RARE EARLY WOODEN SIGN FOR THE “OSO” HOUSE A FAMOUS WELLS FARGO COMPANY STAGECOACH STOP DURING THE GOLD RUSH.

RARE EARLY WOODEN SIGN FOR THE “OSO” HOUSE A FAMOUS WELLS FARGO COMPANY STAGECOACH STOP DURING THE GOLD RUSH. This is a great old piece of 19th century western Americana. This sign is one of the wooden signs that originally hung on the “Oso” House which was built in 1851. The sign is a one-piece pine board which originally had an attached molded trim around all four sides. Now only the bottom molding pieces survives. The molding was applied with early, square iron nails. The original lettering “Oso House” is still intact but much worn with age (as it should be). During the gold rush period, the “Oso” House was located in Mariposa, California. It was a noted early California stopping place and had a Wells Fargo station office. Over the years, many famous 19th century figures stayed at the “Oso” House when passing through or visiting the region. One of the more notable figures was General John C. Fremont who lived at the hotel at the time he supervised and managed the Mariposa Grant of 44,000 acres. In December of 1937, the house burned down. This lot is accompanied by a copy of a period image (circa 1854) of the “Oso” House. Note the “Oso” House sign, top center, and just at the base of the 2nd floor there is a large Wells Fargo sign also. The people on the early Wells Fargo coach include General Fremont in 1854. Prior to 1935, this sign was in the W. Parker Lyons Pony Express Museum and is pictured in the Pony Express book. Also included with this lot is a copy of a note regarding this sign which states, “My dear Mr. Lyon, I wish to present you with my compliments, this photograph showing the “Oso” House at Bear Valley, Mariposa County, California which was built in 1851. On the driver’s seat, sitting in the center is General John C. Fremont. Signed, J. J. Trabucco”. Trabucco was a judge in the Mariposa area at one time. SIZE: Approximately 9’10” long x 1’2-1/2″ high. CONDITION: As noted, the molding trim is missing on three sides. There is a small amount of deterioration on each end. The front side of the sign, which was exposed to the elements, has a wonderful, old, very worn patina and still retains traces of the original paint on the lettering. The reverse of the sign, originally was painted with a blue/gray paint which is still strong and intact as it was protected from the elements. This is a wonderful piece of western Americana with the Wells Fargo connection. 4-45604 (19,500-24,500)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2209B	$0.00	RARE EARLY WOODEN SIGN FOR THE “OSO” HOUSE A FAMOUS WELLS FARGO COMPANY STAGECOACH STOP DURING THE GOLD RUSH. This is a great old piece of 19th century western Americana. This sign is one of the wooden signs that originally hung on the “Oso” House which was built in 1851. The sign is a one-piece pine board which originally had an attached molded trim around all four sides. Now only the bottom molding pieces survives. The molding was applied with early, square iron nails. The original lettering “Oso House” is still intact but much worn with age (as it should be). During the gold rush period, the “Oso” House was located in Mariposa, California. It was a noted early California stopping place and had a Wells Fargo station office. Over the years, many famous 19th century figures stayed at the “Oso” House when passing through or visiting the region. One of the more notable figures was General John C. Fremont who lived at the hotel at the time he supervised and managed the Mariposa Grant of 44,000 acres. In December of 1937, the house burned down. This lot is accompanied by a copy of a period image (circa 1854) of the “Oso” House. Note the “Oso” House sign, top center, and just at the base of the 2nd floor there is a large Wells Fargo sign also. The people on the early Wells Fargo coach include General Fremont in 1854. Prior to 1935, this sign was in the W. Parker Lyons Pony Express Museum and is pictured in the Pony Express book. Also included with this lot is a copy of a note regarding this sign which states, “My dear Mr. Lyon, I wish to present you with my compliments, this photograph showing the “Oso” House at Bear Valley, Mariposa County, California which was built in 1851. On the driver’s seat, sitting in the center is General John C. Fremont. Signed, J. J. Trabucco”. Trabucco was a judge in the Mariposa area at one time. SIZE: Approximately 9’10” long x 1’2-1/2″ high. CONDITION: As noted, the molding trim is missing on three sides. There is a small amount of deterioration on each end. The front side of the sign, which was exposed to the elements, has a wonderful, old, very worn patina and still retains traces of the original paint on the lettering. The reverse of the sign, originally was painted with a blue/gray paint which is still strong and intact as it was protected from the elements. This is a wonderful piece of western Americana with the Wells Fargo connection. 4-45604 (19,500-24,500) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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