**First Time At Auction**

North America, United States, ca. 1880s to 1940s CE. An antique Wells Fargo & Co Express sign made from heavy cardboard with a metal frame, and a collection of printed paper copies of "Wanted" and "Reward" posters. Please note that these posters are not original to the 1800s but used the original engraving plates. According to the previous owner, an engraver in the 1930s or 1940s made these wanted posters using preexisting printing plates that dated to the late 1800s. The original metal printing plates were melted down for the WWII war effort and these paper copies were made by a quick-thinking worker before they were destroyed. Despite being printed in the 20th century; these posters are considered historically significant since they preserve otherwise lost documents. Size of metal sign: 13.75" L x 13.75" W (34.9 cm x 34.9 cm); largest paper: 14" L x 10" W (35.6 cm x 25.4 cm)

Founded in 1852 during the California Gold Rush, Wells Fargo started as a banking and express company, providing services such as freight, mail, and banking to pioneers and miners - their express freight and shipping services came to an end during World War I (1914-1918). Wells Fargo's iconic stagecoaches became synonymous with its commitment to secure and swift transportation of goods and valuables - and they also became a target for robbers during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Provenance: private Cripple Creek, Colorado, USA collection

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#184455

Foxing and staining to paper as expected with age. Small tears to the peripheries. Abrasions and losses to surface layers wood sign as expected with age and exposure to elements.