Original Wells Fargo cast iron Wells Fargo (W F & Co EX) name plate from a four-wheel Platform Baggage Cart. . Made from cast iron this was acquired from the estate of a Wells Fargo collector. He had acquired most of these items in the 1950's/60's. This name plate is from the early 1900s.

Marked: W F & Co EX

During the late 1800’s, as railroads sprouted up across the United States, their speed and efficiency gradually spelled the demise of the stage coach, the treasure box, and the “highwayman.” Acceptance of railroads by the public as the “go to” form of transportation also spelled huge increases in the need for carts to transport baggage and express shipments from the stations to the waiting trains.

Whitman Agricultural Co., of St. Louis, Missouri “stepped up to the plate” and provided these carts for railroads and express companies. Wells, Fargo & Co. Express ordered hundreds of these four-wheel “Platform Baggage Carts” from Whitman. The year of the first order has not been discovered.

Two cast-iron plates were attached on each cart -- one bearing the company’s initials and one advertising Whitman’s company name and location.

Platform Baggage Cart Name Plates, c1900

Also called “Four-wheel Trucks,” baggage carts were widely used by all express companies and railroads. Wells Fargo & Co. Express used the carts until the consolidation of the company into the American Railway Express in 1918.

A great addition to your Wells Fargo or western collection. This would make a great unique gift for a birthday or house warming gift.

MEASUREMENTS

Antique Wells Fargo sign measures 13.5" long by 3" wide by 0.35" deep and weighs 2lb 5oz.

CONDITION

In great condition with signs of use commensurate with age (please see all pictures as they form part of the condition description).

Shop Ref: Box No.29

Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions about this item.