Wells Fargo & Co. was started in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo to provide shipping and banking services throughout the American West. Prior to the westward expansion of railway networks, Wells Fargo began creating an expansive network of overland transport, primarily utilizing stagecoaches. While the Wells Fargo Express evolved into one of the quickest and safest ways to travel and transport goods on the Frontier, there was certainly no lack of danger and robberies. Due to the risk along the stagecoach lines, Wells Fargo developed strong boxes or "treasure boxes" like this example, which would generally be locked and stored right under the seat of the stagecoach driver. All of these boxes for Wells Fargo were manufactured by Joseph Y. Ayer in San Francisco, California, and his maker's mark is stamped in black inside the box. Boxes such as these generally housed the most valuable goods on a stagecoach and were thus built to withstand a lot of abuse. The box is primarily made of pine, which is reinforced with oak edges and iron. The lid is fitted with a heavy iron hasp that could be secured with a lock, an example of which is included that is marked for Wells Fargo & Co. and has the maker's mark of J.H.W. Olimax of Newark, New Jersey, along with a key. The majority of the box is finished in the typical dark forest green while the Wells Fargo & Co. marking is in white paint on the front. There are remnants of a leather handle on one end of the box and a period iron plate and handle is attached to the other end. The box measures approximately 20 x 12 x 10 inches.

Very good, retaining about half of the original green paint and clear Wells Fargo & Co. markings on the front, with moderate wear overall, some minor chipping at the corners, and some mild oxidation on the iron, all typical of an item that spent many years in use on the Frontier. The maker's mark inside is very clear, and the interior retains most of the paint. The lock is fine with some light pitting and mild wear. A fantastic piece that will be absent from many of the most extensive collections of Frontier items!