Auction # 72 - Gems of Philately

Dodge & Co.'s Express (Forwarded by). Red oval handstamp (Thomas DOD-300) on cover to Saint Louis, Mo., with manuscript "Paid, to N.O." (New Orleans) endorsement at upper right, given to a contract steamer from New Orleans for New York where it entered the mails with red "New - York, 10cts., Apr 20" cds, Very Fine, the only west to east coast usage of the Dodge & Co. forwarder handstamp.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

ONE OF FOUR EXAMPLES OF THE RARE DODGE & CO.'S EXPRESS FORWARDER HANDSTAMP.

Dodge and Co. formed in 1850 to handle gold dust and mail between San Francisco and the East. In 1851 they extended their line to Portland, Oregon however there are no known usages going in or out of Oregon. By summer 1851 their advertisements disappeared. Advertisement from Daily Alta California March 7, 1851 indicates probable service to New Orleans.