. This 33 rpm recording contains sounds of the famous Southern Railway 4-6-2 locomotive 1401, which is on display at the U.S. National Museum in Washington D.C. This locomotive pulled the funeral train of President Franklin D. Roosevelt part of the way from Warm Springs, Georgia to Washington, D.C. in April, 1945. It is about seven inches in diameter. The recording also contains sounds of the Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy,” Pennsylvania Railroad 4-6-2, and New York Central 4-6-4 locomotives. $50.
Wells Fargo Rate Cutter, c1888. A small brass plate that was used to hold a stub tightly in place, while the MONEY ORDER was being “cut” (torn) from it. Rates were printed on the plate, hence the term “rate cutter.” This one is pictured in “Company Property . . .” on page 108. $200
Wells Fargo Rate Cutter II, c1888. A small brass plate that was used to hold a stub tightly in place, while the MONEY ORDER was being “cut” (torn) from it. Rates were printed on the plate, hence the term “rate cutter.” This one is not in the best condition, but it contains the barely-readable words “Payable Throughout The World” on the bottom, an unusual variation. $75.
Stereograph, W F & Co Ex office, Montgomery St., San Francisco, c1865. Looking south from Sacramento St., the Wells Fargo office is in the Parrott Building on the northwest corner at California St. No signage is visible. Two wagons and express packages are at the curb. An insurance company is across the street. Shirts are made to order next door, and ferry tickets are for sale in the foreground. The horse-drawn street car tracks run down the middle of the street. The Omni Hotel resides at this site, today. Very nice condition. No printing on the reverse side. $1,200.
W F & Co Ex Agency Appointment of O.C. Hacker, 1907. This letter appoints Hacker, the agent at Kent, Ohio, to the Warren, Ohio office. Two original photographs show Hacker at work later on in his Dayton, Ohio office in 1913. His story, and his photograph outside the Dayton office is pictured in “Company Property . . .” on page 22. The interior office photograph has not been published. The letter is pictured on page 23. $1,500.
“W F & Co EXPRESS” Coin Bag, c1900. Medium to heavy canvas. Excellent marking and overall condition. Two brown stains at lower left do not detract from the appearance. This would be a perfect addition to a display of a treasure box, shot gun, and call card. SIMILAR to the one shown in “Company Property . . .” on page 23. $2,000.
1950 Photo, Bataan Memorial Trainway, El Paso, Texas. The trainway was named in honor of prisoners-of-war who died in enemy camps during the Second World War, especially those who perished during the Bataan Death March. The first Southern Pacific Co. freight train stopped to accommodate railroad and engineering executives for this photo op. This photo is in near-mint condition, 8x10, and has been in the family for 58 years. No other copies known. $100.
Wells Fargo Office Labels (Red Stickers) & Yellow C. O. D. Labels. Prepaid and COD labels were mandated by the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1913, because some dishonest express agents were charging customers on both ends of a shipment. Some of these are those pictured in “Company Property . . .” on pages 80 and 81. $100 for all nine items.
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