American Express, cut out printed frank, cancelled in pen and affixed overtop of Pacific Express pony & rider printed frank on 3c red postal stationery cover, label affixed partially overtop straight-line "Watsonville" handstamp in red, to San Francisco, Express label stained likely due to adhesive from application to envelope, a rare entire and lovely usage of this elaborately-illustrated frank; ex Edwards (Christie's Robson Lowe, New York, October 29, 1911, lot 1049)
The Pacific Express Company was formed in the aftermath of the failure of Adams & Co, and carried on business until early 1857. Interestingly, the American Express Company was formed in March, 1857, to serve Oregon and California. M.C. Nathan cites an early promotional card issued by the company, noting their offices at 124 Montgomery Street, the office of Freeman & Co's Express.