Lot
517 
(A.J. Oliver & Co's) Bannack City Express, tombstone handstamp boldly struck on orange 1863 cover from Bannack City, Idaho Terr. to Durand Ill. with manuscript "Brigham UT." postmark at left and matching "X" cancels 3¢ rose (65), slightly rubbed, original four-page letter datelined "Bannack City Idaho Territory May 23/63"; cover flaws and reduced at left into postmark, Fine and choice strike of the Bannack City Express handstamp, ex-Risvold. Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
ONE OF ABOUT SEVEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE BANNACK CITY EXPRESS HANDSTAMP.
Mormon pioneer William Davis first explored the Brigham City area in 1850. He returned with his family and others a year later to create permanent homes. Brigham Young directed Lorenzo Snow to lead additional settlers to the site and foster a self-sufficient city at the site in 1853. Snow directed both religious and political affairs in the settlement, eventually naming it Box Elder in 1855. When the town was incorporated on January 12, 1867, the name was changed to Brigham City in honor of Brigham Young.
Oliver & Co. operated as a stage line and express company from 1862 until 1866 in the part of the original Idaho Territory that became Montana Territory in 1864. Oliver's Bannack Express ran overland from Bannack City (aka East Bannack) through unsettled Indian country to Utah Territory. Oliver's intent was to provide a direct connection to the Central Overland Route for letters going to and from the eastern states. The need for Oliver's service to Utah diminished when a mail contract between Salt Lake City and Bannack City was awarded in 1863.
Realized: $4,250