19th CENTURY EXPRESS MAIL RAILWAY POSTAL BAG

Made of Canvas with studded leather bottom, heavy leather handles, and a belted leather closure on top, this bag measures approximately 24" x 16" and has 5 roller buckles securing the top, and a "D" ring for locking the bag shut. Marked on the front "G.P.H. Co. 14" GPH Co. was evidently a contract mail carrier for the US Postal Service, similar to Wells Fargo and other private companies who delivered mail west of the Mississippi in the 19th Century. These were carried by rail or by coach and used to deliver mail to remote Western cities and towns. Light wear at the handle, and age and use wear. The bag retains its frontier patina and shows honest signs of wear and use. Excellent