Established in 1852, Wells Fargo & Co. was founded by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo to provide shipping and banking services to the rapidly expanding gold based economy of the American Frontier. They quickly established themselves as the main service for transporting gold, mining supplies, mail, and any other materials needed for settling the West. Prior to the completion and expansion of railway routes throughout the Frontier, Wells Fargo & Co. Express stagecoaches and riders were the fastest and safest form of transport for goods throughout a West that was far from tamed. Bags such as those included in this lot were pivotal in keeping transported materials organized and secure throughout transit. Included: 1) A set of unmarked leather saddle bags with a locking closure. 2) A set of Main & Winchester of San Fransisco made canvas and leather saddle bags stenciled with Wells Fargo & Co. Express markings. 3) A U.S. Mail and Wells Fargo & Co. marked canvas and leather mail/money bag. 4) A leather "WF & CO/S.F. CAL." marked mail/money bag. 5) A canvas and leather "WF&Co/Express" marked mail/money bag.

The bags are good or better with some showing some moderate to heavy wear/age-related cracking and some scattered staining. The framed photograph is very fine with minimal wear. Some great items for enhancing the display of a Frontier firearms collection!