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Pacific Union Express Co. Treasure Box *Territorial* NV - Virginia City,Storey County - c1860 - 2012

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Pacific Union Express Co. Treasure Box *Territorial* NV - Virginia City,Storey County - c1860 - 2012
Invoicing and lot pick up will NOT be available at the live auction.
Original Pacific Union Express Company Stage Coach Treasure Box. Dovetail oak construction with iron "knuckle breaker" handles on sides, steel hinged lid, steel banding and padlock shackle, marked "Stanley Works" with keyed padlock. It is believed the Stanley shackle is one of the first examples of Stanley's manufacturing work. The functional padlock is a folded sheet metal type, riveted, with round unmarked integrated shackle, unmarked spring-loaded key drop and key, pentagonal shape. The box measures 18" x 11" x 9". Its reddish color appears to be over previous colors of gray and yellow. There is a 1" x 6" slot cut in the lid for mail and documents. The lid is fitted, with a metal band around the perimeter of the inner box. The interior is natural pine color. There is a faint mark on the inside lid that appears to be the J.Y. Ayers logo, who was the only known maker of these treasure boxes. The short-lived Pacific Union Express Co. was a direct competitor to Well-Fargo & Co. and was eventually bought by Wells in 1869, in order to gain access to the lucrative Central Pacific Railroad. These boxes typically weighed 100 to 150 pounds, and were guarded by the "Shotgun Messengers" to prevent hold-ups by nefarious Highway Men. This box is in very good condition, extremely rare and unique. - Jacobitz Collection -59912