5097
Wells Fargo, Pacific Union Express Race, 1868-9, Oil Painting, 1876 [203979]
Currency:USD
Category:Collectibles / Mining
Start Price:750.00 USD
Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
SOLD
1,000.00USDto f*****E+ applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2025 Nov 04 @ 10:02UTC-08:00 : PST/AKDT
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A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
FINAL AUCTION RECORD The Auctioneer’s podium notes serve as the final, legally binding record of the auction results, superseding any electronic bidding records. See Terms and Conditions
This unusual oil painting arrived in a Reno antique shop in the 1980s and was immediately captured by an advanced collector of Wells Fargo. The oil painting on canvas, dated 1876 is by B. V. Davies. It was apparently presented to Dan Dequille, writer for the Territorial Enterprise, and very close friend of Sam Clemens. Dequille, as editor and reporter, took place as a (willing) participant in one of the classic races between Express companies in and out of Virginia City. This painting is a representation of that short-lived competitive series that attracted so much attention at the time.
At the top right: "Hold Fast/ to your hat/ Dan / Bennett and Dequille making fast (illegible). Along the bottom edge is: "Opposition between Wells Fargo & Co. and the Pacific Express line from Reno through to Virginia City. 1 hour 5 minutes, distance 21 miles." 10.5 x 8.25", ink on canvas. Cracked, discolored from nicotine smoke. In need of restoration.
The scene depicts a two-horse drawn wagon with two at the front seat racing along a curved road, the horses appearing to be veered off the road into a canyon. At left is what appears to be an express wagon full of boxes overturned at the road's edge, the horse falling down the ravine, and the driver potentially dead at the bottom. The scene is easily reminiscent of the original Geiger grade , completed about 1862-1863.
William P. Bennett was in charge of the horses for the Virginia City Wells, Fargo & Co.'s office. In June, 1868, the Pacific Union express announced its intention to compete head-on with Wells Fargo for the Sacramento to Virginia City express route, even though WF had the contract for the mails. It was commonplace for express companies to have informal races. "From time to time, particularly in Nevada, ... the competition erupted into out and out racing between the two companies ... Much of the time the races would be between riders on horseback, but often one or the other company would use a horse drawn buggy or a buckboard." (Jackson, W.T.; Racing from Reno to Virginia City by Wells Fargo and Pacific Union Express", NHS Quarterly, Summer, 1977, p76) The first race between the two companies was in June, 1868. Bennett, the Wells, Fargo & Co. horseman, had been the promoter of sorts, talking up how well his horses were kept, and what great condition they were in. The race was on, and Bennett followed the two competitors five minutes after they left the start in Reno. He was driving a "light buckboard rig known as the Wells Fargo Lightning Express."
The racing drew huge crowds, not only in VC at the finish, but along the way. Bennet became convinced he could beat both teams. The competition, and several succeeding races through December, 1869 were highly public iced in local press and by Alf Doten, editor of the Golf Hill News. While much politics was bandied about during the year and a half of competitions, Pacific Express ceased doing business In December, 1869.
A year and a half later, Bennett purchased the Opposition Stage Line, purchased from W.M. Mooney in July, 1871. Bennett had driven a "coach (stage) and six (horses) at full speed ... (from) Virginia City to Sacramento, 151 miles in 12 hours and 23 minutes." (Territorial Enterprise, 123/15/1876) For his task, he was given an engraved silver piece bearing those words. He gave that item, and a "picture ... made with a pen..." which may or may not refer to this specific piece, to the Pacific Coast Pioneer Society in Virginia City in December, 1876.
The Jackson article never mentions the specific 1 hour five minute trip, but does mention Bennett making it once in 59 minutes, though the competition docked him a minute for getting on his horse.
Bennett meanwhile, remains a bit of a mystery before and after his Virginia City foray. Another man of the same name and birth year was a miner in Siskiyou country, and later died there a wealthy man. No mention was made in his obituary about the 4 years in Virginia City.
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Date:
Country (if not USA):
State: Nevada
City: Virginia City
Provenance:
Auction Location:
3555 Airway Drive Suite 308, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview:
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Nevada State Sales Tax
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| NSST |
8.375% |
Nevada Sales Tax |
| CSST |
8% |
California Sales Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
25% |
Additional Fees:
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From: to: Increment:
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