Lot
996 
Dodge & Co.'s California Express, green on white shield label, affixed and tied by light file fold crease on blue folded letter datelined "New York, June 28/1851" to San Francisco Cal., faded red "Collect" handstamp and ms. "25¢" rating at top right, carried by USMSC Crescent City from New York to Chagres, by canoe and mule across Isthmus to Panama City, then by Constitution to San Francisco arriving Aug. 9th, a Very Fine westbound express use. Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED DODGE & CO. SHIELD LABEL USES, THIS BEING THE ONLY GREEN EXAMPLE.
Dodge & Co. began transcontinental service in late 1850 and were in business for about nine months. Labels are embossed on white paper known recorded in blue and green. No significance to color of the label has been found.
Realized: $1,700