Lot
23 
Wells, Fargo & Co., Express, Pioneer City, I.T., choice strike of blue oval handstamp on reverse of 3¢ pink entire to Boston, Mass., canceled by blue "Wells, Fargo & Cos Express, S. Frco., Jan 4" cds with second strike below, black company frank a top and red "Boston, Mass., Jan 30" receiving cds; reduced at left, Very Fine, an extremely rare Wells, Fargo & Co. Express handstamp from Pioneer City, I.T.Estimate $500 - 750.
Pioneer City (first called Hog'em) and Idaho City (first called Bannock City or West Bannock) were started in October 1862, after enlarged and well-supplied parties returned from Walla Walla. Reports that some placer claims were yielding as much as $200 per day per man reached Lewiston, Walla Walla, and Portland, leading to a mad rush to Boise Basin, even though the country was remote, trails virtually undeveloped, and roads for wheeled vehicles non-existent.
Current Opening Bid: $250