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LOT 3107
Very Scarce and Highly Desirable Early Wells Fargo & Co.
Express Hardwood “Treasure Box” by J.Y. Ayer of San
Francisco - Wells Fargo & Co. was started in 1852 by Henry
Wells and William G. Fargo to provide shipping and banking
services throughout the American West. Prior to the westward
expansion of railway networks, Wells Fargo began creating an
expansive network of overland transport, primarily utilizing
stagecoaches. While the Wells Fargo Express evolved into one
of the quickest and safest ways to travel and transport goods on
the Frontier, there was certainly no lack of danger and robberies.
Due to the risk along the stagecoach lines, Wells Fargo developed
strong boxes or “treasure boxes” like this example, which would
generally be locked and stored right under the seat of the stagecoach driver. All of these boxes for Wells Fargo
were manufactured by Joseph Y. Ayer in San Francisco, California, and his maker’s mark is stamped in black inside
the box. Boxes such as these generally housed the most valuable goods on a stagecoach and were thus built to withstand a lot of abuse. The box is
primarily made of pine, which is reinforced with oak edges and iron. The lid is fitted with a heavy iron hasp that could be secured with a lock, an example
of which is included that is marked for Wells Fargo & Co. and has the maker’s mark of J.H.W. Olimax of Newark, New Jersey, along with a key. The majority
of the box is finished in the typical dark forest green while the Wells Fargo & Co. marking is in white paint on the front. There are remnants of a leather
handle on one end of the box and a period iron plate and handle is attached to the other end. The box measures approximately 20 x 12 x 10 inches.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining about half of the original green paint and clear Wells Fargo & Co. markings on the front, with moderate wear overall,
some minor chipping at the corners, and some mild oxidation on the iron, all typical of an item that spent many years in use on the Frontier. The maker’s
mark inside is very clear, and the interior retains most of the paint. The lock is fine with some light pitting and mild wear. A fantastic piece that will be
absent from many of the most extensive collections of Frontier items!
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
LOT 3109
Grouping of Desirable Antique Money/Mail Transport
Bags, Many with Wells Fargo & Co. Express Markings -
Established in 1852, Wells Fargo & Co. was founded by Henry
Wells and William G. Fargo to provide shipping and banking
services to the rapidly expanding gold based economy of the
American Frontier. They quickly established themselves as
the main service for transporting gold, mining supplies, mail,
and any other materials needed for settling the West. Prior to
the completion and expansion of railway routes throughout
the Frontier, Wells Fargo & Co. Express stagecoaches and
riders were the fastest and safest form of transport for goods
throughout a West that was far from tamed. Bags such as
those included in this lot were pivotal in keeping transported
materials organized and secure throughout transit. Included:
1) A set of unmarked leather saddle
bags with a locking closure. 2) A set
of Main & Winchester of San Francisco
made canvas and leather saddle
bags stenciled with Wells Fargo & Co.
Express markings. 3) A U.S. Mail and
Wells Fargo & Co. marked canvas and
leather mail/money bag. 4) A leather
“WF & CO/S.F. CAL.” marked mail/
money bag. 5) A canvas and leather “WF&Co/Express” marked
mail/money bag. 6) A framed photograph of a
Wells Fargo & Co. strongbox.
CONDITION: The bags are good or better with some showing some moderate to heavy wear/age-related cracking
and some scattered staining. The framed photograph is very fine with minimal wear. Some great items for
enhancing the display of a Frontier firearms collection!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
LOT 3108
Scarce Wells Fargo Marked Smith & Wesson First Model Schofield
Revolver - Serial no. 1182, 45 Schofield cal., 5 1/8 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. A
total of 3,035 first models were manufactured in 1875, the majority were blued, but a few, such
as this example, were nickel plated. This revolver was one of a number that was purchased when
the Schofields were removed from service and had
their barrels shortened to 5 inches by Schuyler,
Hartley & Graham before being sold to Wells
Fargo. It has the standard two-line address/patent
dates on the left side of the ejector housing and
Schofield’s patent information on the right. “W. F. &
CO. EX. 1182” is stamped over the Schofield patent
on the right side. The underside of the right grip panel is
stamped “2717”. Round blade front and notch rear sights
and a casehardened hammer.
CONDITION: Very good as dealer/Wells Fargo
refurbished. 30% of the period retailer applied nickel
plating remains with a gray patina on the balance, some
minor spotting, and a few patches of minor pitting most of the markings aside
from the Schofield patent being crisp. The hammer retains traces of the faded
case colors. The revarnished grips are fair with a number of strike marks and
scratches on the left panel and some lighter wear on the right. Mechanically
excellent. Overall a solid example of a very desirable Wells Fargo S&W Schofield
that almost certainly saw some adventurous times in the Old West.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500 71