As our Summer 2025 auction approaches, we are excited to highlight two postal history covers that offer a direct connection to the story of the Pony Express. One is a newly discovered manuscript free frank from R. B. Bradford, addressed to William B. Waddell, co-owner of the Pony Express. The other is the only recorded “Free” usage of the Wells, Fargo & Co. Type I Pony Express printed frank, a remarkable rarity that has not been publicly offered in over 55 years.
R.B. Bradford Free Frank Addressed to William B. Waddell, Co-Owner of the Pony Express
This cover features a manuscript “Free R.B.B.” at upper left, signed by R. B. Bradford. Postage was not required as Bradford was the company agent in Denver City for Jones & Russell. It is addressed to William Bradford Waddell, one of the three founders of the Pony Express, at Lexington, Missouri. The letter was mailed on an uncanceled 3c Red Nesbitt entire (U10), with the indicia cut out and replaced. This cover is only the fourth recorded example of a Bradford Free Frank, with just three others previously reported.
Only Known “Free” Use of Wells Fargo Type I Pony Express Frank
This Wells, Fargo & Co. Eastern Transcontinental Pony Express Frank, Type I (WFE-097) design was used for only a short period of time between April and June 1861 to prepay the $2 per half ounce Pony Express rate from St. Joseph to Placerville. Printed on white, non-government envelope stock, this design is distinguished by a comma after “Placerville”, a subtle detail that separates it from the more common Type II frank. This usage is the only known “Free” frank of the Type I design, and one of just four recorded examples of the frank in any form.
At upper left is a manuscript notation: “¼ oz free”, indicating that the cover was carried without charge as internal company mail, as it is addressed to N. H. Stockwell, a director of Wells Fargo from 1858 to 1867.
This item was last offered over 55 years ago, as part of the Henry H. Clifford Collection of Western Express Franks in 1969.
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