Auction # 72 - Gems of Philately

A.J. Oliver & Co.'s Bannock and Salt Lake City Express (Thomas BAN-101). Sharp bold strike on light yellow Stuart correspondence cover bearing 3¢ rose (65), trivial light corner crease, tied by four-ring target, matching "West Liberty Ioa. Dec 5" cds to Virginia City, Idaho Territory, endorsed "via Salt Lake City", Very Fine and choice, with 2016 P.F. certificate.
Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.

ONE OF THE FINEST STRIKES OF THE A.J. OLIVER & CO'S BANNOCK AND SALT LAKE CITY EXPRESS OVAL HANDSTAMP ON COVER, AN OUTSTANDING USAGE IN THIS QUALITY.

In 1862, from a base in Bannack City, Montana Territory, partners A.J. Oliver, E.A. Conover and Ed House began running tri-weekly stage and mail services between Salt Lake City, Utah Territory and Bannack City, and Virginia City, Montana Territory. From Virginia City this service extended into the mining areas around Helena and Mountain City, Montana Territory. In 1864, they changed their center of operation to Virginia City. The partnership operated under a variety of names. Due to cutthroat business pressures the partners were forces to sell the operation to Ben Holladay's Overland Express in 1867.

The example offered here, not recorded by Oscar, is one of three covers addressed to Stuart (Stewart) at Bannack City or Virginia City I.T. The three are the only examples recorded cancelled solely by BAM-101.