American Express Proof Courtesy Pass Circa 1880 Signé James collection C. Fargo Président

Circa 1880s James C. Fargo Signed Proof for an American Express Logo Using a Complimentary Free Shipping Pass Card

A unique artist proof or sketch of anew American Express logoshowing a red, white and blue shield in the center of a pass that allowed its holders complimentary shipping for one year over the lines (probably between states in the US) for their personal packages. American Express Archives has an extensive collections of similar items but not this one. The card proof is 2.5 x 4 inches in size.

Signed in ink by James C Fargo when he was President of American Express. Presumable Fargo was approving the design as it appeared on the artist proof. This is a unique and very scarce charge free pass card proof that is may be the only one that exists.The card was taken from a scrap book of some sort as there are paper adhesions on the backside that could be removed professionally if desired. James Fargo and his brother William were the originators of Wells Fargo & Co. express transport and banking company in the early 1850s due to the California gold rush. It was also part of the western portion of the Pony Express. Wells Fargo Bank was intended to provide a way for customers to make payments to the American Express company. They became independent in 1905. Signed Fargo documents range in price from about $800 to over $1000 - most examples are Fargo's signature on American Express stock certificates as President of American Express.This spectacular item has lots of graphic appeal. A unique opportunity for the collector of American ExpressWells Fargo paper items.