Original orange shipping label for “Wells, Fargo & Co’s Express, from So. Pacific Rte.,” 4.5 x 3, featuring a central illustration of a steam locomotive pulling train cars, one of which is marked “Wells Fargo & Co. Express.” In very fine condition.
Issued circa 1870s–1890s, during the period when Wells Fargo operated as the leading express transportation company in the American West. Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo initially carried gold, currency, mail, and parcels via stagecoach before transitioning to rail service as western railroads expanded. Rather than operating its own trains, the company contracted with major lines—most notably the Southern Pacific Railroad—placing its own secure express cars aboard trains. Labels like this were affixed to shipments to indicate routing via a specific rail line.
The Western Americana auction of Jochen Zeitz.
