Unusual From Mexico

I think this came off of an envelope. I cannot find it in the Scott catalog and the back of the paper is bluish. The design appears to be from Scott #283. What I can read from the postmark is

SS WELLS FARGO
MAY 1897
MEX

Thought it was cool and maybe someone would know something about it.

Well I can say for sure that it's not from the U.S. ....................................

There are a number of versions of this type of postmark. I have seen them used on covers that have both Mexican and US stamps (on the same cover), I believe for mail sent from Mexico to the US. See some history below. If you do a power search on Siegel Auctions (search on Express Wells), you can see some examples.


Wells Fargo established a Mexican subsidiary in 1860, Wells Fargo y Compañía Express, S.A. (Sociedad Mexicana). Offices were opened in grocery and department stores, hotels, drug stores and real estate offices. By the turn of the century, the Compañía had over 300 offices, and fully ninety-eight percent of employees were Mexican.

Wells Fargo's business in Mexico grew with the expansion of railroads in the last half of the century. Wells Fargo provided rapid delivery and was the only U.S. express company offering direct service. Wells Fargo printed special envelopes to carry personal and financial documents between Mexico and North America.

Thanks for all the information. All new to me and I think you are right that it is one of their own Wells Fargo envelopes. Thanks all!!

Very cool cancel.